Twenty-Five Carb Therapy

So here's the thing about being a woman, we physiologically and emotionally require Carbs. That's just a fact; no way around it. Carb Therapy, as I am coining it, is a delicate science that I have proven 100% affective on 100% of my test patients.  I hypothesize, that consuming Carbohydrates drastically changes mood for the better, increasing happiness and sense of comfort, decreasing depression and sadness. Thus, gaining perspective and control of ones emotions. I'm one for one so far! =)

Last week, my world was experiencing technical difficulties. I tuned in closely to my body so that I could indulge in my first carnal craving. Can I just ask you, what is more readily satisfying than a fresh batch of Rice Krispy Treats? .....

Exactly! What other dessert can you take from stove to mouth in less time than it takes to become rational? Three ingredients, 10 minutes, and your grandmother's wooden shamoji. There's no need for fretful huffing and puffing when you can sit on your couch eating globs of the good stuff right out of the pot (cuts back on dishes, so it's emo and eco friendly). However, this day, I craved something I couldn't whip up in ten frenzied minutes; I wanted something that I couldn't whip up at all. Something comforting, that I love that can't be taken away. 

I don't know about other women, but my stance on comfort food is that Carbs reign, and in the kingdom of Carbs, pasta rules.... or bread.... or potatoes. Whatever. The point is I healed over at none other than Figo. When it comes to Carbs, Figo is the ultimate pasta procurer.

Figo is just plain awesome.  This is what I imagine eating in Italy is like... minus the nosey family sitting awkwardly close to me -Yea, I could smell Mrs. Johansson's salad.... they were close - Everything is fresh and delicious. They offer 29 hand made pastas and 14 home-made sauces, freshly prepared everyday. When I walked in on this bereft day, I knew what I wanted, nay, needed (right Ladies?). I ordered the Carrot Ravioli with the Funghi sauce.  OH MY GOD! Creamy, rich, mushroomy. I can't articulate the magnificence of the Funghi sauce with any amount of words. How I feel about it, is more of a facial expression. There's honestly no other sauce option for me when I go to Figo because I know any of the 29 pastas will be superb lying underneath its creamy wings.

So yes, I was alone, and yes, I did get funny looks from people (ahem, weird family stage left), which is unusual. But what I like about eating solo, is that I can ignore all the cutting eyes and enjoy being in my own world.  OR if I would've preferred, enjoyed the soft Italian music, the atmospheric aesthetic of the cool dining room, and chattering of the other pasta-loving patrons. But tonight, I stayed within the confines of my personal bubble, ipod in hand, John Mayer in ear. 

Regrettably and unregrettably*, I didn't order the Tiramisu or the Key Lime Pie. Carb Therapy has to stop somewhere.  It is possible to abuse it. Like any other good thing, too much of it can be bad, as my lower body so reflects. So as much as I would have loved to have been able to report to you my  seven lovely readers the alleged whimsy of their desserts, I fear it would've taken me past comforted and into self-loathing. And that simply is not the goal of Carb Therapy.

I fervently admonish and advocate emotional eating - in moderation- Food is meant to comfort. If food can be used to heal disease, build muscle, aid brain function, etc, it definitely could and should be used as a mood enhancer. It's God's way of helping us cope with stress and sadness and feel better. You can have your Prozac and your Zoloft, but when I'm feeling blue, you can find me at Figo. Listen to your Carb Therapist!

Visit here for the amazing menu. Experience Figo's Carb Therapy for yourself! 

Twenty-Four

This blank page has been haunting me everyday that I've neglected to write because I have been struggling with owning the title of "writer." It's kind of like that conversation in a new relationship when usually the guy doesn't want to "place titles" on anything. The "you know, let's keep it casual" speech for fear of premature commitment and emotional seriousness.... blah blah blah. I've never personally had that conversation because my attitude in relationships is deeply rooted in a go for it, willy-nilly doctrine. That's probably why I've been so successful with Love<<<<>. But it has been hard to find a worthy topic to write about lately due to my aforementioned "commitment issues" with writing. I'm finally having that conversation. Will I place a title on this back-and-forth relationship with writing despite my fear of it failing? Can I trust myself to be faithful? Will I commit despite my insecurities and hang-ups?

