Dec 1, 2009

A long December and there's reason to believe...


It is truly astounding to me how fast time as gone. Or maybe it is just that I cant seem to remember much of anything. Especially the order of events in my life, thus far. I feel like it was just Christmas. Which is funny because I dont remember Christmas, or the month of December for that matter.
Michelle and I talked on the phone for a while today. It was nice just hearing her voice. But talking to her also reminds me of some events I wish to forget. This cold weather also does something to me. Its almost as if the cold itself, along with leaves turning ect, says to me "You should be smaller. Remember?" And my body and mind does remember. I think it's because I spent so much time freezing my ass off. I've come to relate cold to sickness. Michelle and I discussed, in terms most dont understand, how everything is going. And, of course, by "how everything is going" i mean, binge/purging? restricting? insulin manipulation? She sounded well. She said she cant remember last Christmas either. well, thats because we were slowly dying this time last year. And that realization alone feels like a punch in the stomach.

Nov 16, 2009






"I would much rather explain my inspiration than suffocate."

Oct 13, 2009

as i sat my glass down and danced my blues away...

i have no idea where time has gone. It is mid-October. How and when did that happen? Anyways, I guess an update is due:
School is ... incredibly stressful. Its not that I cant do the work. I absolutely can. It is a matter of letting work be a priority. I would rather sit out on the Attic deck and talk till early hours of the morning than be cooped up in the library or my dorm room studying. I spent the first few weeks doing just that. And I was by no means miserable. In fact, I think I kept myself out of trouble that way. Midterm grades just came out and I have a B- in History and French and an A in Political Science. And, although my grades could be better, I am not disappointed. But I know that I do need to step up for the last leg of this semester.
I have been pretty sick the past few weeks. Between bronchitis and pink eye, I've slept a lot more than normal. Which is a really nice change. I think that everyone has had some sort of illness since being here. If not, then that have incredible immune systems. Socially things have been interesting. Most of the people that I spend time around are not from Birmingham. And I like that a lot. The people from around here all seem to be the same.
EL is from Houston, Texas. He is a really incredible guy. Being around is just a huge reality check. Something that I have desperately needed lately. He found out this past weekend that his dad died. I dont know how he is being so strong about it. But it is truly amazing to me. One night he told me that it is weird waking up in the morning and not having to wonder who you know that got killed the previous day. He was in a gang and sold drugs and did all these things. Yet, he has an enormous heart. Its really cool to be around him. Sam is from Boston. He lived in Mexico for two years. I met him about the second week of school and we have hung out a lot since. Zoe is from Atlanta and I have just recently started hanging out with her. She is a parties a TON. But she is sweet. Andrew is from Tennessee. His best friend, Chris, goes to Samford but hangs out here a lot. Andrew is totally whipped by his girlfriend, Molly. It is pretty cute in an incredibly annoying sort of way. Most everyone I hang out with is affiliated with ATO. And I like that. They are all really chill. What is cool is having people right outside your door. That has made an incredible difference is my socialness.
It has been difficult not having Alex around even though we hardly saw one another prior to school starting. She really hates Hollins and was going to try and transfer a few weeks back but has decided to stay up there. I talk to her more now that she is 8 hours away than I did when she was 7 minutes. Its kind of sad. I miss Laura a ton too. I talk to them both regularly. As for Aubrie, she is permanently in Jackson. She is taking classes at the university and has not been in Birmingham in weeks. I miss her a ton. Whats worse is that it is next to impossible to get her on the phone. There have been multiple instances that I just need to talk to someone. Someone who actually knows and understands me. Thats not to say that I am not getting closer with the people on campus, but it is way different when they have not personally experienced your past with you. Aubrie knows. and she understands. And there is tremendous amounts of comfort in that. It gets difficult to see the point in things when I know that all I really want to do is hang out, have fun, help people, experience life. And the schoolwork can definitely get in the way of that.
As far as "the college experience" goes, I have definitely had fun. The first weekend up there that I drank, I was a mess. I threw up in front of Stripland. Good times. I woke up in Henry's bed, with Henry the next day... mmhm. Bid Day was, well, I would say if I could remember. But I dont, at all. Thats where a lot of the drama started. Jacob, an ATO pledge, falls in love with any girl that gives him half the time of day. And I definitely did on Bid Day. It is not a good feeling not being able to remember hours and hours of shit you were doing. I stayed sober the weekend following Bid Day. The next weekend, I kissed Grant. Jacob unfortunately saw. He and Sam (who I have hooked up with and likes me) got incredibly angry. The next day, I was given an ultimatum. Choose on guy or lose both and dont come to the house. So I told Sam that I wanted to try and make things work. Well, I dont know if it was the officalness of it or my personal insecurities. But it lasted less than a week. And he was hurt and even more angry. And I felt terrible. We didnt see one another for three or four days. Then Sunday, we hung out so that I could apologize yet again and try to explain myself. He kissed me. And we ended up going to Bottletree and spending the rest of the evening and night together. And then Monday. And it has been very normal. The way that I would like things to be.
Tomorrow evening is the ATO pledge dance and I am going with EL. Sam has invited a girl that lives on my hall named Kat. I dont know her, but I know that she likes him. And at first I honestly did not care. But the more that I think about it the more I realize how much I care about him. And how much I like spending time around him.
Because of all of the drama last week, I was really unhappy. Like, more unhappy than I have been in a long time. All I could think about was how much I wanted to be out of here. So I started thinking about transfering school. I called Laura for a second opinion and she agreed that I need a change. I just think that I have wasted enough time and been unhappy enough that if I can do something to avoid it now, I should do everything in my power. I'm not saying that Birmingham Southern isnt a good school. Thats not it at all. I just think that it is good for certain people with specific personalities. People who are highly motivated and productive and willing to devote enormous amounts of time and energy to school work. I can do the school work. Its not a matter of capability. I just dont have the motivation to give my every waking moment to classes that I dont particularly care about. I mean, some of the things we talk about are interesting. But when the day is done, I want to be doing something that I absolutely love. Something that makes me incredibly happy and proud. I was telling Sam earlier today that the only thing that would keep me here would be the people. I have made friends that I care about. I think that EL and Sam are my two best friends here. They but up with my shit just enough and remind me its not worth it when I get carried away. They have supported me over the past few weeks even though I have whined and been a general pain in the ass. And they, as well as others, are what would keep me here in Birmingham. Here at BSC.
As far as changing school, I know that I could make those relationships in other places. As much as I deny it, there are good people everywhere. And I know that I could make new friends if I moved. I am really struggling with it. If I do get accepted into Belmont, it would be an incredibly hard decision. Talking to Sam helped though. He said a lot of the same things that Laura did. That Birmingham holds a lot of memories for me. Good and bad. And that I did not get to truly start over because of all the emotional connections to the place. As well as knowing people here already. Despite how little I knew them. The campus is so small that it feels like being trapped in a bubble. And there is no choice but to get in the car and drive somewhere if you want to do anything different. Belmont and Vandy are right next to one another. It is a true college town. The student body is bigger as well. I dont think that there is enough diversity on the BSC campus. I think that in Nashville, especially at a school the size of Belmont, there would be people from all over. I think that there is no question that it would be better for me to be in another city at another school. It all comes down to leaving the people and the relationships that I already have here. And if I feel that it will be difficult now, it will be even more after Christmas.

