Dear LW,

You have so much going right and you do know the answer. What is interesting is that despite incredible odds (abuse, PTSS, anxiety disorder(s), etc.), you have reinvented yourself. A PhD, in England at 32? Wow. And you say you feel somewhat isolated, or that you miss those who know you best. If you didn't say that, it would be very strange. Think about all that you are doing right first and acknowledge that you are motivated and that you are strong.

Now about this alcohol. I too have a crush on wine. Some very bad things have happened when there is too much. Judging by the letters in response to yours, I am surrounded by alcoholics, have been one and perhaps am in danger of this again. Yet, I am not cut off from everyone I love, in another country, without support. I do hear your motivation and drive in your letter and it does sound like you can beat this.

You sound busy and lonely, so, some ideas: Surround yourself with people who are consistent, those who get you and can really listen. Be militant about your workouts, start a grueling training regimin or run, every day. Trust me, you won't be able to stay up long enough to drink like that if you are working your arse off in the AM. Invoke this health and make it your new lifestyle and your new mantra. We are what we continually do. Every time you want to slip, think of everyone who has ever loved you and everyone who has ever hurt you. Everyone has something that can turn that dial for them and you will find it, if you haven't already taken your power back.

Hang in there! You are only human and this is a serious challenge, but you already know what you have to do. The past can't hurt you anymore.

I'm speechless.

"He does this sort of thing unchecked and unquestioned all the time."

Hallelujah! Simple and true words you wrote. Who in the media does he own? I think this same thing almost every day.

but JH, I can't read anything past this: "Our head-shaving, drug-abusing, rehab-escaping, ProTools-needing, coochie-flashing, K-Fed-marrying, K-Fed-divorcing, child-welfare-endangering, bonkers-going, MTV Video Music Awards-appearance-flubbing bitch."

I am laughing too hard!

Seeing this letter, originally I was tempted to say, " I am so sick of this whole stripper thing. The idea that more is more and that anyone can be really sexy is done to death (no pun). It makes me wonder where the brain cells are hiding."

Then I thought I'd ask, "Can't someone make an original costume? Does everyone dressing up want to be "hot", as in "french maid" (puke) or catwoman. What about the hot iron, hot stove, or the hot lava( you could be a volcano )?" OK, that's as dumb as the maid but who cares.

Then I read Cary's letter, which is like an ode to Burning Man or Carnivale and I have to agree. Choose your battles. Maybe this one isn't worth it. What's so bad about wanting to bring your bad side out for an eve anyway? I know, she's young, but prob not as sheltered as you'd like to think.

P.S. One of the best costumes I've seen was a road, complete with roadkill and skidmarks. I suppose that might be lost on the teen pop.

What? You are focusing on Britney Spears and her Motherhood issues? What's next, Michael Jackson's thoughts on sleepover camps? Cary is right, who knows what these people are like. We are hearing and seeing only a single facet. In some cases, that is all there is... the 2D, but that is another discussion.

Naked is fantastic, and more importantly, it's natural. What is appropriate for you in this situation is that you are a normal healthy person and that you continue to behave in that manner. Your kids are v. young and soon, since you are such an attentive and sensitive mom, you'll notice when they give you the "TMI" look. Or maybe they won't, who knows.

The point is not to let the tabloids and the "experts" (oooh, an expert in pietism!) dictate what you do in your home. How about focusing on the violence your children will definitely see (and probably experience) in their young lives? Some Mom-skin flashing around the house, well, that's just gonna happen everyday unless your home is 12,000 sq ft and you never get undressed.

A large portion of the female vote and the black vote, combined. That would be called a landslide. But could they work together? I guess we won't have to spend any time on that question, since Obama already said no to a Q not asked by Clinton.