Untouchable Snow

Day 13

Almost 2 weeks already.  Time flies when you're having fun.  For some people that is.  This is NOT fun.  I am really hoping that someday when there comes that day that I don't want to go to for my walk or go to the gym because I am tired I will remember back to these 20 weeks and remember what a damn, miserable struggle it was for me.  I realize some people sign up for this another 20 weeks because it was SO easy.  As of right now, I never want to repeat these 20 weeks.  Maybe I will change my mind later but I don't think so.  With all that said, I am doing pretty darn good.  Haven't cheated even one time.  It's just not worth it to me.  Too much pain and too much $.  Was reminded this weekend that I really do only have 1 chin.  I don't think we were meant to have 2.  My second one has been given it's walking papers and is quickly exiting stage left.  I think a full face can be attractive but the only double that should be going on there are the eyes.  Tomorrow is weigh-in again.  I'm pretty sure I haven't gained anything!

Yesterday I had book club but wasn't up to being around the food and drink so I bowed out until next time.  The book we read was "The Falls" by Joyce Carol Oates.  I do not recommend it.  Found out late last night that everyone in the book club hated it too so unless you wish to be tortured by 500+ pages of reading, don't read it. 
Went ISO snow yesterday.  I told Roxie that every little white dog needed to see snow at least once in a lifetime.  Packed her jacket and her cookies and off we went.  Decided to go to Palomar Mountain.  I didn't want to go to the top but at least far enough to touch snow.  As we drove up through Valley Center and Pauma we saw a lot of cars and trucks heading down with snow piled on top and a lot of truck beds.  Very exciting for being a San Diegan.  We have lots of sun and sand but snow is not in the mix.  As we approached the base of the mountain, we were again reminded of what it is like to be living in California.  This is one of those "Only in California" moments.  There were orange cones, a firetruck (a staple in every road block), sheriff vehicles, ranger vehicles, and lots of  people in neon yellow vests.  Most of these things I have named would normally be seen at the sight of a serious auto accident.  But not in San Diego County!  An emergency?  Not at all.  It took all of those vehicles and people to tell us that we were not allowed to see the snow as there were too many people already there.  Only in California!  So I say to the Ranger..."Isn't there anywhere we can see snow?"  And Mr. Smarty Pants Know-It-All Ranger Rick in his haughty little tone says "Not around here unless you get here at the crack of dawn".  And then he glared... Whatever.  So I had to apologize to Roxie and tell her that not every little white dog is privy to San Diego snow because some of them don't have moms who get up at 4 in the morning.  I think that is where I heard her mutter under her breath "My parents are such losers".
So the highlight of the day was passing a pasture of Llamas.  There's a first for everything.  We saw 2 Llamas humping.  That's about the best news I have.  And this was as close to snow as we got...
♥

Pieces of Me

Day 11

Hanging in there.  I'm not sure that it is getting easier for me but I am growing to accept what is.  I still crave Mexican.  Tacos, burritos, etc.  I believe it truly is a comfort thing for me.  That's kind of a tough one for me because I feel as if I have needed comfort my whole life.  So sometimes I feel very much alone.  I have not been overweight my whole life.  But I have noticed that with each decade it gets harder and harder to control weight.  I know that better choices and a lot more exercise will be the key.  Eating a couple of tacos or a bean and cheese burrito is not my problem.  It's that I am 46 years old, eat the food, and don't move!  I woke up this morning and I felt better.  I love that.  I put a dress on for church that has always fit except the bands on the sleeves have always cut into my arms.  No cutting today.  Awesome!

