My Incredible, Out-Of-This-World Achievement

I exhibited fantastic self-control all week long.

For one long, long week, I withheld my intense CRAVING for a red velvet cupcake. I just wanted one. That's it. But, do you know how hard it is to work out all the TIME and STILL be craving a 1000 calorie food item?

It's tough.

Ben tried to make it better. He reminded me about how I would definitely be the "Biggest Loser" if I caved. I frowned. That deterred me for a day or two. (Okay, I'll be honest, only about 60 L-O-N-G seconds)

Then, he decided to help me. We walked through two grocery store bakeries. There was nothing. But, I was open for a alternative. I got one doughnut. Just one. That was the day Ben left his wallet at home. And, I left the doughnut at the store.

Finally, I just couldn't do it anymore. So, we got a white chocolate molten cake from Chili's. We shared one between the two of us. I ignored the 3000 calories that screamed at me with every bite. The cake and the calories did not reduce my desire.

Today, in a last-chance resort, we went to Starbuck's. I promised Ben we would only get THE cupcake if it was there.

The cupcake was there. I know the angels were singing. (que Little Mermaid "lolla-la-la-la-lolla-la-la-la" music)

Starbuck's is now my favorite place.  Ever. At the counter, I smiled like a wide-eyed-I-don't-get-sweets-deprived child. I know the Starbuck's lady thought I was crazy.

"They will be here all week." She promised as she handed us the cupcake boxes (one a piece) and I skipped out. (Yes, Internet, I just said I skipped out of Starbuck's)

Tomorrow, I will work out like a crazy woman who just ate a cupcake the night before. And, on Tuesday, to further my (pending) guilt, Jillian returns. She will be there to make me cringe that I ate that  lone cupcake. But today, right now. I have no guilt. Just good ole' satisfaction.

Remember: I was good for one straight week.

Stick to PB & J

Ben and I are changing our diet. We are focusing a lot on portion control and healthier choices. It's been going well.

On Monday, for work we had to go meet a nutrition expert. Notice, I said, "For work". We met her at Sam's Club. Our goal: stroll through that massive store and have her point out good choices and bad choices while we took notes. For work. For the students, of course.
At first, it went so well; she pointed good options like walnuts, peanuts, and pecans and how nutritionally balanced the good ole' peanut butter and jelly is for you. Ben and I nodded, oh yes, oh yes.

Then she said: "Canned ravioli is so bad for you. It's basically like eating dead food."

I shot Ben the LOOK. You know the "Didn't I tell you that?" look. Ben cringed.

We strolled on.

Then she said: "Frosted Mini-wheats are not really good, either. They are so full of sugar." Ben nudged me. She continued. "It’s best to get the plain ones and sprinkle a little sugar on them."

Ben gave me the LOOK. I cringed. Don't take away my cereal!

We strolled on. Following her through the store like two little mischievous kids. He nudged me. I nudged him. All behind her back; she had no idea.
Then she said: "Marinated artichokes aren't really good for you either. They are so full of sodium."
I gave her the LOOK. The one that says, "DON'T say THAT! My husband just started eating salads! Don't take away the food that started this revolution!"

After our trip was over, Ben and I felt challenged and encouraged. We took away important information, like don't drink decaf coffee and eat all your meals before 6pm. Important information like that. Just don't touch the artichokes. Thankyouverymuch.

Bathroom Buddies

My mom had bathroom buddies. They were her children. We were always running in and out to ask her a dozen questions or just to find out where she was. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but we were her bathroom buddies.

I have bathroom buddies too. I'm the reader. You know, the person who flips through the magazine rack in the bathroom or sneaks the novel in while doing business. That's me.

Recently, I've given up that habit, because I had some uninvited, unwelcomed visitors show up. At first,  I didn't notice their yellow bodies. They stayed in the corners doing their thing. And, I stayed, uh, well, I did my thing.

But that changed. Those uninvited, unwelcomed visitors made their presence a little more well known. You may be trying to figure out which bug I'm ellusively speaking of. Give up. I'm not talking about a bug. I'm talking about the mop and the broom.

See source

Yes, I know that most mops and brooms are kept in the laundry room or pantry or cleaning closet. But, you forget, I live in an RV. The mop and broom are large, awkward (but essential) cleaning utensils. And, the toilet-closet we have is (literally) the largest space for them to be stored.

So, everytime I'm, uh, doing my business, I feel the mop and broom heads staring at me from their place on the floor. Their long, sleek and yellowed necks are completely distracting. I don't feel comfortable toting my Real Simple Magazine with me when those two are staring at me. Instead of the olden days of hybernating while I, uh, do my business, I now RACE to get out of that closet AS.FAST.AS.POSSIBLE.

