Kiki76

It's one day at a time for me! Like Victoria, I try to view it as a treat—when I'm at a movie or out and about, I'll have one, but I don't keep it at home.

Don't know how much you're consuming, but maybe just try to back it down day by day. So if you have 3 today, maybe just one tomorrow and see how you do. Then maybe none the next day. As with any habit, it's all about breaking the pattern.

The final bit of hope will go away when you choose to let it go.

You say he still loves you and misses you...that doesn't jive with the behavior you've described. I think say to ourselves that we're "supposed" to be with someone when we have convinced ourselves that we don't deserve better.

You do deserve better, my friend. Better than someone who walks out without saying goodbye. The others here are tight that there's a difference between knowing that in your head and in your heart—here's praying that your heart is restored a bit each day and that you'll be stronger for it.

There are so many variables, aren't there? I think it's especially hard to move in times of uncertainty. After all, a job is just a job but where you live has so much to do with quality of life!

So cute! Pixar is full of geniuses. They tell such real human stories that transcend any of the things we're preoccupied with right now. I can watch anything from Monsters Inc. to Ratatouille and know that I'm going to feel good.

Yes, yes, yes. Time is money, right? And if you can be more productive by having someone else help with the routine cleaning, why not? It's all a matter of budgeting and deciding what else can be sacrificed so you can have this. Even if someone only comes every other week, it'll be worth it.

Chickapea, I think one of the best things to come out of the election cycle is the dialogue between those who have differences in beliefs. Last night I sat in a living room with my housemates and our friends. Though most had voted for Obama, there were McCain supporters present. We had a very lively and healthy discussion and while we disagreed on much, one thing we did agree on is that one person cannot be responsible for all the changes we want to see in the world. It takes dedication, teamwork and sacrifice from many. And change begins with us, at the local and individual level, in my opinion.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for believing in freedom.

This is something so many of us struggle with, I think. It's because food is so intrinsically linked with both celebration (holidays, weddings, births) an sorrow (funerals, breakups, etc.) We often offer food to one another as gift or consolation.

Breaking the pattern is easier said than done. Knowing the triggers can help, as can only keeping healthy snacks on hand. Something that works for me is that I put a note both on my fridge and in my wallet that says "Why are you here?" It's a subtle reminder to think about why I'm about to eat what I am. Most of the time I remember that I'm not hungry at all, I'm just filling up whatever void is there. So I call a friend or write or brush my teeth...anything to distract.