I had another interesting day in the life of Jules.  Went to church this morning.  That was a good choice.  I was a kind of blind-sided by a request after church though.  It was from my mom.  She asked me if I would be going to see Doris at the Hospice House today.  I said I probably would.  She then said she would like to join me.  Whoa.  I was taken aback.  I said "are you sure"?  She was sure.  I called Judy and asked her if it would be ok with her.  I think Judy was taken aback also.  She was a bit hesitant but said ok.  So my mom and I went to see my mom.  How's that for weird?  Bev has never met Doris before.  I was really nervous about the whole thing.  She has met Judy once before so that was ok.  Mom is not real comfortable around everyone but Judy hugged her and said hello.  Mom would have never hugged Judy.  Judy showed us around the hospice and then we went to the room.  Doris is no longer on oxygen.  She is lying in bed, quite peaceful actually.  She goes through spells when she stops breathing but otherwise she sleeps and breathes.  I introduced them and held my breath.  I wasn't sure if Doris was going to leap out of bed and they were going to have a show-down or what!  Mom thanked Doris for the gift of me.  We both talked to Doris about different things.  I did most of the talking.  I told Doris how my optifast program is going and told her about the weather and the animals.  I talked about our trip to Maui in 2002.  I did the best I could.  Mom talked to her about Heaven and then said a prayer.  It's unknown if Doris heard a word of any of this.  I hope so.  I tried to get her to squeeze my hand but there is nothing there.  It was a very different kind of experience for me...my birth mother and my mother both in the same room.  A lot of thoughts and feelings flashed through my mind.  Words that would flash in my mind.  Birth.  Life.  Mom.  Mother.  Daughter.  Death.  Loss.  It was something that touched me and moved me but something that I haven't quite processed yet.  It was a lot for me to take in.  I have always felt like my life has been made up of different pieces - nothing that connected or flowed.  Today I faced two of those pieces at the same time.  And I ponder...
♥

Broth and Such

Day 9

Every night when I go to bed I say a prayer of thanks that I made it another day.  I have to admit that it is slowly but surely getting easier.  I still have the hunger pains more often than not but I am able to cope with it better.  Drank more water today.  Got a little bit of exercise in.  I'm hanging in there.  I can do this for 141 more days, right?  I found I do like the chicken soup.  Soup is not really the correct term but that's what it's called.  It's more like a weird tasting broth.  But it actually fills me up and makes me happy.  I had it tonight with hot sauce and lemon.  I had to go all the way to San Diego tonight to buy the darn box of "soup" so I had better like it.

The week is almost over.  Long day at work and then a trip to San Diego.  I'm not as young as I used to be.  I was in San Diego and could have gone to visit Doris tonight but I chose not to.  I already said my good bye.  Unbelievably she is still alive.  No food for over a week and no water since Tuesday.  I'm not sure how long one can go without it (water) but I think the average is about 3 days.  Judy had a priest go to the hospice home yesterday and give her the last rites.  I'm not sure Doris would have liked that all that much.  I'm not even sure she was/is Catholic.  Oh well - I think it was to make Judy feel better and at peace because I don't think Doris was affected one way or the other.  She drank quite a bit over the years.  They say alcohol kills.  Is that really true? I do know that every time I have a dumb moment or do a stupid thing that I do tend to blame it on her drinking.  Back in the 60s I could have possibly had fetal alcohol syndrome and who would know?!  Well, it's a good thing to blame all my bad traits on!  But on a serious note I really hope that I never end up like that.  Zero quality of life.  Who really wants people to sit there and watch them die?  It's a sad world we live in for sure.
I had a very nice afternoon break at work today.  I like the afternoons when I can take a break and relax and be happy.  2:30 comes along and I'm ready for the relief.  It's the little things in life that make me the most happy.
I just heard some terrible noises coming out of my kitchen.  Hmmm - I wonder what caused that?  I'm the only human awake in the house and all the lights are off.  Now what could it be?  Definitely not a 7 month old kitten who has taken over this whole house like a vengeance.  The older she gets, the naughtier!  Hey, now THAT is something to think about! ♥

Tuesday News

Day 7

I did it!  I made it a week and went to weigh-in without cheating one time.  I'm proud of myself.  I was a little pissed off tonight in group though because the leader asked how everyone's week was and everyone nodded his or her head as if it were the easiest thing ever.  No one complained of hunger or anything of the kind.  I was sitting there thinking I must be the biggest whiner EVER.  I could have just sat there and pretended my week was peachy but I didn't.  I raised my hand and said it was awful.  Some moments were ok but dammit I was hungry, angry, sad, and a crybaby.  I was glad I shared that because I was given a lot of encouragement and some ideas.  They said it was ok to have an extra shake a day.  Also, I was encouraged to have the additional/optional chicken soup.  I didn't have $22.00 to buy a box of soup but I may try it next week.  But I did make a new friend in class who asked if I bought the soup and I said no and she gave me a packet to try.  So that I will do.  All that being said...I lost an incredible amount of weight for 1 week.  I know I won't lose like this every week but it was a good motivator for week 1.