Perhaps I should apply my go for it attitude for this love affair as well. I guess my affair with writing is just like any other: it can soar or sink. I can only hope it lasts longer than my longest relationship, the duration of which shall remain private! Fingers crossed, it will last a lifetime.

Twenty Three

This is my first post in 6 months. How I went this far without writing about tasty vittles, I do not know. Lord knows I ate between now and April......Oh, how I ate.

I have no topic tonight, rather, a promise. A promise to continue writing. If not for my 6 readers, then for myself. To create. To have something to lose myself in. To ignite passion where there is none. To honor the sovereign pleasures of heavy cream, Parmigiano Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil, butter, and anything tasting like, smelling like, or having the appearance of chocolate. To celebrate food and the beauty of culture and art and love it is prepared with.

Twenty-Two

Holeman and Finch Public House...... Go there. Eat, drink, be merry. No reservations needed. As a matter of fact, no reservations accepted. Appetite and adventurism, however, are necessary. Speechlessness and awe WILL attend every taste of the Egg and pancetta Carbonara- The best bowl of pasta I've ever had. 

The Chicken liver pate and sweet pickled tomato.... divine 

The pork belly and collard greens and the Maitake mushrooms and polenta made me dance,

The glazed Hakurei turnips changed my life,

The gratin of Marrow and the Veal Frites opened up my world and introduce new texture and flavor to my palate

And it's all jump-started and punctuated with H&F's own bread to sop and soak every drop of anything that can be sopped or soaked..... You want to talk about overwhelming, tear-encouraging food, real food that changes peoples' palates and respect and reverence for the art of food.... 

I fail to capture the true description of the dishes and the true emotions they conjured, but when there are no words, what do you write?

Please eat here, and experience this speechlessness for yourself.

Twenty One

One dozen fresh Krispy Kreme donuts at 12 am. The perfect way to say "I was thinking about you and I love you."

A man after my heart: Knows me well enough to know that I don't want flowers. And spectacularly odd enough to bring 12 sugar-covered dough rings. Unannounced and unexpected.

HE didn't bring me a card. He didn't bring me roses. He brought me Love donuts..... Just because.

And I'm on top of the world.

Twenty

This past week and weekend I had the privilege of visiting two cities that I've never visited before. My sister's basketball team had their national tournament in Erie, Pennsylvania of all places in the United States, and I got to go. Along with the entire Antoine clan and a crap load of parents and cheerleaders and duffle bags, we flew to Buffalo, New York (home of the Buffalo wing) and drove two hours south to the fabulous Hampton Hotel in Erie. Though these are two cities I would never have visited had it not been a free trip with my family, it was still exciting to experience what some of the other cities in our great nation have to offer.... my appetite.....

I shared my first meal in PA with my brother and my mom at a waterfront restaurant called The Smuggler's Wharf. It's the name that getsya! It suggests bearded fishermen, fresh seafood, hot, local deliciousness. That's why I excitedly chose it as our lunch for that day! It was too cold to sit outside on the wrap-around patio, that is literally 5 feet from the water's edge. My mom and I shared a crab cake burger with fries, and we all got different soups to try: she crab soup, clam chowder, and french onion. All very good. Especially the she-crab soup. Although I had to send it back to be reheated, it was the best thing there. The crab cake sandwich was mushy. There was too much bread for the size of the cake. The fries were good though, then again, how does one ruin french fries? Overall it was a disappointing experience. The hi- lights of this meal? The warm, quaint atmosphere that the locals and the fireplace produced; the She-crab soup; and the restaurant's proximity to and view of the frozen lake. 