Sep 3, 2009

and hours turned into days...

Well, Today is the second day of class. I feel like I have been on autopilot. Semi-emotionless. Which is an extreme difference to last week. It is weird that I have only been here for six days. It hasnt even been a full week. I think I am trying not to feel something. My eating has sort of gone to shit. But I havent taken the time to acknowledge it or assess it. Maybe I dont want to. Actually, I know that I dont want to.
I am so relieved that orientation is over. Honestly, that sort of left a sour taste in my mouth for a bit. It was awkward and unappealing. I am glad that it will not be like that anymore. And I'm slowly finding more and more people to hang out with. I met this guy last night. His name is (ironically) Sam. He's from Boston and really cool. I couldnt get a really firm grasp on him but, he seems like a potentially cool person to hang out with. Also Megan and I have been hanging out a lot. It is nice to have someone right across the hall that I feel relatively comfortable around. Grace is cool but we are sort of forming our own groups of friends. And that is perfectly fine. Nick is one of Megan's music friends. He is very interesting... and loudish. Also Lindsey is around to hang out with and Mike Popwell. Who I hung out with tonight. I really like him and hope that we get to hang out more. I am gradually meeting people in my classes as well. I know a few people from my french class who are also in my history class. And there is a girl in my poli sci class from my history class as well as a girl from Vestavia.
Today I found out that Alex is coming down for Thanksgiving Break on the TwentyFirst of November. I dont get out of school for the Break until the TwentyFifth. But, that is okay. I will be excited to see her. And she is bringing one of her school friends down.
Next week Aubrie is coming back to Birmingham. Jessica is coming with her but I dont know how long Jess will be here. I honestly can not wait to see Aubrie. I have not seen her in like a month. And it is ridiculous. I miss her tons. Last night we discussed how we could make our dream a reality. That is in our grasp. And that feels good to think about and know. I am so very lucky to have someone as loving and accepting and caring as she is.
My French class is going to be a lot of work only because it is five days of the week. The other two classes at least give me a little more time to prepare for. I think that political science will be very interesting. But the history just intimidated the hell out of me today. The teacher was there when mom and dad where. He is funny but strict. More importantly, the amount of work that is required for the class involves about two hours of studying/homework for every hour in class. So, needless to say, it is going to be a lot of library time. Oh, well. I'm going to be optimistic and tell myself that I can do it. Because, I can. It is not impossible to succeed.

Aug 28, 2009

The End and/or The Beginning.