WEIGHT LOSS: 15.4 pounds

Long day and it's still not over.  Waiting for Cassie to be picked up by mom and dad.  She comes for dog-sitting the last Tuesday night of every month.  She, Zoe, and Luigi are sound asleep in bed.  Roxie and I are hanging out together eating cookies.  Dog cookies for Rox.  Had to make that clear!
I've had a swollen and painful ankle for 11 days now.  I really do need to see the doctor.  I keep saying that.  I wrapped it today which helped.  I committed in group tonight to walk around Discovery Lake 2x before next week's group.  I'm not going to bail on the commitment so this ankle needs to get better.
Doris was moved to a private hospice home in La Mesa today.  It was too much for Judy to handle obviously if she's dropping Doris on the floor so it was a good move.  She was not coherent today.  I can't imagine it will be much longer.
Have a ton of stuff on DVR to watch.  And a book to finish for book club on Sunday.  So much to do and work gets in the way on a daily basis.  How irritating! Signing off...♥

Day Off of Work

Day 6

Tomorrow is weigh-in.  I'm excited about that.  I got some sugar free Torani syrup and mixed it with the chocolate shake.  Really good combination.  I still miss the CRUNCH.  I am just dying to have something crunchy in my mouth.  19 more weeks until crunch time!  I went to a movie today.  I love popcorn.  I smelled popcorn and more popcorn.  Wow was that tough but I took my shaker bottle, water, and an opti packet and had lunch right there in the theatre!  Luigi did step out into the hall to shake it up for me.  That was nice of him.  Afternoons and evenings are tough.  I associate going home at night with eating a meal.  Yep, it's all tough; but I am tougher.  Will check back in tomorrow with how many pounds lost this past week...stay tuned.

Enjoyed my President's Day Holiday.  Did some cleaning during the morning and then this afternoon went to the movies to see "Unknown".  Great movie - really liked it.  Then went to Henry's Market where I bought myself a drink shaker.  Not the cocktail kind - but the plastic one with the wire ball inside for mixing up the powder.  It's cute - bright green lid.  I have to go with cute.  That's all I've got!  Then went to World Market to get some Torani.  Now I am home waiting for my weekly indulgence...The Bachelor!  Back to work tomorrow.  And then blood work, weigh-in, and then group meeting for 2 hours.  Busy day.♥

A Hard Day

Day 5

They say it takes at least a week.  I sure hope they mean it.  What if I feel this way for 20 solid weeks?  It changes hour by hour.  One hour I feel doomed and the next I feel strong.  I have had the worst time this evening.  Judy (sister) and Luigi were talking In-N-Out Burgers tonight.  And White Castle.  And philly cheesesteaks.  I couldn't even join in the conversation because all I could think was that I really wanted one of whatever.  I still feel as hungry as I did on Day 1.  This overweight thing really does suck.  I'm told that seeing progress motivates and makes you feel better.  Today I went down 1 size in jeans.  After only 4 days!  I haven't worn those jeans in over a year.  That felt good and that helped.  But it didn't take away the hunger.  Constant rumbly in my tumbly as Pooh Bear would say.  I found weekends are harder than weekdays.  Being at work really helps.  No cheating.  No failing.  I am not quitting.  And I have had Blog readers leave me some great comments of encouragement.  I appreciate all of you - you probably don't realize how much it does help.  So thank you!

What a day.  I got to sleep in this morning which was wonderful.  That was the bright spot in the day.  My sister Judy had called me yesterday afternoon and left me a message.  I didn't even bother to listen to the message until this morning.  She told me that Doris (our mother) is on hospice and has very little time left.  I didn't know because when I talked to Judy 8 days ago everything was ok.  Doris is my birth mother.  We have had a somewhat strained relationship for about 11 years.  It's hard to explain in a couple of sentences of what has transpired during the 11 years.  Anyway, Judy wanted me to have the opportunity to visit Doris and say good bye.  I went to their house this evening and did just that.  Judy had said that it would be doubtful that Doris would know me.  However, she absolutely did know me.  I walked in and said "hi mom".  She opened her eyes and looked my way.  She is on oxygen so it's very hard for her to even say a whole sentence.  So I did most of the talking.  She did tell me that we got off to a rough start but that she loves me.  We also talked about Bob (birth father) and how I have his eyes.  I didn't know really what to say to her.  I talked weather, my dog, my diet, and my job.  We spent about 45 minutes together.  She had taken a dose of morphine and was getting heavy eyes.   I told her she should sleep.  I took one last look at her and walked away.  I got tears in my eyes.  I'm not sure what those tears were for.  Probably a lot of different things.  It's been a tough day.  Doris, may you rest in peace. ♥

