Wonderful story of your life's pursuits going through ups and downs and living through your naive plans and practically getting bruised by reality. I must say I have lived a similar life and totally agree with your version of life and the way it throws totally unexpected surprises. As a matter of fact, I have learned to take life as it comes. Through my numerous past experiences, I have come to realise that do whatever you like and put how much ever effort you want, but life will always present a least expected and unwanted opportunity. I have come to expect that nowadays and go with the flow to see what's at the end of the tunnel rather than go through my own vision of a tunnel with a beautiful future at the end of it and find a totally unexpected end result. Thank you so much for sharing your life's wonderful experiences. I am sure you went through much pain and happiness in the process. Wish you and your partner all the very best in your future. I am sure there are much more experiences in wait for you to unwrap, explore and enjoy! What's life without some twists and turns. ?