I dont really know what to think. I want to cry more than anything. Which is strange seeing as I have longed for tomorrow since Eighth grade. I guess what makes me confused and emotional is that I have longed for different things with different people. And I have none of those same longings anymore. It is really surreal. Alex is in Hollins. Brooke is in Texas. Two of the most important people that have ever been in my life. And they are'nt here. Well, I guess technically they havent been here in a while. And I think that is my doing.
I'm severely nervous about the orientation. I dont like the schedule. I'm nervous about having a roommate. I'm nervous about having a campus full of people to compare myself to. Aubrie is in Memphis. And I know it is selfish, but I wish she were here. I dont know how I pictured the big "going off to college" but I have a feeling this isnt the way I saw it. Maybe because I always overlooked the painfully awkward moving in process. I am glad that I chose BSC because I think it will make the process easier. It will be gradual rather than immediate. But, at the same time, I am sad that I didnt chose Milsaps because I would have been closer to Aubrie and I would really not know anyone. But, I am definitely working on not being such an open book. I think that would just get me in trouble.
On top of all that, I think I am secretly plotting against myself. The freedom is thrilling and terrifying at the same time. I desperately miss how small I was. And a big part of me contemplates relapsing daily. Maybe not as drastically as before. Actually, I dont think I could get away with that. But, on the other had, I probably could. See, this freedom thing is tricky. Its about "keeping yourself accountable" and "not letting your eating disordered side control your actions." I know all that. And I also know that it is not completely about the weight. A lot of it is because I am stressed out and nervous and overwhelmed. And so I am focusing on my weight more than I should be. It is a reliable distraction. But, I also have to be realistic. I dont think that Treatment Take Two sounds like a very good option.
The weird feelings of "fuck you, Ill show you" and wanting to show people how strong I am; those thoughts have been strong lately. It doesnt help that I know specific dates of people's returns to Birmingham. Sam is coming back October 10. Alex will be back over Christmas Break.... And it is just a mindfuck.
I miss Alex. And I miss Brooke. And I miss the way that they made me feel. I guess it is a sort of mourning what could have been type deal. Which is just lame, lame, lame. But, I guess in the end, without all these emotions and memories, I wouldnt be me. Thats about as optimistic as its going to get.... for now.

Aug 26, 2009

Self Sabotage?

I wonder if it is a knowing or unknowing act. I know that for many people, they believe that they will fail, so they do. And for others, they believe that they do not deserve to succeed, so they do not. Then I guess there are those who want out of something or dont want to do something so, their self-attack is thought out, planned and completely on purpose.
Personally, I dont know which is true for me. Maybe, probably all three. And I know that it depends on the situation, as well as, the people involved. Some of it may be cowardly actions. Some of it may be my lack of self confidence and inability to believe in myself.
I guess what I am most confused about is the way in which my self destructive behaviors come about. At first glance, there seems to be no rhyme or reason. But, then I realized that whenever things seem to feel alright or to calm down, I do something to screw it up. Either that, or during times of stress (this week) I do things to distract myself or because I think it will make things "better". Actually that is a lie. I do things because I think that they will make me FEEL better. And is completely selfish. I guess Dad was right.

Aug 25, 2009

A million middle fingers.

Okay, I feel kind of bad for having not posted anything in quite a few days. I have officially moved in to BSC. It is extremely weird, fun, terrifying and excited. I'm really ready for classes to start. This orientation process has dragged out quite sufficiently. The have planned events in the evenings that are awkward attempts to get people to meet one another... who would have thought square dancing would be a bonding experience? Not me. I ended up going to the ATO house and watching them play beer pong. Classy. I did see Mike Popwell though. Its been a super long time. He was trashed. But it was cute. And it was nice hanging out with people who have been here and dont seem so freaking judgmental. Maybe that is not the right word. Because I know that everyone is nervous-ish.
I dont feel like I fit in very well with the girls in CD... and the more time I spend with Grace, the more different I see we are. I dont know... It just makes me doubt my ability to make friends or be comfortable in any social situation. Its not that I dont want to meet people. I am just too freaking self-conscious to act normal. I dont even think that makes sense. To sum in up, I just feel misplaced. Like, I dont fit in here... I havent found where I need to be. And I truly hope that it gets better. I think that once I start making friends with the people in my classes it will get much better. Or maybe college isnt the place for me either.
I just dont feel like I belong.
fuck.

Aug 24, 2009

Tearing my heart off my sleeve.

First, I'd like to say, Matt Pond P.A.'s CD "The Nature Of Maps" will officially mark beginning freshman year of BSC. I am going to start buying new CD's for every big happening that comes up. I was thinking about how much I associate memories with smells and music. Why not help my memory out? .. Since it is so bad in the first place. Even if I dont remember specific events, at least I will have something to remind me of time periods... or something like that.