Unfortunately, my next meal in PA would be a little more disappointing than the one I consumed at the Smuggler's Wharf. This time, my mom and I were joined by two of the team moms. I, too, am responsible for this lunch-time misfortune.... That's two against me... The decor of this "marketplace grill" is reminiscent of a large, less fun Applebee's. And I think I'd prefer Applebee's food too. I don't even remember what we all ordered, but it's not worth remembering. I just know it was bad: dry chicken, cold soups, soggy lettuce....And I felt bad for punishing three other women for my bad discernment. Thank God that this was the worst it got on the trip. 

The next two meals (the best meals of the entire trip) were at chain restaurants: Applebee's one night, and O'Charley's the last night. Both were surprisingly good. I had steak at both places, and they were super tender and flavorful. I guess if someone asked for a recommendation for good food in Erie, I would have to tell them to avoid independent businesses and go for franchises... it was the best food we had the whole 5 days we spent there. 

My advice to any foodie with the opportunity to visit Erie.... don't go..... unless your sister is playing a national high school tournament, and it's the last time you'll see her play in high school. Watching her win nationals was worth all the sub-par food.

Nineteen

My role model took me shopping last week. No, unfortunately not for the latest spring fashions (even though I would settle for the last year's fall fashions), but more importantly, for groceries, which my apartment is in dire need of. My mom is a super hero, and I hope to be half the mother and wife, and just all around woman she is.  I love you mom.... believe it. 

She has an arsenal of money-saving super-powers.... she calls them coupons. I plan to employ their powers soon, as soon as I get some money. 

With culinary ambitions in mind, we bought a whole chicken, fresh fennel, and red potatoes all to roast with olive oil and fresh garlic. We bought 3 cartons of strawberries (Publix is having a sale on delicious scrawberries, you should GO) for a fresh scrawberry cake. All of which, I have yet to create. But I definitely will be roasting some pollo this coming week, and I'm so grateful for a supportive set of parents, and a mommy that will still buy me toothpaste and lady's razors. 

So look for recipes and pictures of chicken and cake soon. Right here. On your favorite blog about a single girl who loves food. *wink*

Eighteen (Happy Birthday Richard!)

Yesterday was my friend Richard's 23rd birthday. In celebration, 30+ of his friends gathered on a tatami mat for dinner. Being half Japanese, I never ever look forward to showy, over-priced, faux Japanese food..... Hibachi. Nakato, to be exact, is where we ended up.  

It's my avid opionion that Hibachi grills serve no other purpose than to entertain people who have not experienced Japanese cuisine. Americanized hibachi typically entails chicken, shrimp, onions, broccoli, zucchini.... salt. pepper. soy sauce, all cooked in front of you by a man named Juan, BLAH! 

I have to say, though, it's a genius business tactic. I envy Rocky Aoki, who is responsible for bringing this style of cooking from Japan....I mean, why else would they be allowed to charge so much for chicken fried rice, and zuchini splashed with a little Kikkoman, unless the guests were distracted, entranced by fancy knife work, and shrimp tails being flipped into chef's hats? People who dine at hibachi grills are begging to be ripped off; they pay for  two things: razzle and dazzle. As for me? Take me to Japan, and show me how its supposed to be, and how it's supposed to taste. 

 

Despite the disappointing food and the diminishing pride in my culture, we had such a great time. The company was unrivaled. It was all laughter and chaos, old stories and new memories, and questions like..... does he have to put his shoes back on to use the restroom? Plus,  I was graced with the poetic presence of my brilliant, beautiful, amorous, boyfriend (he knows who he is.... he's my only reader, and I am his lol). We shared green tea ice cream, miso soup, and ginger salad, all of it, sub-par. But I think, a little less sub-par simply because we shared it.

 I hate that people receive this kind of food as "Japanese food". They have not even an inkling of what it really is (as if I do). I guess once you've had the best- Hashiguchi Jr... refer to Blog #5- nothing else cuts it, even if the guy cooking your food can make an Onion Volcano.

