Board 8 > The Life and Times of 'Sir' Chris.

(+) Yeah! (+)

I won't keep the impetus for this post a secret: My fianc of two years (and only not married due to wanting to wait for COVID restrictions to fully lift, oops) and I recently called things off. I won't go into all of the details because they are terribly personal, but the biggest issue is that she went through a lot of therapy and soul searching and realized that instead of bisexual, she was gay. She had been fighting this for a long time and recently had been overzealous in trying to make it work. She just... couldn't do it any more.

She has made it clear that her son, not mine biologically but an almost four-year old who calls me 'dad', is a package deal with her. She is ready to move on and leave the past behind her and for reasons I don't care to disclose I understand why she is ready for a fresh start. I wish her well, she was very good to me.

Man, it feels like a very long time since I made a really serious post on here. Was it when my mom passed away? Seven years ago tomorrow, that day is. Maybe I have made one since then, I am not sure. Every time I visit this place I still smile even after all of these years. After all of the fights. After all of the pain and depression I just shoved into here and yet for the most part the board loved me back. Even when I was a giant, horrible dick to people who really did not deserve it. It loved me back. It provided me laughter, a place to grieve, a place to dream of a better me and a better tomorrow. It's where I let everyone know when I had sex for the first time. When I fell in love for the first time. When I was a dad for the first time.

You guys, collectively, have always been in my heart because you took a downright broken teenaged boy and you gave him a place to call home. Some of you have never spoken to me. Some of you wish you never had. But collectively, 'Board 8' has been a home for me longer than any place in the real world to this day. I appreciate that.

For the first time in my life... I get a fresh start now. I am going to terribly miss what I had before, but I can safely say my last partner left me better than when she found me. She taught me a lot about loving myself. About being good to myself. Me three years ago would have had so much more anger about all of this. So let's talk about some great things in my life.

I recently found my faith in God again, through a woman named Grace. Just a random person I started to chat with one evening to pass the time and the more we talked the more my faith stirred. Don't worry, no rebound there or anything she's just a kind woman who while I was with her it kind of clicked about several things in my life. FD will be pleased I believe. God's Grace, FD. Get it? How perfect.

Two, I have my own business with 100% ownership now so that's cool I suppose. To anyone who reads this and may be sweating some bullets don't worry, your investment is safe and sound she didn't steal all my cards or anything. Any of them, actually, although we ran the business together she let me just keep most everything after a small buyout fee. I love my business though, and it gives me the freedom to live anywhere I want and keep a very relaxed schedule and still live comfortably and plan my future. That's a really great feeling. I don't think 16 year old Chris in 2003 could ever even dream of what financial security looks like.

I am going back to school for Psychology. I actually want to put my writing talents to use writing a book about that subject, and my life. I feel I need a proper education in the field to have any sort of authority though but even before dark humor invaded my mind I always thought it would be a very cool concept to write a book about the human mind because I think I've got some neat insight on that. Should be a fun trip.

This place held me together through more shit than I can think of, honestly. There were some nights where I was so close to being someone who was a cautionary tale. But I survived. Sometimes it felt like barely, but I survived.

I don't have a lot of family anymore. Less that I speak with. You lot are more my family than anyone left alive who shares my blood in my estimate, at any rate. The stupid ones, the crazy ones, you're still like family to me. Even when you annoy the shit out of me. I am in pain but at the same time there is a peace that I can't say I expected. I don't have any obligations to anyone at all except to myself and to God for the first time in my life and it feels... really good. A new page in the book of my life.

I just rambled here, probably should have done a summary or something. I move into my new place July 1st, still living with the Ex until then. I suppose I will see if I am still good at that whole bachelor life.

Ask me anything, I suppose.

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I don't know where your new place is, but I know you're close enough right now to Atlanta that if you ever want to hop into the city and grab a beer, you can PM me. I know we've never been super close but I promise I'm really good at distracting you from life for a night.

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Never been a huge fan of beer but perhaps I will take you up on that offer just to say I did something like that once. If I can ever forgive you for Day 1 of Board 8 Mafia Mafia that is. Also my new place is in the same city as the old one, I am going to West Georgia (Go Wolves lol)

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DoomTheGyarados posted...

Never been a huge fan of beer but perhaps I will take you up on that offer just to say I did something like that once. If I can ever forgive you for Day 1 of Board 8 Mafia Mafia that is. Also my new place is in the same city as the old one, I am going to West Georgia (Go Wolves lol)

I'm getting old and have no recollection of that game so I'm just going to assume I nailed you as scum and won the game singlehandedly.