Secondly, 500 Days of Summer got me thinking about something else. In the movie, Summer was a very reserved girl who shared personal things with only the people she trusted and cared for the most. I admired this about her. It makes her more interesting. The audience has to continually question what motivates her to do and say the things that she does. So, I wonder when I became this walking open book. I mean, I tell people things that are part of my personal, private life story. And they have no right to know. Maybe it makes me feel more special. More interesting. Or more attention worthy. I dont think that any of these things are true. At least regarding me spilling my guts to random strangers. (thats a bit of an overstatement ... sort of) Why do I do this? Even more, why am I so trusting?
My thought about this is; I absolutely shouldnt be. Being overly trusting in people has gotten me in more emotional, mental and physical trouble than a trapeze artist without a net. First there was Brooke. Not only did I love her, I needed her. She served as something I needed at the time. Something that I still have trouble understanding. Plain and simply, she broke my heart. Again and again. Yet, I continued to trust her. To forgive her. Even when she didnt deserve it. And she abused that little character flaw of mine. And as the saying goes; "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." So, I dont completely blame her. I could have stopped it all. But I chose not to. Even though it didnt feel like a choice at the time.
Then there was Alex. And well, plain and simply, I broke her heart. I'm not sure what hurt more. The actual separation of what we were and planned on being, or my utter confusion over what I was doing with what we were and planned on being. She, even more than Brooke, did not deserve my trust. I must give Brooke some credit that, at least while Alex and I were dating, she(Brooke) was honest with me. In fact, she is the reason that I found out about as many of Alex's lies as I did. Anyways, back to Alex. She is one of the biggest reasons that I do not/should not trust people. I loved her. I honestly did. And that love came after the lies and manipulation. The lies that I completely looked over. I guess part of me thought that just maybe she had changed. And part of me knew that she had'nt but wanted to believe that the potential was still there. I'm not really sure what drew me to her. I thought she was more than she was. Not to say that she itsnt an amazing person. Because, truly, she is. But, sometimes when you meet someone, your first impression determines how you view them throughout the duration of the relationship. And I think that, because she knew everyone I did and liked things that I liked, in my mind, she was much more. My belief that she was much more also made me believe that I deserved parts of what happened between us. Like, because she was more, she had permission. I dont know if that makes sense.
What I am trying to say, through all the rambling, is that I do not owe anyone anything. I do not owe them time, explainations, energy, emotion, thought. Nothing, if I dont want to. I'd like to strive to be a mysterious persona of teeth and eyes that keeps everyone curious. If only for my own entertainment. Not in a malicious way, of course. But why not? Why spill your guts? Who knows what that person will turn around and do with it. I'm not saying I will never ever again be emotionally connected or share secrets and thoughts and well, my insides with someone else. BUt, from now on, when I choose to do this, I want it to be someone special. Someone I trust and care about. Because, they are my secrets. And I should protect and treasure them; whatever they may be. It should feel like I am giving someone a gift. Plus, It will give me more time to remember.

Aug 23, 2009

The truth is...

Honesty...

It is something rarely found these days. Honesty.

But honestly, i am hardly honest even half of the time.

Not to say that i lie about insignificant things ... much.

More than that, i am not honest with myself.

Which is a confusing way to live.


Honestly ...

I feel like i have insane amounts to grow up before leaving for college. Which is scary. First and foremost, sanity must be obtained. Then a little growing up with a bit of finding myself ... as corny as that sounds. My organizational and time management skills are rarely up to par. And all of this frightens me.

But It will be a new beginning. Honestly, i want to be someone different. The perfect chance to reinvent myself?? I have this bazar image of my ideal self which is far from the person i am today. Who knows if i will ever be this person. Maybe it is too far from me or who i am supposed to be.


Maybe i wont even make it to college. Maybe my heart will stop beating. Right now what i need the most is out of my reach. And this is the saddest thing of all to me. That the choice between my future and my existence depends on something i can not control. Something that is so simple. The solution is clear. But the means of making it work are unseen. Maybe i wont make it out alive after all.


recovery: life vs death


I dont even know where to begin. I have been in recovery for 4 months. I have gained emotions, thoughts, words, insight, sanity, humility, understanding and 45 pounds. It is a struggle everyday but, it is a struggle I am now willing to face with open arms. I chose life. That is something I think I deserve to feel proud about.

At the beginning of this "adventure" I was terrified. No, I take that back. Numb is a better word. I was too confused and malnutritioned to think or feel. My brain was one tracked. Thoughts that consisted of numbers: calorie counts, pounds, inches. Dont get me wrong, I loved my six pack. But blindness consumed the reality of my situation. Death was looming.

This has been a process. I should say this is a (still) a process. My body will never look the same to me as it does to others. In my mind, I may always be too big. The difference now is, I have things to live for. Things that got lost in this crazy disorder. Before I felt as if I had no choice. As if self-destruction was an obligation. Now, I am sure that everything is a choice. And that in itself is empowering.

So, Hello summer. Hello books, smiles, sunlight, imperfections, music, thoughts, Big Sky granola, aimless driving, college, immaturity, 45 yellow days, coffee cups/Americanos, sarcasm, green eyes, gestures of love, laughter...

It's nice to see you again.


August 23:

618pm

I dont know how to articulate this. How does someone feel so much and so little at the same time? How do you deal with the past? Should you deal with the past? How do you move on to the future? Or even stay in the present? How can you miss something or someone so much that you can feel it in your bones? How do you look at the pain in someone's eyes and know the right thing to say? Or is listening just enough? How do you deal with yourself and react to people around you at the same time? Why does weather change your mood? Why does smell make you remember? Why do time most beautiful things make you sad? How can pain and joy coexist?

All I know is, you have to believe that it will all turn out okay. If you dont, whats the point? Life happens. Things change and friends leave and life doesnt stop for anyone. Something struck me today as I was watching (500) Days of Summer. It says something about how there are only a handful of days in a person's life that actually mean something. The rest, are just a passing of time. Well, that is a very sad thought to me. I want everyday to have meaning, be something special, memorable. I know that this is realistically and mentally impossible to remember EVERY day ever, but how cool would it be to go out of your way to make every day the absolute most that it can be. I'm afraid I am too shy and awkward to do this. But, it is a good goal to have.