Seventeen

Babette's Cafe was discovered by yours truly, when I was seeking a a job in a really awesome book store called Atlanta Book Exchange. They buy and sell used books. Every wall is covered, floor to ceiling, with used, stinky books. It was fantastic. It looks a little bit like this.....

Room after room is filled to the brim with books owned by strangers, with strangers' finger prints, strangers' notes, and even stranger odors. I feel like I could work in a place like this, breathing in poems, prose, and expositions day in and day out. Submerged in the great words of the great works of the great writers before me. I just think a book store is the absolute best place for an aspiring writer to become inspired....sucks that they weren't hiring......... fantasy kill.

So I walked out towards my car, and saw directly in front of me, Babette's Cafe. "I'll just grab a menu togo, and I'll come back another day when I have more than $20 in my wallet," said the thrifty, thin girl in my head. After I shut her up, I told David the bartender that I'd like to sit down at one of the white-clothed tables. I already knew that I was going to order. Two small plates.... the half order of steamed mussels ($5) and the mushroom and squash risotto ($6).

Preceding my mussels and risotto, my model-esque waiter, who says things like "would you like something to drink while you peruse the menu?", brings me a baguette in a linen-lined bucket with a ramekin of homemade butter. I love you, I want to say, but, instead, I tear into the crunchy, warm bread. They've got me! 

The mussels were in front of me 5 minutes later, swimming in a strawberry-serrano pepper sauce. The sweetness of the sauce was an interesting and  yummy contrast to the salty mussels. I particularly enjoyed sopping up the sauce with the remainder of my baguette. Mmmmm. The risotto appeared to me as a shiny, hot blob topped with cheese.  It was definitely filling. I didn't finish it. I wish I had saved room (and cash) for dessert.

I had a great experience at Babette's. I'll definitely be back to try dessert, and possibly even an entree. But if I find myself back there in a cash crisis again, I find comfort in the prices of the small plates! God Bless appetizers. 

    

  

Sixteen

SO. Fried green tomatoes.  a twist on A CLASSIC

This recipe was designed using 2 green tomatoes.

Yields 12 servings.

1 c. all purpose flour

1/8 c. uncooked grits

1 t. baking powder

2 t. granulated garlic

1 t. cinnamon

1 1/4 t. salt

1 t. cumin

1/4 t. cayenne pepper

1 t. black pepper

2 eggs

1 T. half'n'half

2 t. hot sauce

6 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 T. butter

Heat the oil.

Mix all dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Beat the eggs, half&half, and hot sauce in a separate bowl.  Cut the tomato in 1/4 inch slices and place in egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture.

Fry 3 slices of tomatoes at one time for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until crisp and brown. 

For topping:

3T. Cream Cheese

3T. Honey.

1 t. fennel seeds

1t. lemon juice

Mix honey fennel seeds, and lemon juice together.

Place a nickel-sized dollop of cream cheese on each tomato. Drizzle honey-fennel mixture over top. ENJOY!

Fifteen

Field trip to the Farmer's market with grandma. Need I say more? All I could think was ... score, groceries!! She told me to get anything I wanted, and I imagined a refrigerator full of fresh produce, meat, and fruits!! O, the glory and bounty of the International Farmer's Market! I could imagine all the dishes made with love that I would serve to the ones I love, hot and steaming, and all I managed to come away with was a bag of grapes, and some green tomatoes. You'd think I would have filled the basket or two, if you could see the dire condition of my fridge. This was no time for selfish gain, however, I was too busy letting my 85-year-old grandmother attempt to steer a basket she could barely see over.  I did, though, grab the tomatoes out of ambition. I've been wanting to cook new items for myself more, and Fried Green Tomatoes seem simple enough.... plus they're deeeeelish!!! Fried green tomatoes are a staple of the south, and I want to add them to my repertoire of "Things I can make with my eyes closed" So when I obtain what I deem a worthy (and simple) recipe, I will post it, along with a picture of my creation......