If you just want a good meal we can do that too! Or play some pool or whatever.

I'm always around

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That does sound nice. I'll let you know, probably sometime in July once I settle in to things.

Board 8 Mafia Mafia (may have been version 2) was where you were town, somehow got lynched as bomb even though me as town nailed most of the scum team, and I think you blew up town instead of FFD obvious scum. We won in the end though so it was okay.

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My spouse and I have talked about this same conundrum where if I were to ever die or whatever my son would have basically no interaction with her any more and there really wasnt a satisfying conclusion to that discussion.

So I understand where you are coming from.

Her parents live an hour north of Atlanta and we drive up there sometimes. I might finagle a way to stop by next time Im up.

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Hey man, wishing you the best with all your future plans.

This place is home for almost everyone who have posted here for so many years, and may we interact or not, we all are family.

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masterplum posted...

My spouse and I have talked about this same conundrum where if I were to ever die or whatever my son would have basically no interaction with her any more and there really wasnt a satisfying conclusion to that discussion.

So I understand where you are coming from.

Her parents live an hour north of Atlanta and we drive up there sometimes. I might finagle a way to stop by next time Im up.

Yeah it is a tough one for sure. I think the short answer is there isn't a satisfying conclusion. I would be more than glad to welcome you to Carrollton, there isn't too much here but I kind of like the sleepy town vibes.

Pokalicious posted...

Hey man, wishing you the best with all your future plans.

This place is home for almost everyone who have posted here for so many years, and may we interact or not, we all are family.

Thanks Poka, I appreciate it.

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DoomTheGyarados posted...

That does sound nice. I'll let you know, probably sometime in July once I settle in to things.

Yeah just let me know!

I also have access to pretty much every home braves game through my work (great seats) so if you give me enough of a heads up I can probably grab some tickets for a sunday/monday night game if that's more your style. I'd love to meet up with you and make a night of it.

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While I'm sorry to hear about your fiancee, given how you've talked about her, good on you for framing this in such a positive light. I'm happy to hear that you're doing real well considering where you were a few years ago and wish you the best with everything!

How exactly does having a trading card business work, exactly? There's a lot of competition for that and, well, retailers are no longer carrying them after what's gone on...

Pokalicious posted...

This place is home for almost everyone who have posted here for so many years, and may we interact or not, we all are family.

I mean... I just came back. You can never really leave this place tbh.
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I don't have much to say here, just that I'm glad that if you had to break it off with your fiancee, it was amiable.

I wish you the best with everything man. I have nothing but fond memories when we used to chat and play league together with the crew. I'm glad how well you are taking everything and am impressed about how you've got new goals and everything set up! I'm sure the future will treat you very well <3

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It sounds like you're in a good enough place mentally to take this emotional blow better than you could've at previous times in your life. But do take some time to be sad and let yourself be affected by this. You're not weaker for doing so.

In any case, it's a blessing that you didn't get married because that will make the separation SO MUCH less messy for you. I think she's making a ludicrously selfish and insane decision, mostly for the sake of her child. She's giving up a stable home for her kid with someone doing well enough to care for them both to go off and try to raise him on her own? Nuts.

But her decision, not yours. I just hope you don't feel the need to keep taking care of them financially after she's moved on.

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I'm glad you seem to be taking this well, Chris. I hope she lets you see the kid sometimes though. Good luck with all your future endeavors!

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Aecioo posted...

Yeah just let me know!

I also have access to pretty much every home braves game through my work (great seats) so if you give me enough of a heads up I can probably grab some tickets for a sunday/monday night game if that's more your style. I'd love to meet up with you and make a night of it.

I do like Baseball. Will let you know about a specific date!

BlueCrystalTear posted...

While I'm sorry to hear about your fiancee, given how you've talked about her, good on you for framing this in such a positive light. I'm happy to hear that you're doing real well considering where you were a few years ago and wish you the best with everything!

How exactly does having a trading card business work, exactly? There's a lot of competition for that and, well, retailers are no longer carrying them after what's gone on...

I mean... I just came back. You can never really leave this place tbh.

A lot of my business features buying vintage from people and authenticating it for a profit. As for modern sets I don't buy from retail chains - I buy directly from distributors for well below MSRP by buying in bulk. Paying retail prices for new sets is a good way to never make a profit. Only downside is that I have to be careful about cash considerations because grading cards costs me 1000s of dollars by doing it in large amounts even if I get a lot of profit back 12 months later.