Today's Opti Update

Day 3

I had a fairly good day until tonight.  Woke up and felt healthier actually.  My pants fit better today.  I had good energy today.  Went to the parent's house to eat tonight.  Luigi ate and I had a shake.  I just knew I could handle it.  I was right, but not to the extent I thought.  It was hard.  And mom had a loaf of my favorite healthy bread sitting on her kitchen counter.  Sprouted flourless wheat.  I love that as toast.  That was the most tempting of all.  It was strange watching people eat a meal.  It almost felt like I was watching a family eat on TV.  I got home tonight and had a "meltdown" of minor proportions.  I find that the strongest emotion that I deal with is anger.  I have a lot of built up anger.  I didn't realize how much until I started this.  I am angry that I have to do this.  I can blame my weight gain on a whole bunch of things - many valid reasons.  But the bottom line is that I did this and I have to fix it.  I don't want my knees to hurt anymore.  I don't want my back to ache.  I don't want to be gasping after a flight of stairs.  I want to take a long walk, a hike, or maybe even a run.  I have a healthy heart and it's my responsibility to take care of it.  So after my meltdown I picked myself up, had my last shake of the day, and calmed myself down.  Another day - success.

TGIF

Day 2

I pray this gets easier.  Wow, what a tough evening.  I am so hungry and want something crunchy.  I don't want junk food - that's not really what I am about.  Right now I would be so happy with some reduced fat triscuits (Vons brand - my favorite!) and some little pieces of sharp cheddar.  Food talk over.  I felt better today.  Not quite so panicked and had a little more energy.  I found out how to make the Vanilla shake tolerable.  I add in some Torani sugar-free raspberry syrup.  I can deal with that.  I did something that is absolutely against the "rules".  After only being on this for 24 hours, I decided to step on the scale.  Not a smart thing.  I knew it was wrong but I couldn't help myself.  I lost 3 pounds between yesterday and today but that doesn't mean a darn thing.  Bad.  When I made Roxie's dinner tonight I thought it looked pretty tasty.  Kibbles, fresh boiled chicken, and greek yogurt.  Spoiled dog!  When dog food looks good, watch out!  I am strong and committed.  I will continue on and take this one day at a time.

Gotta love Thursday nights.  That is because when I get up in the morning, it is Friday!  I am doing my weekend laundry tonight.  Thought if I get that out of the way, I can relax more this weekend.  And speaking of the weekend - it's a 3-day-er.  President's Day on Monday.  Yippee!  I think I will go out for breakfast and then...oops - NO breakfast!  I'm kidding.  I think it might be a good day to see a movie.  I haven't been to see a movie in over a year so I think it's time.  FB me with any suggestions on what to see, please.
I have another cleaning product that I love.  It's called Kaboom.  It's a mold remover.  My master bathroom seems to get mold on a daily basis even when I open the window.  It was that way when I moved in and I am afraid this condo is so old that it will always be that way.  Anyhow, you just spray the little specks of mold with the Kaboom and voila - in an hour they have disappeared.  Love it!  Got it at Target for $3.00.
"Henry's Marketplace" has been sold.  All locations.  They will now become "Sprouts" stores.  I am not a fan of Sprouts but oh well.  Now we wait and see if this is a good change or a bad change.  I hate the pins and needles thing.  Luigi hopes it will be a good opportunity for him.  Time will tell.  Overall, it was a good day.  A prayer was answered for someone I care about and I didn't eat.  Can't ask for more than that. ♥

Day 1

Day 1

I thought I was different.  I was going to be THE one who was able to fly through the first day without a bit of trouble.  I wasn't going to be hungry.  I was going to love the shakes.  I was going to be the Optifast Wonder Woman.  That worked out just fine until about 11:00am.  That's when I started smelling lunches cooking in the kitchen, my co-worker eating something crunchy at her desk, and my stomach growling something fierce.  Felt like crap actually.  Getting irritable.  Feeling very pissed off.  Angry.  Resentful.  Hateful (towards myself).  So I rode it out until 1:00 when it was "lunchtime".  Thought I would make a delicious concoction of a vanilla shake with a diet dr pepper.  Shook it up...it exploded and smelled horrendous.  I drank what was left.  Awful.  Don't try it.  Needless to say I had a bad afternoon.  Drank my chocolate 4:00 delight.  Now I am at home about to consume my last meal of the day.  Vanilla with sugar-free Torani Raspberry.  I burst into tears the minute I got home.  It's comforting to come home and eat.  Overall, a rough day.  I didn't cheat but I also didn't die!  Tomorrow is a new day.  They say this gets better...please let that be true.