It is a good goal to have especially going into college. And especially because my senior year turned out the way it did. I never intended for things to end up the way that they did. And I missed a lot of things. Some of which I am truly glad that I missed. And some of which I'm very sad that I did. So, my college resolution is to make everything the best that it can be. Work hard to find the good in people and in situations. No matter how bad something seems. Because I have had too many days float away, unnoticed, unmarked and insignificant.


Measure Two.

August 18: 836pm

Tonight we had ACED alumni group. Unfortunately Kendall could not make it but, Michelle, Tamara, Lillian and I had a good time. We talked about having the ability to be social in college. Like, not wearing ourselves out with the nonsense that comes with being around most girls. Tamara decided to drop out of her Greek house because of the social pressure that came along with it. That definitely makes me feel more secure in my decision to NOT go Greek. It may be a good way to meet people and get around campus, but it is not something I am willing to do if I am going to feel scrutinized and and lesser-than ... which is what I feel may happen.

Anyways, we talked about ways to stop and get out of our heads. As in, not over-thinking or worrying to much about one particular thing. Which is definitely a hard thing to do, especially lately. What we came up with were simple, practical things like ... leaving the dorm room (or wherever we are stuck) being around people, exercising, reading (for them, I dont do well with that), calling someone.... mostly it boils down to: not being alone and talking. Michelle has free time between 930 and 1230 and on the days I dont work and she doesnt work, we are going to meet at starbucks of for an early lunch. I think that between class, studying for class, work, appointments and socializing, I will have plenty to fill my time with. And I think that will definitely help the food and weight obsessing. I think that all the negative thoughts and negative energy lately has mostly been due to lack of structure, as well as, lack of human contact. I mean, it does wonders for people (especially me) to be around other people. Whether you know them or not. People desire human contact, it is just the way we are programmed. Now, some desire it more than others, but even the "loaners" need other people around at some point. Fuck, even Allen admitted that he doesnt like being alone. And if that arrogant bastard can admit it, then it must be true for all of the human population. Hah.


So, Alex still hasent called. Which is surprising, even by her standards. Its been alomst 10 days since we talked last. And that conversation was minimal, to say the least. It consisted of her telling me she would not be able to make it to the Augustana concert. I sort of have the feeling that she is waiting on me to call; which I can say; it is very doubtful that will happen. We talked semi-extensively about her lack of consistency and well, flakiness. Our plans falling through became more consistent that us actually spending time together. Which hurts, but is not totally unexpected considering the way things went down Junior year. I did not handle any of that the way I should have, but neither did she. Plus, in my defense, I was every into my eating disorder at the time. Following our break-up, my eating disorder is the main thing that I turned to, as well as Brooke, briefly. I think that is about the time that things took a turn for the much worse. I wanted to prove that I had control over, if nothing else, myself. I wanted to be heard. I wanted Brooke and Alex and everyone else that hurt me to see how much they hurt me... I think. I'm not sure that ever happened. Brooke definitely never understood that maybe, in some way, she contributed to my sickness. But then again, she did not understand that she could have had something to do with TAR either. I remember the day that I started the center, I told her where I was (via Facebook) and what was going on. Her response was in typical Brooke fashion,

Second Glances.

August 18: 518pm

I was thinking back through the past few years. How little I remember. And how sad that makes me. I remember bits and pieces of 8th grade. Mostly the fights, sadness, getting in trouble and confusion. But I also remember how dependent I was on Brooke. Something I have been feeling a lot lately. Something that I do not enjoy feeling, not just regarding Brooke but, with people in general. And I think my desire to be as independent as I can in the present and in the future, stems directly from what depending on other did to me in the past. It made me hurt more than I can ever put into words. Ultimately it made me sick. But, it also made me the person I am today. Which is, as I understand from others, strong, smart and independent ... for the most part.

I think the desire to be accepted, wanted and approved by Brooke and people like Brooke will always be with me. It will be with me to the extent that I do not not set boundaries and become self-supporting. That is not to say I want to become some cold, hard bitch that can not accept love from others but, that I know where and when to let people get close to me. And the other big part of it is, not letting every damn fool get close to me. Having enough sense to stop, evaluate a person and their actions, and say "hey, emily, this person may not be the best choice of a friend." I have a lot of practice with crazies, I just have to have enough faith in myself that I will pick good, kind, non manipulative people for myself to become emotionally involved with. And I do not mean anything by "emotional" other than; making an effort and giving part of myself to someone in order to have a relationship with them. I believe that when you decide to be friends with someone you have to give them part of yourself otherwise the relationship will never, ever work.


Is this real life?

August 18: 1241pm

I mean, what the fuck am I doing with myself? Absolutely nothing. Nothing. I dont really know if I am ready for this hole college deal. Actually, I dont really know if I am ready for this hole Life deal. I used to feel like I knew what I wanted and what I was doing and whatever. Now, I am just sad. Where in the world did this sadness come from. Other than the extreme weight gain and immense amount of change currently taking place. Not to mention the seeming loss of everyone around me that I love. I feel isolated and distant and unconnected from those people, from that world, from myself.

