SEVENTH HEAVEN

Today is day 7 of the cleanse I'm doing with some of the staffers from the Martha Stewart Show. And I feel like I'm in 7th Heaven because I've lost 9 pounds the first week. I don't think I ever lost that much in one week...and so I'm inspired and motivated to keep it going. By now I have gotten used to the routine. And I am starting to feel a bit more energy and a bit less tired.

Now here's something a bit interesting when you're ridding your body of this extra weight and losing your toxins...the doctor told us that we would have very vivid and weird dreams. Well I can speak from experience that this is definately true. The other night I had a dream so vivid, so real, that I woke up hitting my husband I was so mad at him.

In the dream, my husband announces that he wants to marry another woman named Michelle. He tells me he's not leaving me...he's decided to become a polygymist. So he would have two wives. He told me not to worry this other woman doesn't really like kids but she will be a big help to us. How is that I wonder (in my dream)...is she willing to clean floors, wash clothes, dust the furniture? then just when I didn't think it could get any worse...my husband gives me the diamond engagement ring he intends to give her to hide until he's ready to propose. She comes to our house and snoops around...and finds the ring. When she sees the size of the diamond she tells me to tell my husband to get a bigger rock or the deal is off....CAN YOU IMAGINE THE NERVE? That was about all I could handle so I woke up and started yelling and hitting Bob how dare he...of course he had no idea what I was talking about.

The next night I dreamt that Chef Bobby Flay and I started a romance as we waited everyday for the train. Maybe it's payback for "Michelle". Who knows? All I know is that I'm enjoying going to bed for the night because I'm never sure what adventure is in store for me. This is a fun ride....climb on -- it's never too late.

DAY THREE OF MY CLEANSE

So I have been receiving alot of questions about what kind of diet I am on. I actually started on Dr. Junger's cleanse. He has a book titled "CLEAN" which talks about cleansing your body to restore the body's natural ability to heal itself. It's a 21 day program...and hopefully I'll be able to make it through...each day gets a little easier. I compare the diet to Lenten sacrifices. When you were little and gave up something for 40 days of Lent...and then you could have it again on Easter. Well basically this cleanse is like Lent and you're giving up food. (good food--ok food that I consider good--pizza, stew, pie, hamburgers etc).
The diet consists of a shake for breakfast, a light lunch from the elimination diet plan (mostly lean proteins...no eggs, lots of fruits and vegetables) and then a shake for dinner. After day one I thought I could never last. Yesterday was only day 2 and it wasn't so bad...I'm thinking I can get used to this (not really) but it's a little easier to try.
So today's day three...and the biggest aid is the support of staff members who are doing it with me and we offer encouragement to each other...my husband is doing his version of a diet cleanse...so that helps at home. I think my most difficult challenge is going to be the weekends...when I'm home...cooking dinner--living life. Wish me luck.

DAY 2--AND THAT ANNOYING MOTHER

Today is day two of my diet. How did day one go? well as I said earlier today is day two so I'm still on it...and it's hard. I keep waiting to get over "the hump"...but I am sure I have a way to go. No caffeine...shakes for breakfast....protein for lunch....at least I'm sticking with it...last night I had 0 energy...as I nearly missed my train. But I keep saying...it will get easier, it will get easier. Here's what's not making it easier. Those annoying mothers (now I know that an adjective like annoying before the word mother is probably and should only be used by teenagers--but I'm on a diet and I'm cranky!)...those annoying mothers who scream and root at sporting events for their kids like their life depended on it. Last night I sat by one of those annoying mothers. I was at Caroline's basketball game...I was tired. I had gotten off the train, wanted to just relax and have a low key hunger filled night. When all of a sudden I hear..."GO LAKE! GO JAMIE! GO ELLA! YOU CAN DO IT...YOU CAN WHIP THESE KIDS...etc, etc." I thought I would have to be restrained if the woman didn't shut up. Maybe on another day when I wasn't on a diet I would tolerate it...but when I'm tired and cranky and hungry....I have a right to get angry! Don't I? My daughter's team didn't win...but there's always tommorrow....thank goodness for that.

D-DAY!

Ok...I'm going to say it out loud...today is D-Day...D with a capital Diet. I've gained almost 20 pounds since our season at Martha started. 20 pounds is alot--not a made up number either. Imagine carrying around an extra sack of potatoes or perhaps being pregnant with your 6th kid--that's 20 pounds and it's extra weight I don't need. So today I'm going on a diet. Here's why it's going to work this time (after the 999 times it didn't). First of all I have alot more support. I'm on a "cleanse diet" with people I work with. We will help one another out. Secondly, I have my husband's support. For the first time in his life he bought Kale...and LIKED it. He's losing weight with me....(actually getting healthier). And finally I'm telling all of you about the Diet....so talking out loud about it gives me responsibility to stick with it. Maybe you would like to join in too? Jump right in...today's the first day of the rest of our lives!!!!
Here goes something!

SCENES FROM NEW YEARS DAY! HAPPY 2010

Happy New Year...what a great year its destined to be! Here Caroline and Pauline toast to a fantastic year....
Graceann celebrating with Rebecca
I made some homemade cream puffs to celebrate the new year.
do you like the matching dresses I got for 9.99?
Celebrating 2010!
What would the new year be without a kiss from my hubby....love you Bob!
Happy New Year to all....