Fourteen

Today was a day of impulses for me. Nothing stupid, but it excited me greatly. First of all, it was an oddly warm day for December. The weather can only be described as California weather, in other words..... it was perfect!!  AND Lately, I'd been wanting to experience my city. You know....walk the streets and discover places I'd usually overlook while driving, and meet new and interesting people. I live in the heart of downtown, but I don't know it like I want to. I have this fantastic idea of the girl I want to be in my head....The spry, friendly, city girl with great legs, who knows all the thrift stores and the best place for Sunday brunch. The optimistic, charismatic hippie, who knows the flower shop owner, and all the streets by name.        Yeah right.

It's beyond a fantasy, but it's fun to imagine. It's even more fun to actually be like that girl once in a while. So today, while experiencing slight cabin fever and thinking about how I need to learn my city and that the weather was too perfect to miss, I decided to take my lunch/dinner, which was a pork burrito from Qdoba, to Centennial Park. It was around 530 and most of the gorgeous sunlight was fading into the West, and I knew by the time I had to walk home, it would officially be dark, which is scary downtown. BUT I really wanted to feel like that girl. So I threw on a trusty LBD (Little black dress), the tiniest jacket ever ( no really. this jacket is practically sleeves, in the fashion world, it's known as a shrug), and some t-strap flip flops, and headed out, burrito in hand.   

I enjoyed the porky goodness under a steel umbrella that was shaped like a flower. The lights on the trees glowed, and warmed me inside. Families walked, couples snapped pictures, stalkers stalked; I ate and observed. It got cooler as then sun set, and so I cursed myself for wearing a dress, which I'm currently donning. But then my phone rang, and it was Him..... my B-O-Y. He happened to be just around the corner. And just like that, I had an escort! His arrival was perfectly poetic...... He found me. He gasped when he saw me..... I didn't expect to meet romance at the park tonight, but I did, and it followed me home.

Thirteen

I have the biggest caffeine-inflicted headache right now. Thanks to my double espresso Cubano from..... where else? Intermezzo. It was so black and thick, almost tar-like, pumped full of more caffeine than any human should consume in one sitting, and it kind of burned on the way down. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I can only imagine this is what a hangover feels like... maybe worse but I wouldn't know. It's kind of the effect I was going for I guess. 

I've been really emotional lately, mostly concerning a B-O-Y. So I just needed to be alone to hear my own thoughts. And it's really hard to hear my thoughts when I'm with him 'cause when I'm with him, I'm emotional goo, and nothing makes sense. (Is this just me or is this all women?) This friendship with this B-O-Y, like any relationship, is teaching me a lot about myself, and in order for me to express me feelings in the least emotional (and most rational) way possible, I have to be alone, I have to write, and I have to pray A LOT! And after that, the world seems to be at peace. 

So tonight I did all three AND I added the "caffeine bomb" to the equation. The world is at peace, but now I'm over-stimulated. And what was my rationalization to counter the effects of my lethal injection? A smoothie from R. Thomas. I figured a smoothie would make up for the nutrition that I did not encounter today, and it was the healthier alternative to a slice of caramel apple pie...... yes, definitely healthier. So I decided to walk an entire 1/2 block to R. Thomas, which is open 24/7 and I ordered the Busy Bee to go. But before I could get to the door, I ran into a a good friend of mine, who also happens to be an "ex" ..... I guess you could call him an ex.... whatever. He was out with his brother and a friend, celebrating a birthday. It was awkward on his part; I could tell. I don't know why.

(that was just a little nugget that made the night a tad more interesting)Anyway. 

Back to my smoothie. It's delicious. pear, banana, mango, dates, friggin Organic bee pollen!! I'm still enjoying it! It's like dinner and dessert all in one. R. Thomas's prices are too high for the quality of their food, but $6 for this smoothie is worth it to me. I will keep going back for this if nothing else! 

