Step One - We admitted that we were powerless over food - that our lives had become unmanageable

2. b. What has it been like living with me at home?

I wish I knew. I have lived virtually in solitary for several years. I think my housemate 'tolerates' me. It is probably easier to put up with me than it is to change. I am not particularly communicative- I don't know that I have a lot to say so I say nothing.

I try to carry my load in maintaining the house - I do all the dishes, usually take out the trash, I try to do my part to maintain the housework.

Before moving to this house I lived with a friend who had separated from his wife - we both had children in High School and Jr. High so having the time and place for them to spend time with Dad was important. He was seeing a woman outside of town (eventually married her) so he would spend a few nights a week at the apartment and then all his free time at her house. Don't know how this is pertinent to anything - but at times it felt more like a hostel than a home.

Perhaps the best way to call it - I have been sullen, quiet and introverted.

Step One - We admitted that we were powerless over food - that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. a. Have I excelled at my job or just gotten by? Explain

Since 1993 I have barely gotten by in my job situation. In 1993 when I separated from my ex, I started a new job with a Mortgage Company in Santa Rosa. Initially I was very satisfied with my work and my performance as was my boss. The company was eventually sold and my department was eliminated, except for my position. I began reporting to a manager in New York (where the parent company was located) and my performance began to slip. There were financial problems for me (and the company) and it was eventually sold to a Washington Mutual. This time I wasn't so lucky and operation in Santa Rosa was closed.

My body weight and self-esteem seemed to fluctuate a lot during this transition period; I lost quite a bit of weight on a personal diet plan, partly for personal reasons (a relationship) and for health reasons. When they both fell apart so did my concern, desire, and will to control my eating habits. I have to say all of this a jumble of time.

I was out of work for over a year after 9/11 and went to work for AAA in SF in 2005. Things were going well in the position until I was given a negative performance evaluation. It didn't seem like I could recover from it. A big part of my job was providing customer service to employees and no matter how good you do that if you have a mistake it will come back to bite you. So my performance at AAA was up and down. In 2009 a significant loss was incurred by my department due to my not following up on an issue; it was the last straw and was told I would probably not survive the aftermath, as the company was cutting back. I resigned from the position (rather than having to go through the embarrassment of being fired).

So I can say that I have just gotten by (if you want to call it that).