February 05, 2006

Tetris In The Clouds

Last night was another very sucessful blogmeet ... but I must admit being the guilty party to mess part of it up. While the restaurant messed up the reservation all on their own, it is my fault that Jen & company were not in attendance. Looking back at the mailing, her email address is not in the list ... dammit. Sorry all!! Guess it really is all in the details, isn't it? I can't take the blame for the Cranky Neocon though ... he was just MIA.

Our full list of guests that DID arrive included: Blogeline & her husband (Blogeline's Journal), Buckethead (Ministry of Minor Perfidy), Goddess Dawn (Caterwauling), Lysander (Lysander of Alexandria), Robert (Llama Butchers), Victor (Publius & Co), Nic (Shoes, Ships, and Sealing Wax), Ted & his wife & daughter (Rocket Jones), and the Wonder Formerly Known As Blogless.

Personally, I got a huge kick out of playing tetris with the tables. But then again, I was stuck in a corner where I couldn't move any of the tables. I think those that were doing the moving and being moved stopped seeing the humor after the second time ... maybe the third ... but certainly by the fourth.

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February 04, 2006

Hi, I'm Here Because I'm Fat

I just read Tammi's post about her issues with food. It made me incredibly sad ... because I too have issues with food. I guess a lot of people do. But even a good face can't erase the food demons. The body image demons scream even louder most days.

You see, I grew up the fat girl. I have never known what it was like to be skinny. There are pictures of me as a kid before I was old enough to be in school where I am thin. But once you get to the third and fourth grade, the time that I can begin to remember, the pictures portray a fat girl. The teasing that I remember was aimed at a fat girl.

When I was young, it was "baby fat" that I would "grow out of" ... but I never did. By junior high, I wore clothes from Lane Bryant. I was not in fashion, for any age group, let alone my own. In order to find a dress for my 8th grade graduation I had to go to a special "fat lady" store. My dress was a Woman's 1X. I looked like I was wearing a big pink tent with lace.

The weight just kept coming on. I was as awkward as any freshman I suppose but my anxiety and depression made me feel like I was the only one. Compounded by the fact that I didn't really have any friends to speak of. By my sophomore year, I was at Weight Watchers meetings every Saturday morning. They helped a little, but not much ... and certainly not in a lasting way. My prom dress was more black fabric than I ever hope to see again. Again, not even close to fashionable for prom.

I'm sure there are a lot of factors that contributed to the reason why, but the weight just never went away. Before I knew it, I weighed 215 pounds. And at only 5'9" ...

Over a year and a half or so I was able to lose a total of 50 pounds by learning to like new types of food, by learning to give into a craving with a bite (not a whole cake), by being conscious of not only what I was eating but how I was eating and realizing the psychological effect of foods.

Most of those 50 pounds has stayed off ... but not all of it ... and I want to lose 25 more, at least.

I have massive anxiety about eating with people I don't know very well. At parties or gatherings with strangers, I hardly eat a thing because I feel the eyes watching, judging, waiting to tell me that my food choices are why I am so fat. At get togethers with a buffet, I've been known to be too scared to get my own food and had a boyfriend get it for me.

There are still days that I take out my contacts or refuse to put on my glasses, just so I don't have to see myself naked in the mirror. I hate myself naked. I disgust myself. I only have boobs because of the fat. I am a hideous pear. I have more stretch marks than some women who've had three kids. No amount of exercise will give me a flat, toned midsection. The extra skin and kangaroo pouch are a permanent reminder of my painful, lost youth. My body is forever ruined. I will never know the simple pleasure of living in a young, nubile body.

Some days I ask myself, why watch what you eat if you'll never be who you want to be? And those are the days I'm glad I don't keep much food in my house.

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February 01, 2006

DC Unite!

For those readers in the DC Metro area that haven't heard yet - blogmeet ... Saturday... email me for the details.

Agenda for the evening: Plans - Taking Over World

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And Then What?

...I've been asking myself that question for the last 5 days... And then what? The pain, the anger, the confession... And then what?

I've had a really hard time recovering from the spewing of my deepest secret last week. I mean, really ... How does one return to regular blogging after that? It all seems just a little too blah to be read about once the underbelly has been exposed.

Truthfully, I've gone into hiding since last week. Not just on the blog but on email for the most part and via phone. I know I've upset a few people and made others worry far more than necessary, but I have felt very raw. I know everyone that cares about me means well, but I haven't been ready for the "so how are you doing" conversations just yet.

I just want to feel normal again but now I know that everyone knows my struggle. How do you feel normal when everyone else knows your daily life is an emotional roller coaster, no matter how strong a face you put on it?

So I suppose I'm working on "normal"...

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January 28, 2006

WRMC: Visit 2

I went to Walter Reed Medical Center again - it felt good. I saw first hand that our wounded are not forgotten by those that could easily brush them off as an inconvenience or a number, if they wanted to.

