[elizabecca]

Good morning, girls!

Ellis -- Thanks for the sweet PM! You're a doll. If I didn't already have my face on for work, I'd cry.

Chris -- You caught me. Chatty Cathy is in over her head right now and I've eaten every bit of it. Ugh. It amazes me how I can seem so put together and in control on the outside, but when no one is looking, I'm destroying myself.

Anyway, I can't talk about it right now. (See Ellis' note above...face on and all. ) It's probably drama -- not worth the worry and power I'm giving it right now.

Sorry to be so self-centered, but that's where I am right now. I'm going to work and then taking the little one to dance class. I'll be able to walk and think deep thoughts while she's there.

I know this will pass. It always does. God loves me and takes care of me even when I'm being self-centered and whiney.

I will be back online tonight. I hope you ladies have a wonderful day. You're in my prayers even when I'm in a funk and lurking!

Love you all,
Christy

[BerkshireGrl]

Good day ladies!

Christy - sorry to hear you are feeling so bad! Don't worry about being "self-centered", sometimes that is needed to heal. : Walking is a great way to having a little moving meditation

Miss Chris - Glad to see you back! Yes, I am being silly thinking 9 hours is rough heh! I used to work 12+ for the same people... so I have obviously gotten used to the softer side of life huh? Heh! I'm such a puffball, anything over 12, and I'm useless. Could never be a doctor, that's for sure! Anyway... it's nice to meet you at 10 years old. My ten year old and you can go run around in a nice field if you want Ever make a grass fort? Or maybe a corn fort, Nebraska girl?

Ellis - Hi there! What do you do at your exotic Canadian YMCA? Hope you have a wonderful day!

Angi - Big changes coming your way - wow! That's great that your husband has the chance to go after his dream! My prayers for it to go smoothly AND profitably for you all! And for your nerves to let up on you too... Maybe we could just coat them in roses...

Kat - thank you for the meditation thoughts! Yes, I definitely went after too much food and alcohol seeking a high... finding healthier ways to ease pain is a process I'm learning. Wise words. If you want to share about what's making you feel poopy, we're here

CeeJay - I agree about the "alcoholism" gene! It runs in my family too, and for a long time, until I was 30, I wasn't a drinker really, beyond the social one to two when out socially. I was unfortunately rather smug about that, thinking I avoided that curse, and the whole addictive personality. Well, when I fell into a depression in the fall of 2001, I was hit upside the head with it in a big way... and learned some humility. I've found too that food can be used instead of alcohol... so I know where you're coming from, and I totally think you are right on the button!

Ok all, I'm into the shower to get ready for work... yesterday in art class, we had skinny runner dude Paul again, concentrating on leg studies. Boy, that guy has a butt you could bounce quarters off of I ended up dropping a 2nd class I was taking Tuesday nights (on women's body images and art) because it was getting too much to handle, with work, and nutty gym devotion. I got a lot of pleading feedback to stay in it, but I was just not having fun. I was stressed out instead of having a good time... So last night, I went to my first Pilates class instead Amazing how such tiny movements can be so HARD!! Very focused, gentle, but rigorous on targeting tiny muscles and big ones. My legs were like rubber afterwards. I was hoping it would focus on arms too, but I guess not this class anyway. (Does Pilates focus on the lower body mostly?)

Off to work! Run, run... have a great day everyone!

[ellis]

Good morning, darlings!

Today is my first day alone in AGES! I must warn DH not to come home for lunch...

I've had two FANTASTIC exercising days, but I've been eating to make up for it, and have gained 4 pounds. I'm up to 192, and I PROMISED myself I'd never see the 190's again. I'm so freakin' mad.
But it's Lent, right? What's everyone giving up? Chocolate? Sex? Pizza? Street drugs?

[AngiKL]

Hi all. Just a quick note. Dan is coming home from work in a minute because I am under the weather. I have some sort of stomach garbage. With a sore throat, so it's very confusing. Having to go off Atkins today for crackers and 7up. (You know, what my mom gave me when I was sick.) Dry toast and hot tea too.

Praying that Elijah doesn't get it. Dan has something too, but not this variety.

Blessings to all of you!

[Jennelle]

Hey all...

Checking in here...I'm amazed at the change my attitude towards food has taken since I began this journey. This morning, I got out of the house late so I hit the drive-thru for a breakfast sandwich and some hash browns. Part of my abstinence is that I am not allowed to eat in my car (too secretive), so I had to wait the 20 minutes 'til I got to school to eat my breakfast. The sandwich was fine, but the hash browns had gone cold and greasy. (blech!) In the past, I would have eaten them anyway because I paid for them. Today, I took one bite and threw the rest in the trash.

Jennelle

[KatSLP]

Hello girlies!

Ceejay: I believe there has been studies showing a link of alcholism running in families. Both DH and I have it big time in our families. I'm the only addict, though, although he can suffer from some of our "defects" of character (concentrating on past mistakes, etc...).

Christy: You know we are hear when you need to talk!

Sarah: Pilates is great, isn't it! It does focus mainly on the core (abs and back), next lower body, and then it touches on upper body. I really enjoy it, too.