Perhaps, that was TMI (too much information). But. Doesn't everyone have bathroom buddies??

(Come on, admit it!)

Operation Spruce Up

I gazed at the computer screen with wonder and awe. The image on the screen sparked inspiration for me.

 Several weeks ago, Ben and I - with much enthusaism - saw the RV as our little "Extreme Makeover Home Edition". We had great plans of removing or updating the RV installed GOLD lamps, updating all the hardware on the drawers, etc...Those dreams quickly faded. Reality set in for us. Fast. When you know a home is temporary, it makes you lose motivation of putting a little grunt work into remodeling.

Enter Apartment Therapy. I love this website. It showcases beautifully decorated homes all over the USA (except Atlanta!) that are APARTMENT size.

This past week, I stumbled across this little gem: The Janessen Family's Roving Abode. This is about a family that LIVES in an RV. I wanted to become their best friend. Right.Away.

I began to salivate over the green walls, and funky decorations littered across the kitchen. I kept thinking, THIS IS AN RV?!? I want to move in. Oh, wait. I DO live in a RV.

So, we have begun Project RV Spruce-Up. This is where I give Ben drill/paint/etc and I inspect the RV for any drabby areas that need a little encouragement.

First on the list: hang up all the frames and wall art that I've neglecting.

Second on the list: Return to RV inspection.

It will be a work-in-progress, for sure. But, dontcha have to start somewhere?

My Dilemma

I shouldn't have done it. Ben even begged me not to do it. But, I'm stubborn and determined, so I did it anyway.

Yesterday, at the gym, I got on the scale. I had great hopes and visions of losing massive amounts of weight.

My hopes and visions sank into oblivion when the scale went up. UP. I GAINED weight. I was devastated. Does the scale not see and feel all my hard sweaty work and dedication?

Nope. Not at all.

Nevermind the fact that is only 1 1/2 pounds (yes, you read that right, a pound and a HALF) weight gain. Nevermind the fact it was probably muscle gain. I was devastated. AND plunged directly into the depths of despair. Just.Like.That. Thanks, you scale you.

I took it out on Ben. I got mad at him for my ridiculous weight gain.

Nevermind the fact it wasn't HIS fault.

All day long, I sulked through the day with the image of that 1 1/2 pounds in my mind.

Eventually, I pepped up my attitude. My resolve returned. I remembered why I love the gym - for Robin and George, Mr. and Mrs. Ironman,  and getting both stronger and healthier.

To compensate for my attitude, I said to Ben: "Do you want to go get cupcakes?"

Have that, you scale you.

NO, really, don't. Please.

This Marks 2 Months

Dear Ben,

Two months ago, in an old chapel bursting with friends and family, I promised you "I do". Two months later, I stand in wonder at the way time flies. Two months, already? Two months ago, I loved you a lot. Two months later, I love you more. Two months ago, I was curious to how much more fun we could have. Two months later, I know there are no limits with us. Two months ago, I wondered if I could be a good wife. Two months later, I am delighted to be your wife. Two months ago, I never noticed other people watching us. Two months later, I catch people listening to our conversation (all the time) because we are just that funny together.

Two months today, I'm so glad to be on this journey of life with you forever.

Love,

Your wife

To Honor and Obey

When I married Ben, I promised I would "honor and obey" him. I'm pretty laid-back, but extremely stubborn, so I knew the day would come when this part of my vow would be difficult for me.

It came.

I have unashamedly professed my love for The Bachelor. Each Monday, I sit captivated by Jake and the drama with each girl trying to convince him that she is the best for him.

My co-worker, who also loves the show as much as I do, told me about www.realitysteve.com. This is where you can get all the insider-information about the show that you don't get by merely watching the show.

My response to her: a satisfactory mischievous smile. My thought: This is PERFECT!

Casually, I mentioned this fantastic website to Ben. He accused me of cheating. He said, "That is exactly like trying to beat a video game by getting the cheat sheet off the Internet!"

I don't play video games, so I didn't see the correlation.

But because of loving Ben, I decided to honor and obey his wish.

It hasn't been easy. I harpoon my co-worker for additional information. I follow thebachelorshow.com's twitter. And, last night, I almost ran over a kid in Wal-Mart reading US Weekly's cover story of Jake and Vienna. But, I haven't touched www.realitysteve.com.

I've been good. I've obeyed Ben's wishes. But after this season ends, I might need to see a therapist.