dating sabbatical

So, I had been dating the Shark for four weeks and things were moving along wonderfully...I was actually thinking, "Huh...I may have actually found a good one!"
But, that all changed after the 4th of July weekend.
You see, he has a knack for making plans, calling when he says he will, telling me how he feels - so, when we were on our last date little did I know it was our last forever.
From the moment he saw me, he stood up, gave me a kiss and bought me a drink as I relaxed from a crazy day at work. He was being the perfect gentleman, sexy as hell and listened to all I said with interest and care. We laughed our entire way through dinner and drinks and then he said he didn't want the date to end and wanted me to come home with him...So, I decided to take him up on his offer.
We spent the night together and the next morning I just snuck out and left him a note about having a fun time and looking forward to our next date that he was already planning the night before...Which he said he wanted to see me over the weekend one way or another.
I usually get the morning text from him, when I didn't get one, I texted him around noontime on Friday. He just texted back saying he missed me and would talk to me when he got out of work...Friday came and went - nothing. Saturday - still nothing, so I texted him in the afternoon saying, "Happy 4th of July! Hope you're having fun!"...still nothing, which was even weirder based on his past actions. Sunday - nothing. Monday - nothing.
So, I finally emailed him - refusing to call - and said I hoped he was fine and if he didn't want to see me anymore that's fine, but just let me know if he was still alive.
FINALLY, on Tuesday evening I heard back and apparently "family shit" came up and he needed time "alone to think about things" and "can't get close to anyone right now". Let's just say, I didn't buy it - I don't buy it and he's out of my life.
That being said, I'm on a dating sabbatical. I can't take another heartbreak. I can't put forth the effort. I can't try anymore. It's too much and right now I'm enjoying my time with my girls and focusing on work...at least I have that going for me.

Letting Go and Moving On...

How do you let go?
It's not a fun thing to do, especially when the person involved hasn't really done anything "wrong"...he just won't step up to the plate.
After giving Smoking Jacket one too many times to make it right, I have been finding ways to let myself let him go and how to let him down gently. It won't be pretty. It won't be easy. I still care for him, as he does me...but if it's not going to go anywhere, why should I stay? Purely for the physical connection, the chemistry, the sexual tension? That would have been enough six months ago, but now I'm seeing other opportunities pass me by and he's given me no reason to hold out any longer.
So, I have begun the "process," as I like to call it.
I threw out the ultimatum (if I can just keep my word), "Commit to me. Not marriage, but a commitment beyond 'dating'" In response, I got an "I love you." I don't believe that answers the question and now it is "go" time.
I am seeking out new opportunities, greener pastures and brighter horizons...I'm moving on and there is a date in my near future with a very fine gentleman that I will refer to as "Spartan."
More to come..."