Not much going on in the life of Jules today.  I think the Optifast consumed me.  However, I got a nice phone call earlier in the day.  That made me smile!  Work was work.  Busy.  Looking forward to Idol tonight.  Never thought I would love Steven Tyler and JLo.  They are so much better than I thought they would be.  Both Roxie and Zoe were waiting for me at the front door when I walked in.  Love that! ♥

No Parking

This is the last day that food will pass these lips in a very long time.  And I am so excited!  A new chapter in my life begins tomorrow morning.  5 shakes a day and water.  I am told the first few days are hell but that after that you don't even think about it.  What I am looking forward to the most is having some energy.  I need energy.  I have turned into the laziest person I know.  Everything is a struggle for me.  And I don't believe we were made to struggle like this (if we are fortunate and healthy).  I am going to have some physical goals as I go along but for right now I just need to get through tomorrow and my 5 shakes.  And water.  I hate water.  I can have diet soda.  I hate diet soda.  I couldn't go and make this easier now could I?!
I will blog about this every day.  And on Tuesday nights I will be sharing the # of pounds lost.
As for life other than Optifast, I have a problem.  About 2 days a week I come home and someone is parked in my personal parking spot.  The one that says "RESERVED".  I am beyond pissed.  And it's always a different car.  I always leave a note telling the person that it is my spot and to park elsewhere.  I'm sure they don't care but it gives me satisfaction.  Tonight was a little different.  I put the note on this fugly truck and later looked out the window to find that the truck was gone. Yay!  But the person took my note and threw it on the ground?  What?  They can't do that!  That's like kicking a puppy or something really horrible!  Anyway...I just needed to vent.  Not sure anything can be done about this situation.  But would they not throw away the note?  Come on - that hurts! ♥

Who Does That?

I finally did it.  It took me almost 7 months but today was the day.  The deed is done.  I'm sure all will read this holding their breath waiting...for the bomb to drop.  Ready?  What I did today will forever change the course of how I do a certain thing in my life.  And that thing?  Why laundry of course.  I LOCKED MY KITTEN IN THE DRYER.  What kind of mom am I?  Who does that?  It's been an ongoing issue in this house.  I do laundry, she jumps in the dryer.  I ALWAYS check and double check before I close and turn on the dryer.  Luckily and thankfully I did not turn on the dryer this time.  But I pulled out some things that needed to be hung up.  Hung those items up and went back to the dryer to pull out items that just needed to be folded.  At that moment I had a whoosh of laziness and said "forget it - I will fold them later".  Slammed the door shut, closed the closet door, turned off the light, and went on with my evening.  I was sitting on the couch watching a movie a while ago and realized my ever-faithful kitten was not close by.  She is always close by - in fact we are kind of stuck like glue.  I did a once-over the living room.  Roxie was in one corner of the room napping.  Cassie (I was dog sitting) was in a chair napping.  But where was Zoe?  I asked Roxie "have you seen your sister"?  Now I get why the look of sheer pleasure and laughter in her eyes!  I started calling for Zoe and nothing.  I finally got up and decided it was time to go on a kitten hunt.  At that same time I heard this horrible banging.  My first thought was "damn neighbors - can't they just shut up and be quiet for even one night?"  I couldn't figure out what the noise of the day upstairs could possibly be.  I walked toward my bedroom and that's when it hit me.  Someone was knocking on something in my closet.  As I opened the closet door, I just knew what it was.  Zoe was banging on the door asking to be let out of the dark, hot dryer.  Back to my question...who does that?!  I opened up the dryer and she practically fell out of it and then looked up and gave me the meanest look that a kitten could muster up!  I felt terrible.  Apologizing, kissing, begging...she was having none of that.  But in about 30 minutes my little friend jumped up on the couch next to me and plopped down and gave me a little sigh and a real big purrrrr.  She's fine.  I'm not.  Note to self...ALWAYS check the dryer, no matter what!
Heard a really interesting guy talk at church yesterday.  It wasn't a sermon but more like a story like thing.  He was a Navy frogman.  Had everything going for him until one day he decided to help his friend sell a little bit green leafy stuff to other friends on the Island of Hawaii.  Next thing he knows he is in Columbia picking up cocaine.  Long story short, he was in a car in Florida with 32 million dollars worth of cocaine in his car and he got busted.  He just happened to be one of John DeLorean's co-defendants in his big drug case.  He could have gotten 50 to life but pled guilty and got 5.  Out in 3.  He did amazing things in prison - became chief engineer of the fire department within his federal prison.  He met many people while fighting fires in the Mojave Desert.  Became friends with some CHP.  Got out of prison and they recommended him to work for the Diving University in Los Angeles.  He just kept going and soon became the chief diver for Jacques Cousteau.  How incredible is that?  He had live footage of looking down the mouths of great whites.  Awesome.  He showed footage of going along the white barrier reef in Fiji.  I was so fixated on all the beauty at the bottom of the sea.  I just loved it.  By the way, I do have a customary thing that I do when I travel.  Any new city that I travel to I visit their aquarium (If they have one).  I am hooked on aquariums.  Now I want to dive in Fiji...I hope I can do that some day!  Anyway, he left the Cousteau Society after turning down an offer to be the CEO.  He also turned down National Geographic to head their great white shark expedition.  He is a lay minister and speaker in schools and is also a missionary in Fiji.  And he loves it.  He is starting a new program to take kids who are physically challenged (as in never walked before) and teach them how to dive in Fiji.  And John Cousteau has volunteered to head the operation for him.  Incredible story.  Just had to share that...
Valentine's Day tomorrow...I think someone is buying me a Pandora Bracelet.  Not!  A private joke which couldn't possibly be funny to anyone but me.  Sorry!
2 more days...Optifast is creeping up on me! ♥

