Day Two of Phasing Out

I am still covered in hives.  But I got to eat real food today!! I ate this homemade vegetable soup at the local Greek restaurant.  I go there almost every Sunday with my "host family" - Mr. and Mrs. A.  In order to explain what a "host family" is, I have to explain some other aspects of my life.

My boyfriend is a second classman, or junior, at Virginia Military Institute (VMI).  When he was a Rat, or freshman, he was "adopted" by a "host family" from church.  A host family is basically someone who takes you out to lunch on Sundays, lets you hang out at their house, shower (which is important because as a Rat you shower with 50 to 60 other guys - AT THE SAME TIME), and sleep (also important because you are allowed little to no sleep in barracks (which is what they call the dorms at VMI) when you are a Rat).  Now, our host family is actually family.  Sort of.  See R's dad's sister is married to our host family's son.  R's mom, his aunt (the same sister married to our host family's son) and our host family's daughter all graduated high school together.  Mr. A is the pastor who married R's parents.  So, we are connected through more than just VMI and church.  They have been our host family all three years we have been here.  They are really fabulous people, whom I adore.  They take such good care of us.  So lots of love goes out to Mr. and Mrs. A.

So, now that you know more about my life than you probably ever cared to - I got to eat today!  I also ate a bowl of tomato soup.  Both of these were delicious.  I have noticed, however, that I still lack the desire to eat.  I find that I feel hungry but do not actually want to eat anything.  I got most of my calories today by drinking a Vanilla Chai Tea Protein Smoothie that T and I bought at Wal-Mart last night.  I am looking forward to tomorrow and the prospect of fruit smoothies, grilled asparagus, salads and other live foods.  I am also really looking forward to pumpkin bread, pumpkin butter, pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin pie.  Pumpkin is kind of my new favorite food and that is why I love this time of year. My friend S makes the most amazing pumpkin cup cakes!! I am salivating just thinking about them. :)

Here is a picture of R's barracks that I took at the beginning of this year when I bought a new camera with my tax return!

Doesn't it look a little bit like a prison?

Anyways, I am going to take a benadryl to see if I cannot calm these hives.  Otherwise I am going to start peeling my face off.  Good night!

Post Script:
Today is my mommy's birthday.  She is one of the major reasons I am who I am.  She has always loved me, cared about my life, and been there for me.  She is one my best friends.  She believed in me when I did not believe in myself.  She picked me up when I lacked the strength to get off my knees.  She held me, sheltering me when the storms of life were just to much to bear.  She is my safe place, my guiding light, and an amazing source of love and support.  I don't know what I do without her.  I am so very grateful that she is my mother.  So happy birthday to the most amazing, beautiful woman that I know, and who I am lucky enough to call "mommy".  I love you!!