Ellis: I'm not Christian, so I don't do Lent (plus it would be a trigger time for me, anyway - restriction). I'm sorry you've gained weight. But you got in 2 great days of workouts!

Remind me, do you have a sponsor (I need to start keeping notes on all of us ). If so, what does she/he suggest to help you maintain abstinence? I am here for you if you need to talk or have any questions. My PM box is always open (and that goes for everyone here! Including any lurkers we may have ).

Angi: I'm so sorry you're sick. Feel better soon!

Jennelle: What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing your ESH.

Miss Chris: Working? Yoohoo!

I am feeling much better today than yesterday. DH's job looks shakey - the whole company/studio doesn't look like it'll last past summer. And everyone got a 10% pay cut.

It's not his dream job at all but it's frustrating that it's shakey and doesn't pay much. He's an inspiring screen writer and has a few things on the horizon - I really hope something takes off for him soon. So that he can do something he truly loves.

The beginner's OA meeting is starting - come join me!

[elizabecca]

Hey all!

Ellis -- Did you enjoy your day alone? For Lent I think I'll give up street drugs...shouldn't be too difficult since I've never actually had any. I won't miss them at all! Seriously, I've never "done" Lent before. What have you decided to give up?

Sarah -- Thanks for the kind words and glad to see you again around these pasrts! Your art classes sound interesting. You've been busy! The Christmas tree is down though, right? Don't make us come door to door to get that for you!

Kat -- So sorry about DH's job! You sound like you're handling it very well. Hubbies with troubles can be difficult to handle; he's very lucky to have such an understanding partner!

Angi -- Hope you're feeling better fast! Prayers for your little family and the decisions y'all are making right now. Everything will work out just fine.

CeeJay -- Glad you came back! Jump in here often!

Jennelle -- Yay you! Great job throwing away the hash browns! You are such a trooper. I'm proud of you.

Chris -- Working hard again? Pop in and let us know you're okay.

I'm just poking around on the 'net while DH works on some paperwork. On top of everything else, I've developed a cold! Aarrgghh! My spirits are a little better since I was able to do some walking at the gym. Probably need to change CDs for next time. I love to listen to Evanescence, but that goth stuff really feeds my dark mood. I'm very impressionable that way!

Hugs to all,
Christy

[rochemist]

We will see how this goes, the computer is acting a little funny

GOOD EVENING!

Christy- Yeah I find music can affect my mood quite a bit. Try some Pink next time. "If God is the DJ than life is the music............" If you need anything WE ARE HERE!

Kat- It can make us nervous when you are in the middle of someone else's dream. Everytime my husband decides to do something new I feel like I just found the nightmare But here are some prayers

Jenelle- It freaks me out sometimes when I don't finish all the food on my plate, when I don't eat something because it didn't taste good, or how about disinterest in other people's food That never use to happen, I was always eating, talking, or thinking about music.

Angi- Feel better and its important to eat when we are ill (though I would skip the 7-up and stick with tea too sweet ) GET WELL!

Ellis- Okay so what? You are a workout goddess and I am suppose to (insert some emotion here) you because you weigh 192. Guess what I STILL LOVE YOU! Your still the beautiful daughter of God that you always have been. So give all that negative thinking to Him! Thats what I am going to give up for lent, I am going to try to speak in a loving venacular and give up some of my negative self talk. Maybe it will stick.

Sarah- Pilates Its not the quanity but the quality of the excercise that counts. Good for your core muscles. Has anyone tried Yogalites? HMMM.

Well I am just working and surrendering as much as I can
I love you all!
Miss Chris

[KatSLP]

Just a quick note to share that DH may find a new job. Nothing is concrete yet but it's nice to know there are some openings (film industry job market was dead for a long time).

Will keep you in the know.

And hi Miss Chris!

Christy: Sorry about the cold but glad the walking cheered you up a bit!

[elizabecca]

LOVE Pink, Chris!

Or how about some Christina Aguilera..."I am beautiful no matter what they say...words won't bring me down".

Or Anastacia..."I've done made it through..stand on my own two...I've paid my dues..."

That was fun! I love music. My tastes are so varied from one extreme to another. If you knew what I looked like, you would NEVER believe some of the things I like to listen to. Too funny!

Smiling,
Christy

[elizabecca]

Hey Kat! Great news on the job front there! Fingers crossed...

Christy

[ceejay52]

Sarah-Thanks for shedding a light. I realize now that I'm using food instead of alcohol as a means of soothing the soul. Need to pay more attention to this. I've not ever touched a drop of any kind of alcohol.--Believe it or not!!

Ellis--Enjoy your day alone.

Angi--Sorry you don't feel well. Get better soon.

Jennell-I stopped by Micky D's on the way home for a cobb salad and chicken nuggets. The chicken nuggets weren't in the sack when I got home. I stomped a little bit, but knew that the HP was delivering me out of temptation.

Sarah--Working a 9 hour day would be a blessing. I work 4 12 hour days but I enjoy my week ends too.

Miss Chris-Your favorite color must be pink.

Today is the start of lent and I will be giving up bread (slices only) and sugary sweets.