Hi - hope you're doing better - but I truly believe that she has other issues than just what you and her have been thru - unfortunately people grow apart and nothing in the world can change that - it's sad but true. You are a great person. I think you should get a dog to keep you company. I am an advocate for animal rights and there are so many that are being put down everyday at no fault of their own - animals need love, breaks my heart every time I see one where their time is running out. Having a dog would give you something to occupy your time with and welcome you when you come home, lots of tail wagging and sloppy kisses - how can you refuse that? Unconditional love!! - It will get you out of the house for walks (as long as it's not too hot out!) - Install a doggie door, make sure your yard is fenced in and give a pooch a second chance for a good life - because like you and me, we all deserve a 2nd chance. Let me know what kind you get, but rescuse one (or 2!) from a kill shelter since their time there is very limited - Your home won't be empty anymore when you come home to your best friend!

Are you working out? How's your diet going? Drinking plenty of water but not so much of the alcohol? You can, you should and you WILL pull yourself out of this and start living YOUR life again - Stay strong my friend - (but get a pup to help you get started on your new and EXCITING journey!) Trust me on this one, ok?!

Sorry I've been away for awhile licking my wounds so to speak. I'm starting to feel a little better. Still in shock over the split and I really miss my children. But we get to visit a little each week. Diana thanks for the suggestion for a pet. I thought about it, but my work schedule is brutal for me to be a responsible pet owner. I work 12 hour shifts 4 to 6 days a week so I wouldn't be able to properly care for a pet. My wife and I had a pair of Whippets that we adored but they went with her when she moved out. They are very needy dogs, so my daughter and wife are able to take better care of them. I have gone to the gym a few times but I really got depressed last week and it was hard to even leave the house. But I am feeling a little better now, and giving more thought to working out. My diet pretty much stinks, my wife was an excellent cook so now I'm left with trying to feed myself and thats not working out to well or healthy. I'm gonna have to find new ways to provide for myself. I hope you are doing well and seem to have such a great attiude. Thanks for the positive feedback.

Dear Ricky, I am sorry for your circumstances. Pick up a copy of Eating for Life! Make the Taco Pasta Salad, and tripple the recipie. Put it in the little disposable plastic container squares and freeze it. You will only have to cook once every couple of weeks this way. I am a huge fan of making big batches and freezing. With your schedule, you need to give this gift to yourself and make things easy. Mine go from frozen to ready in three minutes. You can heat and then dump out onto a bed of lettuce veges salad mix. It never gets old, and I am always so thankful to have this meal when times get tough.

I really suffered when I was experiencing my own circumstances. One thing that helped me was trying to figure out where I wanted to go in the future. At first, it truly hurt, because it was hard to see anything other than what I had expected. But, like a muscle that gains size and strength, you can develop a future vision. It truly helped me see a different path.

Get EFL and also, know that you can freeze Mom's Chicken Enchiladas. The recipies are EASY to make and simply require a little organization, and some pans. Heck, Bill even has a grocery list that has everything on there, and all you do is check off the boxes of items you want.

My best to you as you forge though these times. I can remember walking and walking for hours in the park. It truly did help me.

I wish you well on your journey. If you ever need support, just email me. I usually say really silly things that make people laugh.

Take care,

Jillian

Jillian, you are a dear. Thanks for the suggestion I am going to go and get the book tomorrow. I have to say I broke down when you wrote "At first, it truly hurt, because it was hard to see anything other than what I had expected". Those words are so true, I miss my family so much. My daughter came and spent the day with me, and we had a great time. But it's so bitter sweet, when she went back to her mothers I just lost it. She is my best friend and I love her so much. But I know we will get plenty of times to spend together. Thanks again Jillian. I'll let you know how the cooking goes. I'm glad there is a grocery list as well. I went grocery shopping last week and wasted half my money not knowing what to reallly buy. Oh well I'll learn.
Thanks,
Richard