In conclusion, I still have a headache and I'm still wide awake, and this smoothie didn't help my "caffeine hangover" BUT it is delicous... you should go try one. BUT you should not, under any circumstances, buy or drink a double Cubano from Intermezzo.... 'Cause you'd be askin' for it!

Twelve

I feel lonely today. There are no lights on in my apartment. My cousin/best friend, Micah is working in the studio. And I'm alone. I had errands to run today...... They've all been run. All the phone calls have been made, and now it's getting dark outside. I want my phone to ring. But it's silent, and silence is not what I want right now. I want chatter and chaos.... or at least one other body within 5 feet of me. 

Days like this make me want a creamy bowl of soup, a gigantic scarf and an arm around my shoulders. I wonder.... Do married people feel this way in Winter as well?

(FINALLY!!!)Eleven

Because I have been to Cafe Intermezzo 7+ times in between October and November, AND because I have been accompanied every time, AND because Intermezzo is .... let's face it.... over-priced, I'm forced to venture out and try some new spots...... alone. After all, if The Girl Who Eats Alone has a date, is she still The Girl Who Eats Alone? anyway.

The requirements for the new spots?? Twilight hours, coffees, teas, and desserts. Where did I end up on my first attempt to replace Intermezzo? Octane Coffee Bar on Marietta Street. Literally 5 minutes from my home, Octane is teeming with Georgia Techies, their laptops, 

and of course coffee. While the menu is nowhere near as extensive as Intermezzo (not by a long shot), they do offer the classics of the coffee variety: A coffee of the day, Cafe au lait, Espresso, Iced Coffee, etc. They also offer a host of teas ranging from Earl Grey to Organic Jasmine green tea. And if coffee and tea aren't really your.... well... cup of tea, Octane offers Arden's Garden fruit juices, sodas, and hot chocolate.

Food wise.... Octane isn't the place for a rib-sticking meal, rather, they present us with sandwiches and salads from 11 am to 5 pm and a small collection of food they offer all day which includes the soup of the day, a hummus platter, and homemade granola and yogurt among others. 

On this particular visit, I enjoyed the Potato Chowder and a Cafe au Lait.  I sat outside, and watched the cars pass by in the dark. It was freezing, and I kind of regretted my de

cision, but my pride kept me from going back in to sit with all the college students with their Dell laptops, Calculus chatter, and Georgia Tech hoodies. So i warmed myself with my paper cup of coffee and milk, and I watched my breath as I exhaled in silence, which is what I was searching for..... coffee and silence.

Ten (cont'd)

So about my $10 dollar challenge........ it didn't quite happen because I never deposited my check. lol and so I really had no money..... but mysteriously enough, I was taken care of this weekend. So I'll have to try it another time when the people in my life aren't so generous =)

Ten(dollars)

So today I had a massage session with my only client, whom I see every two weeks. I thank God for her every time I go see her because she's been with me for 5 months, and has stayed consistent through economic "down time". She's an angel. She's kept a lot of food on this table for one. And I know we'll be working together for a good while. 

So ...... from the money I earned today, I will allot myself ....... $10 to spend on food for the next couple of days =/ .... I'm not sure this can be done, but it's a good challenge for me. I may be fine if I avoid Starbucks at all costs..... or if I haggle strangers for spare change..... or if I catch a date...... not Dutch

Hmmmmm, or all three! 

I'll let you know how it goes.....

Nine

I just wanted to let you all know that I accomplished something that will rocket me into the next part of my life. I passed my National Certification Exam for Massage Therapy!!! Which means, I can get my license! Which means I can get a job, and make some money!!!! And when I have money I can eat!! And when I can eat, I can write. And I do want to keep writing.

The best part about working, though, is being independent from my parents,who've been supporting me since birth. They pay for the condo in Atlanta, my gas, and groceries. I'm only 19 so I don't feel bad about still needing them, but we're going through tough times in our personal finances and with our family business. So I really feel compelled to help wherever I can. My cousin and I help out at the restaurant -Ponko Chicken- four days a week, for less than minimum wage. This was my first job; I've been working since 1999, and although I think my wages were higher when I was ten, I am more than happy to help my family because they are my world.