Cruising and Fasting

 

I know - I promised a cruise re-cap and while I usually deliver on my promises, it often takes me a long time to get there.

The cruise to Cabo was actually more fun than I anticipated it would be.  Mom and I got along quite well.  Some of my biggest fears just didn't come to fruition.  Dad on the other hand...he really surprised me. The older he gets the more paranoid he becomes.  I found out that he actually sleeps in bed with a flashlight.  When he hears a noise he snaps on the light to catch the thief!  It's quite strange actually.  And then the other thing he does is say that lights keep coming on in the cabin while he is sleeping.  I hate to break this to him but the lights that are coming on are from his flashlight!  He was also convinced that someone would climb onto the balcony and enter the cabin.  Ok, let me shake the hand of the person who wants to play with death and scale along the balconies with the dark, ice cold pacific ocean lurking down below.  Really?!  Whatever.  We all survived the trip, felt safe in Mexico, and gained a few pounds.  Oh, and mom finally stopped calling the Carnival Dancers "Nudie Girls".  We've moved on since then.  Of course I had to open up my big mouth and tell her it's a good thing she has never been to a Vegas show because those girls really don't have anything on top.  She was horrified by that fact and even more horrified figuring out that I know that because I have seen it myself.  Sorry!  Mom claims she doesn't know where she went wrong with raising me.  I guess she expects perfection.  Believe me, I was and am VERY mild compared to many people.  I've never done drugs and I've never been arrested.  I think I'm angelic!  I will never forget the time when she found out that I shared a pitcher of margaritas one afternoon with a friend.  She was absolutely devastated that I had gone to the dark side (at the young age of 21).  And she spent the whole next year worrying that by doing that I had triggered alcoholism.  Drama!

5 more days to Optifast.  Beginning Wednesday morning, food will not be in my life for 20 weeks.  Wow - I still find it hard to believe.  I will be drinking 5 shakes a day.  The shakes contain EVERYTHING a body needs to function.  Actually to highly function.  I can chew gum as long as it is not sweetened with anything ending in a "tol".  Sorbitol, etc.  The white coats claim that "tol" in connection with the shakes will cause some horrible diarrhea.  No thanks.  Not even an issue.  May the "tol" be consumed by someone other than myself.  I will be posting every day on this Blog with regard to my life on a "fast".  I am supposed to journal as part of my journey so some of it will be done on here.  I can't miss a shake so I figure I also can't miss a Blog entry.  Call me on it if I fail!
Signing off with some more Cabo pics.  I also posted some on FB.  I have more from mom's camera and I will download those over the weekend.  No pics of me...these were taken from my camera and I don't often take pics of myself...