I model for Versace

Yesterday, Dave and I went to the Panthers game. It was sad from any perspective you try. Saturday was sunny and hot, yesterday was cold and rainy. While I have longed for cooler weather, I wasn't so excited about the rain and my sitting outside. The game was painful to watch for a host of reasons, the least of which was the weather. I hate to be a fair weather (ha) fan, but come on.

Anyway, the great thing about games is no matter how poor the athleticism, the people watching is superb. Now remember, it was about 70 and pouring rain. Near the end of the first quarter this couple comes and sits in front of us. Let's call them Robert and Victoria. I feel certain these are not their real names, but I feel they could be. Robert is early 40's, salt and pepper hair, chubby face and chubby body. His face looks a bit like a cat to me. Victoria weighs about 6 pounds, 3 pounds of which is make up and she is dressed in cocktail attire, not sportswear. As the camera guy comes near our section of the stadium she starts yelling "film us! film us! I model for Versace, you should put me on camera!"

Weightloss Battle Continues

I mere 5 days after returning from vacation, I have lost 4.5 pounds. Although it has come at a cost. I truly hate working out. While it may be mean and uncalled for, I have found that a big motivator in getting myself to the gym is to force myself to stand naked infront of a full length mirror for 3 minutes each morning and think about all the things I could balance on my hips. Or the things that would just sit there, as if on a shelf. While I returned from vacation Wed evening, today is my first day back at work. The true test will be if I can come home and not immediately start eating.

Music is also no longer a motivator in my workouts, so I have downloaded several podcasts in a series of "things you should know". They are very random and therefore I think are the perfect thing for me to listen to and increase my knowledge of useless facts!

The Art of Gardening

So that no one feels like I am killing plants in my office but running a farm somewhere else, I thought I would further prove why I should not be trusted with agriculture. Earlier this summer I decided that even though I didn't have my own house and therefore could not plant a garden, I could at least grow herbs.

This is yet another venture that I blame/credit Kelli with starting. You see, I went to her house where there is lots and lots of land. She and her husband had planted all these foods that I thought would be amazing to have right outside my front door. Alas, I do not have land, I have an apartment that my landlord would frown upon my turning the backyard into a farm. Instead, I came up with the grand plan to grow herbs.

So off to Lowe's I went. It was completely overwhelming and I left. Then I went to Target and was able to find everything I thought I needed. After reading the directions, I planted basil, cilantro, rosemary and parsley. I never eat parsley, but it seemed like a good idea in the moment.

A few weeks later, I had basil, and a ton of it. There were three sprigs of cilantro and nothing else. A week later, the cilantro was gone and the basil was flourishing. I used the basil to make a few dishes and then tragedy. It all died. In a matter of moments. This is what it looks like now :(

Vacation

I love going on vacation...different city to explore, sites to see, food that you don't have where you live, and most importantly, a break from work. I'm shocked though at my complete reckless abandon when it comes to food on vacation. Last Thursday as I left work, I stopped to pick up chocolate chip cookies to celebrate. All I was doing was leaving work, nothing that actually deserved a cookie or three. Friday I decided that since I had cleaned out the refrigerator and car, I should eat a bag of chips with onion dip and a sub. Saturday I ate a pizza and "needed" to go to Dairy Queen. So far, we hadn't even left for vacation.

Sunday, we finally leave for our trip to DC and Philly. Of course, there is no eating healthy before we get on the road. About an hour and a half into the trip, we stop at Arby's for lunch. For dinner, we meet up with one of my college friends and I of course choose sweet potato fries with my sandwich and two glasses of wine. Did I mention that I have also had about 15 sodas in this time frame?

Monday, we arrive in a town outside of Philadelphia at Dave's aunt and uncle's home. They made steaks, with green beans and potatoes for dinner. This was after an eager destruction of chips and hummus and two glasses of wine when we first arrived. After dinner, and another glass of wine, Dave's aunt brings out an homemade blueberry pie. Did I mention that I hate blueberries? Actually, there are several superfoods that I'm not all that crazy about. In an effort to be polite, and because it was being served with homemade ice cream, I ate two pieces. It was the best blueberry dish I have EVER had.

Tuesday, we traveled into Philadelphia to see the Art Museum, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the like. Dave's uncle was a gracious tour guide and had even researched the best cheesesteak in town. It was marvelous. So marvelous in it's greasy glory that you could see through the wax paper it was served on after the meal. That evening, we were treated to an Asian Fusion restaurant where I stuffed myself with fried rice, salmon, edamame dumplings and of course, an absolutely decadent dessert.

During this binge, Dave has gained 1.5 pounds, I have gained 5. So today begins a new phase of my life. Today I vow to end my abusive relationship with food. No longer will each encounter be a conquest that I must win. Instead, I will respect the food that enters my mouth and refrain from eating as much as I can until I feel sick. I have also decided to enter the Charlotte No Fizz challenge - 60 for 60 hydration challenge. I'm a day late, but hey, better late than never?