Hi,
Short story: I need help. I've been lurking around and you all seem like a wonderful group of people. I would really like some support, encouragement, a place to brag when things go well, and maybe a hug or two when things don't go as planned.
Long story: I'm a 24 year old grad student about halfway done with the program. I just moved to this new (and much bigger) city about three months ago. It was supposed to be my fresh start, a chance to finally get away from the drama and toxicity of the old place. I got a job for which I am so very grateful. But outside the job, things aren't going so well. Right now, I'm sitting at my desk at work just about ready to cry. (My shoe just broke on top of everything else.) When I first got to this city, I had in my head that I would meet all sorts of new people and try all sorts of new things. Well...my coworkers are nice enough but they barely speak to me. I've asked about different places in town, trying to fish an invitation or at least lead the conversation to where I could ask them to do something after work. Nothing. I've even tried applying different places as a volunteer in order to get more involved and I haven't heard a word back. It seems that I can't even give my time away.
Anyway, if you've stuck with me so far, this backstory is the reason that this weekend went so horribly wrong. Friday night, an old co-worker came to town and I was excited to get out of the house. We went to Applebee's. I chose the teriyaki chicken which was listed as 550 calories. It was gross. She ended up staying the night and decided she really wanted Olive Garden the next day. Boyfriend and his friend decided they wanted Buffalo Wild Wings that night. Boyfriend wanted date night Sunday night so we went to movies and a sports bar. Boyfriend's friend and girlfriend came back Monday and we went to Old Chicago and Incredible Bulk Candies. I was just so happy to be hanging out with people that I left my self-control at home. After (and during) all this, I feel so very bad for both the ridiculous amounts of money spent and for the insane amount of food eaten. So here I am. I feel like a complete idiot and want to cry for the mistakes I've made.
But that's not going to help me. I need to make changes in my life. I need to work on being happy with myself. I'm the one that needs to learn how to deal with social situations, the stresses of school and work, and not turn to food. The long list of excuses needs to be thrown out and replaced with healthy, positive steps. I have a freezer full of Lean Cuisines for lunch and tonight I'm making a great big pot of taco soup for suppers. After work, I will go on a walk which will be my small step for today.
Long Introduction of a Grad Student
Dhani 