But I am super excited about finally stepping into one of my callings and being paid for soemthing I love to do, and I'm even more excited to be able to support myself and maybe even help the parents with some bills. What could be better?

So I'll be looking for a job at a spa in Atlanta. Any suggestions, you massage junkies? Let me know!!!

Eight

I hereby renounce my affiliation with South Beach Diet. 

Onto the next frontier.... I'll let you know how it goes.

Now if you'll excuse me I have a 1:30 a.m. appointment with a Ghirardelli Fudge Brownie.....

Seven

Lately, all I've been wanting to do is sleep. I have no energy because I'm on the South Beach Diet, which eliminates carbs that I'm acclimated to.  Phase one eliminates all carbohydrates from your diet..... no flour, sugar, grains, fruits, and some veggies. You can imagine how this has affected my foodie lifestyle!! Phase 2 allows you to add some fruits and whole grains back into the diet (apples and oatmeal thank God!) And phase 3 is a maintenance program. So for the past two weeks I've consumed 0 carbs, and if you didn't learn this equation in Algebra II.......

 0 Carbs=0 Energy.....0 Energy=Frequent napping.....Frequent napping=No Life

For a girl raised on pasta, bread, grits, potatoes, and Fuji apples, I am quite proud to have abstained this long. You may ask, "Why, O' Perfect One, do you feel you need to torture yourself on this diet?" And I may reply, "Well, reader, my cousin and I plan to go to South Beach, Miami with our dear friend Ashton. And we all decided to jump on the South Beach bandwagon so that we can be sexy in Miami...... in December no less! 

(Also, I have some extra lovin' that I don't think looks so lovely)" 

And although I'm sure only 1/3 of the group actually stuck to the plan (isn't it obvious?), here I am at Week 3 enjoying low glycemic index (GI) carbs like sweet potatoes and grapefruits.

The program promises substantial weight loss (8-13 lbs. in the first two weeks and 2 lbs per week after that) and I've seen it work for my uncle Abe and my cousin Noah. They dropped weight like a hot potato! 

Me? 

Ummmmmm..... 

I haven't noticed ANY changes, and I don't think anyone else has. You may say.... "Hey Arin, why don't you weigh yourself and track your progress?" And I say, "Good question, reader. I have a scale, but it tells everyone that they're 180 lbs." You can imagine my discouragement when my brother, Zack (2 years older and 8'' taller than I), told me that we weigh the same. 

Great =/

I don't have another scale, and I don't have access to one. So if I have lost weight, I don't know about it, which I think should be a crime. BUT like most people, I try not to go by the numbers on the scale; real results show in how your clothes fit. Right? There have been no changes.

I feel like all this discipline is in vain, and although I see mood changes (random fits of rage followed by depression followed by extreme cravings for beef), I don't see physical changes. For a minute, I felt like quitting and celebrating my failure with twin pumpkin doughnuts from my friendly, neighborhood Dunkin' Donuts, and maybe a bowl of cheese grits as a chaser!

But I decided against quitting, and faithfully, I moved into phase 2. I'm happier now that I can eat fruit and some carbs, and I have a lot more energy. Hopefully, I will lose some weight because I have a goal to meet...... I need to look like Jessica Biel before December 17 2008.

Do not question my motives, reader! Because I've learned a lot during these painful two weeks. I learned that I do have will power. I now know that I need a new scale. I learned that it's almost impossible for me not to think about bread, and that ice cream made with Splenda IS real! and it's darn delicious, especially right from the carton. 

I'll be sure to post my progress (or lack thereof) while on phase 2. Hopefully, soon I'll get to say that I weigh less than my big brother!!! 

Hooray.

 *I have not asked my father for permission to vacation in Miami with Micah and Ashton. I'm sorry this is the way I'm asking you Dad. But can I please go to Miami with Micah and Ashton????