[MelissaL]

This whole situation is becoming more and more complex as things unfold. I had really thought that things would be better flying wise but as I hear and read about how they've arrested a number of individuals trying to get on a plane, airline workers being able to get through security checkpoints without proper ID and with "weapons" it makes one wonder how safe is it really?

My eating yesterday was out of control--I'm wondering if it's triggered from all the stress and emotions that I'm experiencing over the past several days. Each channel you switch to on TV you get the same thing. I'm trying to get things back on track today and am not going to beat myself up over yesterday; life is moving forward slowly.

Our University is holding a prayer service at noon and I, like many of my colleagues, will be in attendance.

Does anyone have any plans for the weekend? My sons start bowling on Saturday mornings again (9 a.m.) so we'll be off and running early. I also need to take the older one to get some pants. I've also got some much needed housework that has been neglected the past week, so that alone will keep me busy

Hope everyone is hanging in there

[Seasaw]

Hi everyone. I had hoped that today would be better but it started out like yesterday and the day before, glued to the TV for signs of anything positive. None so far.

It's been fairly easy to stay OP this week. Little appetite due to the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I would give anything for this to have been a normal week - struggling to eat properly and focussed on all sorts of everyday things that now seem trivial.

I hope you are all OK. Like Melissa says, air travel will be much safer in the future, but the price paid has been far too high.

Maybe next week will be better.

[kt marie]

Good morning all -
Just a quick note - going away this afternoon for the weekend with 5 neighbors & their families - we are renting a log house near the Mississippi River for the weekend - about a 2 hour drive. It will be nice to get away especially with all the turmoil going on in New York, PA, & DC. It should be a HUGE HUGE challenge eating-wise for me, but I am trying to be prepared. Last night, DH did the grocery shopping with 2 of the other DHs for the food all of us would need & he made sure to get as many healthy, lower fat ingredients for all of our meals - that should help a lot .

My eating has been good this week - a little less exercise than I'd like, but I've had such a busy week at work and tons to do at home every night - I'm glad to be busy; it helps me not to focus so much on all that is on the TV - the stories are heart-wrenching.

Take care ladies & stay safe this weekend - you guys are the best.

[LM]

dear friends, it really is remarkable that we have our little spiderweb of friendship across the miles - we who have never met each other but still find so many common bonds. Thanks gals.

Last night I just had to watch Animal Planet (doggie singing while the piano playing) - could not watch any more reality for one night. Sometimes you have to make believe.

Today went home at noon (i'm only 1/2 mile from work) and hubby and I had our own little prayer and candlelighting session.

It is cold and rainy here today in NJ - reflecting our collective mood. But I feel some rays of hope from the good and warm fellow feelings of those around us.

[lalala]

Hey pals:
I am feeling numb much like Laurel. I am just wondering whether my life will ever be the same. Maybe not. Last night at the gym, I unplugged my walkman from BBC news and read about what molly ringwald has been up to since sixteen candles (not much). I thought it was an okay thing to do.

My friend called me yesterday begging me not to travel, my parents are postponing our trip to Iran until April. I am dissappointed to say the least, but hopefully things will have calmed down by then. DP and I are still on track for next week's trip, it should be nice and its a celebration right?

Last night, we had a small candlelight vigil and today Roya the cat and Jacques the dog sent first aid kits, saline solution and
booties to the search and rescue dogs in NYC and DC. Other than being around for our hugs, its the most they could do, they don't have large credit card limits .

I had a normal dinner last night, but the munchies hit me after the gym. I have to control these evening skinny cow attacks. I may not buy them anymore.

Everyone, please take care, be kind to everybody, hug your families and pets.

lala

[patch30]

Hey there guys. I want to thank you all for you wonderful words of support and encouragement. It's meant the world to me. It's hard to take all this in... Not only due to the passing of someone I cared so deeply about, but for all the individuals out there who lost someone near and dear that very same day. The maganitude is just incomprehensible.

As Laurel so eloquently said, "our little spiderweb of friendship across the miles - we who have never met each other but still find so many common bonds..." has helped me feel connected even when it's hard to respond daily.

Food and drink has been a source of comfort and escape, but I think I'm finally reaching my "that's enough" capacity. That's why I'm checking in.


Lala one thing I've learned from this whole experiece is that we all need to treasure those we love. So you celebrate your 10th with style and passion. You both deserve it. My father-in-law a workaholic kind of guy... still made time count for his family and friends.

Katie I think it's just great that you and 5 neighbors and their families are going away for the weekend. Over the past few days since my FIL initial attack, there has been nonstop family and friends surrounding us. An incredible outpouting of support.

I guess I'm quite exhausted from the whole process (still ongoing).

Melissa...Seasaw... you guys above...and anyone else I've forgotten again thank you.

Everyone take good care. With much love

Patch