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My work load has increased enormously now that I am a single parent as well as a teacher, author, web master and a host of other things. Keeping Jennifer entertained, educated, clothed and fed is a big job but I enjoy it immensely. I just wish there were more hours in the day to do fun stuff with her such as taking her ice skating. I did take her to see Champions Ice this summer and she just about fainted when Michelle Kwan skated. It was an awesome show.

As of 2002, I have begun the sometimes complicated process of the dating game. I had no idea it would be as complicated as it seems to be at times. It is quite an educational experience for someone who married their first date some 22 years ago. I feel a bit inexperienced in the art of dating. Don't get me wrong- I feel as if I know well, how to treat ladies and have been told so many times but the changes in women over the last 2 decades have been significant and sometimes they really surprise me. I admit that the business of getting acquainted with ladies and actually asking them out has been a bit awkward for me.
There have never been any feelings of guilt about dating. Becky was very clear for many years that if anything ever happened to her, that she would want me to go on with my life, meet someone and be happy. I told her the very same thing if something happened to me. No, there is no guilt, just a bit of getting use to. It's a new world out there for a guy who was happily married for over 2 decades and some of the rules have changed. Women are far more aggressive in many areas than in years past. This is not a bad thing but at times I have discovered that women can be a little surprising.
I have a great person in my corner. Jennifer. She is fully supportive of my limited efforts to meet a wonderful lady to share my life with. Whenever I go on a date, she always asks me "How was it..... and ....did you like her??" She is a great kid and wants a special lady in her life as much as I do.
I do feel that I have an advantage because I have always been comfortable with and good at communicating with women. I grew up with a mom but no dad.....a sister but no brother.....a daughter but no sons and the photography business that I built catered mostly to women. You might say, I am very comfortable communicating with and expressing my feelings to women. Being sort of old fashioned, I know that a lot of women seem surprised that I like to bring them flowers and open doors for them as well as cook for them. Guess I will always feel that romantic habits are good ones to keep. I really love cooking and probably have more cool kitchen toys than Emeril Lagasse! The down side to cooking is that I have a kitchen full of dishes and pans to wash afterwards. Wish they had disposable pots and pans!
I am a bit surprised about one thing in all this. I sort of expected there to be "matchmakers" coming out of the woodwork to do their thing but it has just not happened. Meeting ladies has been difficult since I spend so much time at home working on the web site and my day to day business issues.
2003
I have had some wonderful experiences during my dating over the last couple of years and also a few educational experiences. All of my experiences have been something to learn from and I am grateful for the new wisdom I have gained during all this.
I have often asked God to assist in my search for a special lady and to help me find someone who will be a great match not only for me but for Jennifer as well. I would never want to have a relationship with someone where we had entirely separate lives and just happen to be married. I believe that when two become one, that they share everything in life, good and bad. Then, slowly over time, they become more and more like each other and are as a result, better equipped to add to each other's lives in a meaningful way. For me, this is what brings a couple into a truly deep level of love and commitment.
Late 2003
Not a lot of time to go into details but Jennifer and I are the proud owners of a Wave Runner personal water craft. Got a used one that is in good shape other than a few dents here and there but it's a great first PWC for us. We can skip along the water at 42 MPH. It's quite big compared to similar boats and with our neoprene life jackets, we feel pretty safe out there. When I am riding alone, I tear it up pretty good doing 180's and 360's. It's great fun. More later.

Well I guess that will be the end of the personal update for now. I will add more to this page when time allows and developments dictate.
Take care. - Scott