The weekend

In looking over my month, I realize that I have posted very few updates.

It's been a great weekend. The majority of it was spent in "down time" and was very enjoyable. Friday afternoon wasn't the best, as I left early from work with eye problems. Blaming it on Mal's pink eye from earlier in the week, Mal drove me to the doctor and I was prescribed some drops. It feels much better- normal. I've decided that I'd like to get LASIK surgery (ASAP) and have decided on a personal goal of having it done in one to two years.

Mal and I started a juice fast/diet on Tuesday of this past week. We were inspired by a friend of Drew's who visited and stayed with us for four nights this week. She'd been on the fast for 23 days and had lost over 15 pounds. The fast is designed to last for thirty days and is intended to "flush the system" of toxins. It's done by using an extractor to juice fruits and/or veggies. Only the juice is used- no pulp, etc. The juice provides minerals and vitamins that the body needs without added calories. The result is a healthier inside and slimmer outside. To date, I've lost nine pounds in six days. Not shabby, folks. It's approximately 400-500 calories per day. I've drank juice, teas, water, and some coffee. No food. I'm going into day seven.

It's been really hard, but I'm not as hungry as I was in the first few days. My body has adjusted and the results on the scale (and in my clothes) have been encouraging. Mal is losing weight too. I've only four more pounds before I reach the weight I was when I graduated high school. St. Thomas, here we come!

On Saturday, Mal, Drew, and I all slept in and it was great! The afternoon was spent relaxing (mostly since we're all broke and can't afford to do much else). In the evening, Mal and I ventured out to buy some things on our "to get" list. We tackled the Dollar Store (told you, we're broke), GNC (had to get some supplements for the juice fast- we're keeping it healthy, don't worry), and Walmart (where we picked up a juicer, since Drew's friend left DC with her's). The guy in GNC told Mal that he'd heard of many people having success on the juice fast. He added that the weight tends to stay off, which will be nice. I think that as long as we're smart in transitioning back into a "normal diet" that we'll be okay with keeping off the extra pounds. I've certainly learned that my hunger pains can be worked through and that I don't really "need" that cookie like I thought I did. :) I'm feeling awesome and have more energy than I thought I would.

Today, Mal and I went to church. It was a great message about how God can turn our adversities into opportunities. The pastor is in the third week of his seven part series that is themed around the book that he wrote.

After church, the two of us caught the new Bond movie, Casino Royale. I don't know why so many people were knocking Daniel Craig. He was just as entertaining as the previous actors who've played the character. It was a great flick and quite "Bondish" in all the classic ways. Well, minus Craig's blonde hair and piercing baby blues.

I'm so excited about the short week ahead and the holiday on the horizon. I'll only be working two and a half days this week, as I am leaving work early on Wednesday so that we can leave DC by noonish. Mal has a breakfast meeting that morning, but will be done before 10 o'clock. Apparently, traffic is deadlocked on the highway after three, so we're getting an early start.

Things I'm looking forward to: Catching up with the fam, seeing Michael (and his new house that he's closing on tomorrow), meeting Mike's parents (Friday), and seeing some friends. I can hardly wait and am in count-down mode. I'm worse than Dick Clark on New Year's eve.