I dont want to go to college feeling like an extreme fuck up, or socially retarded youth who doesnt have the slightest idea about herself or the world in which she craves to form around her. That doesnt even make sense.

Right now, all I want is out and away. From here. But mostly from myself. I spend the majority of the morning screwing around on the computer wallowing in my own self pity. Around 230 my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Ryals. He asked what was wrong and I was confused. He said Mom was really worried and asked if I had talked to her today. ... Which I had not. So..

Last night, actually yesterday in general, just sucked. In fact, the past few days have just not sat well with me. Anyways, yesterday was particularly difficult. And since my eating disorder has been failing as of late, I resorted to older versions of my self destructive behavior. Rebecca walked in my room and sat down on the floor and first saw the razorblade then my arm. After that I decided to leave the house for a while because... I get a bit stir crazy.

Anyways, Back to Dr. Ryals. Apparently Rebecca went and told mom, mom emailed Dr. Ryals, Dr. Ryals called me, confused me, questioned me, increased my medication faster, and scheduled another appointment next week. I'm not exactly sure what to think about all of this. At first I was sad and angry. Then I was like what the? ... It was as scratch, forreal. Like, not worth making any deal about. And now, I just dont give. Atall. Moved on.

And speaking of moving on, this is something I desperately need to work on. Moving on from things in the past, moving on from upsets in the present, and even moving on from worrying about things that have yet to happen. I realized lately that I worry entirely too much. Mostly about things that are completely out of my control. And the things that I worry about that I do have control over, I never do anything about because I waste my time and energy on worry. Worrying instead of actually fixing or doing something about the issue. How lame.

While I am aware of this lack of productivity in the worrying department, I still fail to do anything. Like today for example, I felt like shiiiit. And I do know ways to fix it. Or at least to try. Honestly, just getting out of the house, being around other human beings, I already feel better. And this could have been taken care of hours ago. Instead, I sulked. I judged myself and my actions. Boo for that. I need to start a list of things to work on to "better" myself.


1. Work on ENJOYING food. Take the time to prepare, sit down, focus and nourish.

2. Work on changing negative thoughts. Specifically judgement of actions and body. Judgements of food, clothing, personality. If unable to change thought, stop thinking about it. It does no good.

3. Stop worrying so damn much. Worry about the things that I can actually help. Things such as my school work, my friends who I chose to surround myself with, how I treat my body. Stop worrying about things like the number on the scale, what I am wearing or how much weight I have gained. Still, it is doing no good.



Well, I am tired of writing about myself. I like this whole writing thing though. As I understand it, it is more cathartic (P.S. i had to look up the definition of cathartic) to use a pen and paper. But, I enjoy the way typing feels. It is faster and easier to get out what is in your head that with pen and papier.

Speaking of papier. or paper as Americans call it, I am really actually looking forward to my French Deux. I'm looking forward to using my brain for something other than worrying, self-analyzing and watching small children.


Locating the Pieces.

August 17: 452pm

Today has been a complete and utter disaster. I have done absolutely nothing today other than mope and practice terrible eating disordered behaviors, cry and feel sorry for myself. Other than the fact that I should not have weighed myself this morning, I'm not really sure what has compelled me into this state of depressive anxiety. I think the weather has something to do with it. The good news is, I do not have to drag my ass out of bed to go and watch some small, potty-training children in the morning. That is a definite plus to my week.

All I want is to get out of my head, out of this house, into the world. I want to be a speck of sand in the ocean. Fluid, constantly changing, adapting. I want to be. I want to experience. I want to see, taste, smell, experience the wonders that I know this world has. I always seem to be in a different place than these wonders. Or maybe I'm just not very good at looking in front of myself. That must be it.

Maybe all I need is to move, find some sense of myself, remember, write the next great American novel, become famous (not in a "sell-out" sense of the word) retire young, and travel. Okay thats the plan. I'll get right on it.


August 17: 9pm

So, this evening I was reading the Menu For The Future which is required for BSC. We will be taking a class on it later in the Fall. It was discussing how Americans have lost the realization that, because they eat food, they are part of the agricultural industry. The eating is the end of the production/growth process. Americans are, to say the least, uninformed about where they food comes from and what it when through to get to their table ... or t.v. tray. The book also talks about the loss of formality to eating, the loss of customs, personality, preparation... It has all disappeared with fast food, pre cooked, frozen meals of the like. This is incredibly and astonishingly true. Growing up, we sat down to a home cooked meal at least 5 days out of the week. Now, we all eat at separate times, prepare or heat up our own meals.No thought goes into where the food we are eating comes from, how it was produced or processed, and what additions have been put in. Gross. As I was reading this, I thought about the book French Women Don't Get Fat which I was also reading lately. French women eat small, beautiful, colorful portions, they do not go back for seconds, they walk a lot more than most Americans, and most importantly, each meal is something to be savored... as well as the food. They eat slowly and enjoy themselves. It is a family affair which sometimes lasts for hours. Now, how amazing would it be to live in France?

