Dear Blogary,

I had no intentions of writing to you earlier today, and I did not intend to write again the same day! I mean, I had a good day today, thanks. I listened to music, took the boys to swim lessons, did work for my paid job and enjoyed the day. Then, Blogary, I turned on Oprah. Oh, Oprah.

I admit, I tuned into Oprah after the advertisements for today’s show tweaked my interest. Today’s episode seemed to be one you couldn’t miss. Well, I didn’t miss it, but I left the show feeling sad and depressed. Oh, Harpo.

Am I a food addict? Yes, I suppose I am. Am I okay with that fact? Yes, for the most part. I have no intention of cutting out my consumption of ice cream. More to the point, I will – as long as I can – enjoy a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in one sitting. And, I prefer to eat my ice cream when I am alone. I’m not sure it is because I am ashamed or embarrassed with the fact that I can eat so much in one sitting, rather I don’t enjoy the gawking that occurs when there is an audience present. Plus, I suppose it is rude that I don’t share. Is this wrong? Oh, Over-eaters Anonymous.

The guest on Oprah today, Geneen Roth, was discussing her new book, “Women, Food and God.” Geneen’s website states, “The way you eat is inseparable from your core beliefs about being alive. No matter how sophisticated or wise or enlightened you believe you are, how you eat tells all. The world is on your plate. When you begin to understand what prompts you to use food as a way to numb or distract yourself, the process takes you deeper into realms of spirit and to the bright center of your own life. Rather than getting rid of or instantly changing your conflicted relationship with food, Women Food and God is about welcoming what is already here, and contacting the part of yourself that is already whole—divinity itself.” Oh, Geneen.

Now, I understand eating disorders exist and are real. And, I understand (fully) that many people eat to numb or distract themselves. Certainly, I am quite guilty of eating when stressed, depressed, anxious, cranky, menstruating, bored, entertaining and um – when hungry. But, do we all really need books to guide us to fixing ourselves? Or wait. Is THIS book finally THE book. THIS book IS the miracle, eh? Oh, Simon & Schuster

And Blogary, while I am ranting (or is it merely babbling?), I find it silly that many of these books use God or some sort of spiritual spin. Even Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love has a spiritual spin based on Eastern culture. Maybe I am trying to fit Gilbert into my rant, where it really doesn’t fit. At least Gilbert refers to something greater than oneself. I have issues with some (not all) of the new age mumbo-jumbo. I find it narcissistic to believe one is as great as the universe. I’m a pretty great person – no really, I am. Just ask my Mom – but am I greater than the universe? *Shakes 8 Ball* “My reply is no.” Oh, Tolle.

Rob and I recently watched 2012 – Science or Superstition, which talks about the Mayan calendar and the belief that December 21, 2012 will be an earth changing (perhaps earth ending) day. Surprisingly, the movie wasn’t so much doom and gloom, as it was optimistic. And, one of the greatest things I took away was the call for the world to unite in their beliefs. One world. One faith. Can you imagine? Could you conform? If we are our own universe – aren’t we then one faith? Did you walk to school or take a lunch? Huh? Oh, Maya.

Blogary, I think I have gotten off track; assuming, of course, I started on a track. If you feel you need to rush out and buy the book “Women, Food, God” – go for it. Perhaps it is the miracle cure for which you’ve searched. Or perhaps, it is another book offering the same message, “It’s not what you’re eating; it is is what is eating you.” And really, how many times do you need to read the same message? I mean, you won’t get the message until you are ready to get the message. In the meantime, when you are anxious, stressed, bored, menstruating, cranky, etc. try to read a book, call a friend, go for a walk, surf the web, have some Wii time or start a blog. Then again, I guess you could focus on the fact that you are your own universe, and no one is greater than you. Oh, Ego.

Okay, Blogary. I am done for the day. Ah, ice cream.

Love,
Me