A highly visible VIP was there visiting the wounded on an individual basis, talking with them and their families, without an entourage. It wasn't a publicity stunt. It was real. It was one human being showing concern for another. It was what mankind should expect of itself. It was munificent.

I also saw SPC Lopez, of whom Blackfive and I have both blogged before. Please continue to leave comments for him and his family and pray for them (if you pray). They need as much love, support, and understanding that we can send their way during this scary and confusing time for them.

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January 26, 2006

And Then There's The Anger...

First, I want to thank everyone for their supportive comments and e-mails. I haven't been able to read them without crying yet, but I know that time is coming. I am hoping to share my struggle without alienating those with the best of intentions, but that may happen. Because there was a second part to Tuesday's entry...

There's always the anger...

Over the years, through all of the thinking and the pain that comes out of rape, I really have grown to be fairly angry inside. There's no other label for it, no other expression for it, and I see no way around it, despite the toxicity that it brings to my life. Maybe it's just a stage I'm in as I learn to cope. But on the grief scale of life, there are really only a few issues that get me really fired up. more...

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January 24, 2006

8 Years Ago

WARNING: The following is a very personal post about actual events.

On the night of January 24, 1998, America stood on the eve of Super Bowl XXXII. Football fans everywhere anxiously awaited the battle between the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers.

Before that night, I was an awkward, late blooming 17 year old high school senior of the purest breed.

Since that night, no shower has ever made me feel completely clean, no heat has made me feel completely warm, no embrace has made me feel completely loved.

Eight years ago today, my innocence was stolen away from me. more...

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January 21, 2006

Meme of Fours

Bou's newest blogson, Blue Tige, tagged me with the Meme of Fours.

You know, Meme of Fours ... that sounds strangely like metaphors in my head as I type this. And come to think of it, maybe these answers could be metaphors about the life of the answering blogger...

Four Jobs That I've Had:
1. Shipping & receiving at Barnes & Noble
2. Hotel front desk
3. Government affairs assistant (for a professional medical society)
4. DC Intern

Four Movies I can watch over and over again:
1. The Cutting Edge
2. The Replacements
3. Boondock Saints
4. Memento

Four T.V. Shows I love to watch: (note the theme here...)
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. ER
3. House
4. CSI

Four Website's I read Daily: (it didn't say blogs...)
1. ME (DUH! comments are my friend)
2. Gmail
3. University email
4. Fox News

Four Places I've Been on Vacation:
1. Vail, CO
2. Ensenada, Mexico
3. Tampa, FL
4. United Kingdom

Four Favorite Foods:
1. Cheese
2. Chocolate
3. Mashed Potatoes (so long as they aren't crap)
4. Breads

Four places IÂ’d rather be: (again... a theme...?)
1. In a hot tub under the palm trees and stars, with a nice drink
2. A warmer (but NOT humid) climate
3. On a secluded beach under the stars on a warm night
4. A friendly bar laughing with all my best girls

Four People I tag (if they haven't been already):
1. Johnny-Oh
2. Shoe
3. Jim - PRS
4. Ted

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January 20, 2006

Groove Salad

I just discovered that one of my favorite TV characters, Greg Sanders on CSI is played by an actor that shares one of my secret loves...

Eric Szmanda also likes to listen to the odd, wicked, soothing, melodic tunes of the internet radio station Groove Salad

How cool is that?

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January 19, 2006

That's Some Nerve

Just got off the phone with dad...

His car was broken into last night. His briefcase, gym bag, and a small duffle were all stolen. Important information about multiple aspects of his entire life, whisked away in the night ... all while his vehicle sat, accidentally unlocked, in his very own driveway.

The ironic part? Nearly every key he owned was in that car because he didn't trust them to be safe inside the house.

Those thugs really had some nerve...

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Visiting Walter Reed

As Army Wife, Blackfive, and Andi have all mentioned, we all went to Walter Reed Medical Center on Saturday to visit with wounded troops. I was able to meet with about 5 different guys and some of their family. Each visit was absolutely amazing and personally inspiring.

Chuck and Carren were incredible. They were both full of laughter and stories, showing off pictures of their kids. I secretly think they are both natural bloggers at heart. ;-)

Joey and Jayme may have been one of the toughest meetings for me. They are both doing fantastic - a living reminder of just how far hope, determination, and love can take you. They have beaten the odds on so many levels and in so many ways, but not an ounce of self-pity or bitterness about the trials that most people would feel ever makes its way to their smiling faces.

I listened on as one young, very recently wounded soldier told us about his treatment options and what his likely decision would be. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place with his choices, but he spoke of his decision so easily. For him, the choice was easy - he was going to do what it took to give his little girl the best life he could give her.

The thank you's that these guys and their families said to us though, they were tough. I went there to say thank you for what I didn't have the strength or courage to do for my country and here they were saying thank you to me? Truly inspiring...

Soldier after soldier being placed in the most difficult situation of their lives, yet they keep their hearts in the right place. Even when they have every right to be angry and selfish, they continue to serve as examples to us all with their attitude toward other and their outlook on life.