Okay, I realize that America is a relatively new country. It truly is the "melting pot" of the world. But what I dont understand is, with all the different cultures that meshed together how did America end up with absolutely no idea how to fucking feed themselves? There were French, German, Italian, Japanese ... And now a days we rely on McDonalds as our premium nutritional source? It has become acceptable, if not the "norm" to eat in the car, library, shopping mall, in front of the T.V. Really anywhere other than the kitchen table.

Well, I do not believe that this is a sustainable way of life. As proven by the rapid obesity increase over the past decade.

So, what I am getting at is, I realized that I can sit around and bitch and moan and play the "poor, woah is me" act. Or I can discontinue my insane concern with the number on my scale, at least for a while, continue to exercise consistently, feed myself regularly, use food that I am "informed" about as much as possible, prepare my food, sit down, breathe, relax, make it theatrical if at all possible, and for fuck sake, enjoy.

Enjoy. Enjoy? Can I do that? I dont know. I truly have absolutely no idea if I have the capability to "enjoy" what I am eating. Enjoy: to take delight and pleasure in. Can I do that without judging the caloric content or what it might do to my body? What if I took the time to actually enjoy what I was eating rather than over-thinking the entire process. I dont know. But, I'd like to find out. So, for the next 12 days I am going to work on enjoying whatever it is I decide to put into my mouth. I will do it with minimal judgement and analyzing. Because, the truth is, I honestly enjoy foods that are good for me. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains. I like them. The difficult part will come in with the self-dispisal and critiquing.


In other news, last night Allen treated Stephanie like total shit. And I am a pro at recognizing shitty treatment. Hah. He is selfish and arrogant and purely self concerned. And he hurt Stephanie. She called me on her way home last night and began crying because of it. Tonight, she is acting like none of it happened. She said that they may even have plans after the store closes. This annoys me. Reason one: He is an asshole and does not treat her the way she deserves. He is self-praising in the worst way. Reason two: It reminds me of the way I have been treated in the past. You have a fall out or fight with someone but as soon as they are okay and over it, their world goes back to normal. All is well if they are happy. And you are left picking up the pieces of your soul, heart and emotions. It annoys me because I realize that I let multiple people treat me like this over the years. Not consistently, obviously. There had to be some appeal, some give and take for me to become involved with them in the first place. But, once I became attached and "needed" them, they had the ability to walk all over me while I tell them that I deserve it and beg for forgiveness. How the fuck did I manage that for so damn long?

August 17: 930am Ramblings

You see, I dont have to eat a goddamned thing if I dont want to.This decision is mine. My health and my body are mine. They are in my control. I am tired. I am tired of being fat, of feeling ugly, of living in this house, of living without control and most of all, I am tired of feeling alone, lesser than, unworthy. And I do. I feel like that every damn day. It is not a constant feeling. There are brief lapses of minutes, hours, sometimes if I am lucky, days. Lapses where I do not look in the mirror and despise the person, the body that I see in front of me. I have not been able to understand why this happens. I can not capture whatever it is that makes me see something differently, if only for a second.

And then there is the rest, or majority of the time. I crave, almost beg to be around others. I do not feel that I deserve the friendship of others. I do not feel that I am a good enough person to deserve the friendship of decent human beings. Why? Because nearly every experience I have had thus far has led me to believe that I deserve the shit that I come into contact with. Be it: emotionally abusive relationships, being sent away at 14, being cheated on, being screwed over by entire school systems, being pulled and manipulated, self mutilation or an eating disorder (which are one in the same.) But hear this; it is not a "poor me" type situation because I believe I truly deserved these things. Most of them I feel I brought on myself.

So how does this relate to my eating? Well, I do not have the power to control others, unfortunately. Hah. I do not have the ability to see the future to prepare myself for unfortunate events. What I do have control over seems few and far between. I will be moving out soon so my control over things will increase. But right now as well as the last few years; minus the time I was in treatment; I have had control over what does or does not go into my mouth. There was a period of time where I was eating 300-400 calories a day. And I felt like everything in the world was in my control. The immediate time leading up to my entering the Center was an out of control time. Bulimia is a very out of control feeling. But, I believe malnutrition drove my impulsive and delusional self.

Today I sit here, feeling totally alone, contemplating the affectiveness of starvation. I have seen it work before. On me, on others. At this time in my life I definitely feel a loss of control. Everyone I care about the most is unable or unwilling to be around. I am about to enter college with a bunch of people I do not know. I, as proven lately, do not have control over the number on the scale. And that, more than anything, is driving me crazy. The self-hatred I feel for myself and my body seems to be rising at an alarming rate. I know that this feeling comes and goes. It is a cyclical thing for most individuals. But most people can reason themselves out of it, tell themselves they are good, deserving people. I cant even wear a size 6, I dont deserve a damn thing.

I dont remember ever weighing this much in my entire life. Or if i did, it was quickly tamed by anorexia. Even with as sick as I became, I still miss it. The journey of losing extreme amounts of weight is an exciting one, especially to someone who craves control as much as I do. During the time of being in my lower weight range I can honestly say that I enjoyed my body. I loved being that small. Which makes it even harder to be as big as I am now. I loved being able to wear whatever I wanted. I loved being smaller than my younger sister, being carried around, feeling like I had accomplished some great human feat. Now, I realize, this all plays directly into my self loathing as my weight increases. And what seems to be the even bigger problem, I cant do anything about it. I exercise, I eat less, and my weight either increases or stays the same.