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Reg posted...

I don't have much to say here, just that I'm glad that if you had to break it off with your fiancee, it was amiable.

Yes, me too. I hope she continues to figure things out.

Zigzagoon posted...

I wish you the best with everything man. I have nothing but fond memories when we used to chat and play league together with the crew. I'm glad how well you are taking everything and am impressed about how you've got new goals and everything set up! I'm sure the future will treat you very well <3

I named my Ziggy in SW/SH Ermine because why wouldn't I? I miss those days, and still think fondly of you and those times as well my friend even if I yelled too much haha. Thank you for your well wishes.

ExThaNemesis posted...

It sounds like you're in a good enough place mentally to take this emotional blow better than you could've at previous times in your life. But do take some time to be sad and let yourself be affected by this. You're not weaker for doing so.

In any case, it's a blessing that you didn't get married because that will make the separation SO MUCH less messy for you. I think she's making a ludicrously selfish and insane decision, mostly for the sake of her child. She's giving up a stable home for her kid with someone doing well enough to care for them both to go off and try to raise him on her own? Nuts.

But her decision, not yours. I just hope you don't feel the need to keep taking care of them financially after she's moved on.

She got her masters in accounting at 20 my ex does not need me to support her. When she lands she is going to be making very, very good money. The kid is going to be okay, he has a very loving mother who had some tough breaks but knows a thing or two about a thing or two. I have no concerns for her, especially since she has clearly been feeling better after we discussed this. She also has a lot of extended family to support her. It's a decision that hurts me a lot but logically speaking she is going to be okay. I hope in time I can be a part of his life once she figures things out but if not... it was really great when it lasted.

But, also, I cry a lot. I found the little guy's favorite city bus toy in my office yesterday and I just cried. I have been talking with friends and sobbing. This post was made after a lot of tears had been shed. They aren't done all the way, but I am feeling positive at least that eventually they will stop.

MZero posted...

I'm glad you seem to be taking this well, Chris. I hope she lets you see the kid sometimes though. Good luck with all your future endeavors!

As well as I can. This was why I didn't get back to you more about importing stuff by the way, a lot of stuff changing in my life!

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really sorry to hear, but glad you're weathering it okay so far.

i don't know how painful it is living with your ex right now - how raw things are - but i can say that for me, when my ex moved out, life got so much better

it sounds like you're healthy enough that july should be the beginning of some good chapters for you!
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This fresh start will be one of the most exciting times in your life. Enjoy it, and I empathize with what youre going through.

I too have undergone some soul searching of my own.

Good luck.

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Glad to hear that despite the bad news you are in a good place. I wish you all the best.

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Sorry to hear about your relationship, happy and jealous of your business success lol.


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I'm sorry to hear this net postive chapter of your life has come to a close, but I wish you the best of luck/ success, and happiness as you forge ahead in life.

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I am Nick

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I hardly ever post anymore, just because when I do I get way too involved in this place to the detriment of my real life. But I still lurk from time to time. I hope everything goes well for you, Chris. I've always admired how much of your life you're willing to put on this board.

I'm happy to hear that you are hopeful for the future after what must have been a hard time.

Anyway, just wanted to drop in and say Best of Luck!

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It may not always get better, but it gets different. Which can be just as good. You sound like you're in a place to be alright, and that's the best thing right now. Do you bro.

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Sorry to hear that but it probably went about as well as it could have all things considered if that's the result you've gotta have

Good luck with your business. At the very least you probably have a billion dollars from AMC calls right. Right?

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As someone who has essentially shared a mind with you for a short while, I'm going to have to hold you to this writing goal.

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That's tough, best of luck man.

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<3

You seem to be rolling with it well, and I'm glad about that.

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Women! Women.

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Dang figured this wasn't the greatest of news when i saw the topic title.

Anyway, as usual i shall be here when you need advice for purchasing electronics at your new place.

Also sorry for lack of responses on discord been a busy couple of months and once I got fully vaccinated I've been making up for lost years.

If you ever wanna visit Vegas, I've got a guestroom with your name on it. <3

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Damn man, sorry this is happening to you.

At least she can't theoretically take all of those incredible gains you've made this year?

Happy you're taking it relatively well. Stay healthy, friend.

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SeabassDebeste posted...

really sorry to hear, but glad you're weathering it okay so far.

i don't know how painful it is living with your ex right now - how raw things are - but i can say that for me, when my ex moved out, life got so much better

it sounds like you're healthy enough that july should be the beginning of some good chapters for you!

