Day 12: It's Finally Friday!

It is unbelievable that I have already been here almost 2 weeks!  When I left home, I assumed I would have lots of free (boring) time during the days, evenings and weekends - and I thought 4 weeks seemed like forever!  I don't think I could have been more incorrect!  You know what happens when you assume....  I feel like I have next to no free time during the day (which isn't exactly accurate - I have time to check emails, do LOTS of visiting) that isn't scheduled out with classes, exercise or meetings.  Last weekend I felt like I had a lot going on - even though there was very little on the schedule.  I have barely had an opportunity to get into Marilyn's DVDs she sent along for me!  I am certain that things will just continue to fly by, and it will be time to go home in no time! 

Tomorrow is our last day with a number of people - some I have mentioned before - but we are also losing Jessica, Hillary, Renee (who has looked out for me, like she was my mom) and Richard.  They are a mom, dad and 2 daughters.  Jessica, Renee & Richard came in July for 4 weeks.  They loved it, and learned a lot.  They then went home for 6 months, and now came back (and brought Hillary with them) for a 2 week refresher.  They are all so kind, interesting and open about their experiences!  I am really going to miss them!  And did I mention they have all been successful!?!?!  It is so nice to see people who live real lives, have real jobs, and still make it work.  Having people like Jessica to talk to, and hear about how she has made it work, is so helpful!  It makes you feel like everything is going to be OK when you go home.  It helps stave off the panic that tends to creep in when I think of going home.  Am I going to be able to do this?  Granted - this isn't like any"Diet" I've ever been on.  It is about moderation.  Picking things that work for your life, and making them also work for losing weight.  I will miss each of them.

My dietician Leslie has an interesting theory about food, and how we eat.  It is the 80/20 method.  If you eat well 80% of the time, your body won't even notice when you maybe don't eat so great 20% of the time.  Now who can't stick to that??!!!?  I can "fall off the wagon" 20% of the time (not my goal per se - but sometimes it just happens) and now I have the tools to get myself back on track.  To make a better decision on the next meal.  To learn that going overboard on one meal, doesn't need to turn into going overboard for 6 months.  I love these people. 

Today's ridiculous highlight: I tried belly dancing!!  A lady named Leslie, who is a resident, knows how to do it, so she added a class.  There were only about 5 of us - but it was really fun.  I am thinking that will have to be something I try when I get in better shape.  It will be a really good toner for the core area! 

We also finally had the chocolate tofu parfait for dinner tonight.  I don't even know how to describe it.  It was SO GOOD!!!  I don't think I have ever made anything last so long in my life!!  It took me about 15 minutes to finish it.  Howard even gave me his raspberries to add to it.  When i get home, I will make it for anyone willing to try it.  It is beyond delicious.  (That could be true, or a lie perpetrated by my deadened taste buds - but I think it is true.  I had heard a lot about it prior to tonight.  It is definitely a fave here!)

I spoke to my visiting friends (who are on their own today/tonight and we are meeting up tomorrow).  Not shockingly, they were out making a ton of new friends.  Who can resist lovely ladies from MN?  I am so looking forward to tomorrow, I can't even tell you!  The only dark cloud today?  I just saw that Chester Taylor signed with Chicago.  Boo.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!  I will try and update this weekend - but it may have to wait until Sunday.  Behave everyone!

What is your best idea for how we (Marilyn, Darcy, Stephanie and myself) should spend our Saturday night (that does not include fried food, a bar, or booze)?