Originally, I did not know what I was doing in terms of my eating disorder. I never imagined that I would end up looking, acting and feeling the way I did. I never imagined I would spend my senior year of high school in a treatment facility. Never. Now, self-awareness is what makes self-destruction so difficult. I know what I am doing, I know what could happen. But, it is currently very difficult for me to say that is not what I want. Right now, that is exactly what I want. Control in the form of starvation and bones. All I want is to extend that lapse time in which I do not despise myself.

If I were my own therapist, I would say "Emily, what is it that you are avoiding by using food as a coping mechanism. What problems are you unwilling to face. What is really going on. Because, you know, food and weight are not the real issues."

Well, right now they are. I am fat. I am ugly. I am going to the lake in four days and start college in fifteen. And as for the other issues, my therapist and friend is sick, out of town, and I havent seen her in a three weeks. My "best friend" is an unreliable flake and has not called in over a week. My ex and the one person I actually want to spend time around wont give me the time of day. Others I care about are moving away to their college lives. No wonder I feel alone and unworthy.


Apr 5, 2009

Be Here Now

I would be absolutely thrilled to inform you that I have my shit together ... That my life is planned out and I am confident in the direction that it is taking me. But, that would be one of the biggest lies I have ever told in my 18 years on this earth. 
My life and existence, hell, my next 20 minutes are far from planned out. I finally reached the point within the last 3 weeks where I can spout off things I would like to do in the future. I know for certain, well almost certain, that I will be attending college in the Fall. (Pending graduation) But I tend to have this huge sense of anxiety when all this "planning" comes up. Why plan? Why do I need an answer? Why does everything have to have a reason? The answer is: there does not have to be an answer. And this is very hard for me to accept sometimes. 
The thing about plans is, the normally change. I would rather worry about the next few hours than the next few weeks. But, as society has it, we are expected to have our futures mapped out from pretty early on in life. It is normal and expected to go to college within 2 years of graduation from high school. Work through college, get a degree, go to graduate school (if necessary) then stick to one boring job for the rest of your existence. I'm sorry. But I refuse. That sounds like a recipe for suicide ... not to be over dramatic or anything. 
This is where it gets confusing. As much as i do not want that, I feel obligated to do so. To plan and prepare. Make a timeline, schedule and spreadsheet. I mean, What the hell? And it is difficult to pull my brain away from these thoughts and mental hyper-ventilation.
Over the last month and a half, my mantra has become "Be Here Now" This reminds me to stay in the present. There are so many events, conversations and actions I could dwell on from the past and there is so much to cause anxiety in the future that it is better to stay in this moment. This is not to say that thinking about the future is a bad thing. Because, sometimes it is a very good motivation or importance. But it is also a cause of anxiousness and in my case, insomnia.  
So, if I can give my little piece of advice, just be here now. Look around, breathe, enjoy, search for  beauty and peace. We only have this once. Take the good, leave the rest. 
Emily. 

Jan 6, 2009

So, i had a disturbing conversation today. One of the Juniors in my Sociology began a rant about population control. We were talking about childhood diseases ... physical and mental, but terminal (or severely handicapping). Horrible things. Cancer, retardation, failed organs, miscarriages. Things that no one would ever wish on a parent or child. 

But the boy look at these things in a completely unemotional fashion. He saw this as the purest form of population control. Now, my Sociology teacher has two children. One is 7 the other is 3 or so. She was obviously and understandably disgusted. And so was I, at first. 

While these diseases/disorders are terrible and damaging (to the children and parents) I understand what he was saying. Without them, the world would be maybe double the size it is now. And lets face it, we're running out of space. 

Anyways, just thought it was an interesting topic. 

Jan 3, 2009

My Home ... Eventually.



^Central Park^


^NYC,NY^



^Hudson St. - Greenwich Village^
                                                                                    












        ^Midtown view from Queens^










<<>





Have you see me lately?

Seems to me that everyone has their act together. Or at least is in the process. All of my friends that graduated last year love their colleges and are picking majors and meeting new people. MK is studying to teach English in French speaking African countries. Laura knew from the time she popped outta Donna's womb that she would be majoring in journalism. People left and right are being accepted to colleges. Dad loves his new law firm, Mom enjoys working (almost as much as I enjoy her working) Rebecca is falling into the lull of freshman year.

But where am I? Almost more lost than ever. That's where. I am honestly, for the first time in a while, struggling in school. Who told me that senior year was easy ... because they lied. I'm not sure that it is the work thats difficult but more my lack of motivation? or my quite  impressive ability to procrastinate every single damn thing (Something that must be handled before I graduate and be come a big kid) Don't misunderstand. Its not like a depression commercial. You know the ones; "Depression hurts but (pick your drug) can help!" I am just so ready to leave. To be somewhere new and exciting. Somewhere my insomnia can thrive. 

I am afraid at this rate I will end up as a nanny or ... a personal shopper. Because spending money is one thing I can handle. But really. Imma pull my shit together. Forreal. Prolly end up at Belmont or Millsaps. Major in something awesome. Move to NYC or Boston. Live. really really live. 
emily.