Yeah, today is also the 7 year anniversary of my mom's passing so today is a day for feelings, which is allowed and valid and so I am just going to feel a lot. I have a lot of good people in my life and I have learned a whole lot about being good to myself, it helps to endure the storm because I am never alone even when it is just me in a room.

Living with the Ex is more awkward than painful though, thankfully. Yeah though, almost to my surprise I actually have a lot lined up for my life in the immediate future and am beginning to form plans for after that. I can't tell you precisely when I developed this skill but there it is.

ChaosTonyV4 posted...

Sorry to hear about your relationship, happy and jealous of your business success lol.

My business can be your business success. I have so many cards I want to send in for grading but not the raw cash flow to get away with it. I accept all business inquiries! But, thank you for your thoughts on my relationship, much appreciated Tony!

(My friends tell me I am too good at this marketing thing. I tell them there is no such thing)

Oddity posted...

I hardly ever post anymore, just because when I do I get way too involved in this place to the detriment of my real life. But I still lurk from time to time. I hope everything goes well for you, Chris. I've always admired how much of your life you're willing to put on this board.

I'm happy to hear that you are hopeful for the future after what must have been a hard time.

Anyway, just wanted to drop in and say Best of Luck!

@Oddity now that's a name I haven't heard in a long, long time. Thank you so much for stopping by to say a word to me and... I don't know if it is to be admired really, but gosh I needed somewhere to put my thoughts over the years. I hope my luck in life is better than my ability to get you lynched in Dark Tower mafia.

FFDragon posted...

It may not always get better, but it gets different. Which can be just as good. You sound like you're in a place to be alright, and that's the best thing right now. Do you bro.

There's a lot of wisdom in this, thanks man. Going to be alright, just gonna take some time for myself this summer.

Lopen posted...

Sorry to hear that but it probably went about as well as it could have all things considered if that's the result you've gotta have

Good luck with your business. At the very least you probably have a billion dollars from AMC calls right. Right?

A lot of the money I was investing was originally hers. We discussed assets and all of that and I got to keep a decent chunk since I managed it so well, but what was more important was my business assets. I made out OK. I am poorer now than I was before, but it is just me.


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DoomTheGyarados posted...

A lot of the money I was investing was originally hers

Oh noooo that hurts me

Yeah but I also got years of free accounting lessons from someone who has a masters in it. I'll be okay lol. I had a lot of great plans for our future financially that were just starting to hit their stride but I guess like Thanos said, 'I'll do it myself.'

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I don't normally post here but I know you and I'm glad you're doing okay.

I'm glad you consider this place family. I myself can't say the same even after 17 years. Tho I get why others do. I'll stick sneak every once awhile but prefer to never really interact unless it's maybe contest season.

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MarioSuperstar posted...

I don't normally post here but I know you and I'm glad you're doing okay.

I'm glad you consider this place family. I myself can't say the same even after 17 years. Tho I get why others do. I'll stick sneak every once awhile but prefer to never really interact unless it's maybe contest season.

I consider everyone who participates in Spread Betting to be part of the family tbh

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Ah, sorry to hear that Chris. Glad it's amiable enough in the end though.

Yeah I agree completely that B8 feels like a home. It's reassuring to know that no matter what craziness is happening in my life right now that B8 is still here, solid as a rock.

We never interacted that much but it's always good to see familiar usernames!

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Sorry to hear that, but at least you're doing ok.

I still find it pretty cool how you sell Pokemon cards. I was looking over my old collection the other day just to see if anything was worth anything and I was reminded of all your posts in the stock topic.

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As heavy as this sounds, you certainly seem to have the right mentality about everything. Im confident youll do very well.

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You should have a support group with Corrik.

Im not one of the important Board 8ers so I wouldnt make my own topic but my relationship of nearly fourteen years is ending but were so intertwined in every aspect of our lives that well still be living together for a while. It was about as amicable as it could be. June is also the anniversary of when my mom passed away so going into it with all this other stuff is a huge challenge. I just wanted to say hard relate and Im sorry for what your going through.

PerfectChaosZ posted...

Im not one of the important Board 8ers so I wouldnt make my own topic

Sounds like someone needs a confidence boost! I enjoy your posts =)

sorry to hear, but glad to hear you've got plans going forward. good luck with everything!
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<3


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ChainLTTP posted...

Sounds like someone needs a confidence boost! I enjoy your posts =)

Really? I'm surprised i'd even be known from one post to another. But thank you! Thank you so much. It's honestly really great for someone just to be nice.