Thank you, Warriors.
Thank you, Andi, Sandra, & Blackfive.
Thank you, Fisher House, Soldiers Angels, Wounded Warrior Project, Sew Much Comfort, Any Soldier, Books for Soldiers, Homes for Our Troops.
Thank you, to all those that do what they can to make sure these men and women (and their families) know they are appreciated, loved, and most of all not forgotten.

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January 18, 2006

Mikey Update

It seems that Mikey is making improvements and is moving toward recovery.

Da Goddess, Smash, and a whole slew of people are doing everything they can to help. Looks like all those thoughts and prayers are doing their thing too. Let's keep up the words of support and do what we can to make sure Mikey and his family get through this together.

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Me-ing - Week 1

Grad studenting - Week 1:
I haven't had my super special "you - can't - graduate - until - you - take - this - class" class yet, but the class I did have this week turned out to be pretty cool. The instructor is very knowledgable AND personable. Though, I wish he had discussed blogs a little bit more (and in a little bit more favorable manner). He should prove for a good first half of the semester.

Re-interning - Week 1:
The good news ...
There is some really cool shit going on in this office
There's definitely a full day's work ready and waiting every morning
I don't think I'll ever be bored

The bad news ...
Going home early appears to be a thing of the past
Schoolwork will likely have to be left at home

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January 17, 2006

FUMING MAD

I'm so F*CKING mad I could spit!

But in the interest of all involved, I can't blog about it just now.

Double F*CK!

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Kuntry Mouse...?

Looks like lil ol kuntry mouse has managed to get herself back up and running again. Which explains why her phone was busy all afternoon... But I'm seriously beginning to wonder how kuntry mouse she really is if she managed to MacGyver her computer back together... But then again, sometimes addiction makes you do things you never thought you'd do.

You know, it's almost too bad though. I was so looking forward to a Coup-a-la-Redneck... Maybe we can just stage a hostile take over instead...?

I'm just kidding (mostly) - it's good to have you back online, Lady.

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January 16, 2006

The Final Stretch

Tomorrow I head back to life as a grad student (Oh Joy!) and as an intern. That means I have spent my afternoon obsessively ironing clothes and fretting over which outfits make the best first impressions. You see, I will be interning in a new office this semester so I'm a little nervous about meeting the new boss. Even more so because these programs are terrible about providing adequate information prior to arrival. Oh, have I mentioned I'm not a big fan of uncertainty?

- I have no idea if the guy who called to offer me the position will be my boss. I'm getting the sinking feeling that he may not be. Mostly because I can't see them trusting an intern to work with a Deputy Director.

- I have no idea what my job function will be. Clearly my job function at the last place ended up being much different than I had expected it to be. This time, I just don't have any expectations. But if someone asks me to make coffee, get coffee, or do anything with dry cleaning ... I'm going to be pissed.

- I have no idea if my ID badge will work or if I will be able to access my computer. Especially since these aspects of my internship went so swimmingly last time...

- I have no idea how much fuss I will cause with HR tomorrow seeing as my paperwork from the last internship was never filed correctly (their error, not mine). I was not properly 'exited' from the system, it will be interesting to see what happens when they try to properly re-enter me.


What I do know is, I need to get crackin on my resume so I can line up a real job...

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AWTM Still Out

FYI - Army Wife Toddler Mom is still sans computer at her house...

I wonder if VW will help us hijack her blog. We could stage a giant coup, Redneck style...

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Mikey Needs Your Support

I am sad to say, fellow Munuvian and Bear Flag Leaguer, Mad Mikey, has had a stroke.

He needs our hopes, prayers, good thoughts, and anything else positive we can send him to help him recover. Please keep Mikey on your mind as he fights to get better and his wife in your thoughts as she stays strong for him.

Da Goddess is keeping everyone updated on his condition and printing comments from her blog and Mikey's blog as support. Please go help out her efforts to keep everyone in the best spirits possible.

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January 15, 2006

BLUR

I thought that was schmutz on my glasses blurring my vision, but it's not. This weekend sped past so quickly that it really feels just like a giant blur. All the laughing and the bonding moments are strung together in my head as one big good time.

You see, my itty bitty postage stamp of a condo has been bustling with company since Thursday but now, suddenly, it is empty again. I'm so tempted to sleep the day away now, but I shouldn't ... (but I might ... )

Also during this great weekend, I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Miss Andi and be amazed by her in person, instead of just online. And because of her terrific heart and uncanny organization, I was able to visit Walter Reed this weekend as well. It was an amazing experience that deserves a post all its own - when I'm not deliriously sleep deprived.

Perhaps a nap will clean the blur out of this head of mine... I'll let you know on Tuesday when I finally wake up.

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January 14, 2006

Oh Sure...

...the one time I clean and actually take out the trash in a timely manner ...

I have a sinking feeling that I accidentally threw away a couple of pairs of earrings in a box I got for Christmas.

Dammit.

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