I Fell Off The Wagon!

I bought a combo meal at my favorite BBQ joint and forgot I'd have to make a decision about the drink that came with it! I tried to do right by selecting the Fanta Strawberry. It just seemed caffeine-free but I didn't know for sure. When I pressed the spigot, only a faint red color came out and the rest looked like carbonated water. *sigh* I looked across the selections and nothing seemed appealing. I did not want a lemonade to wash down a pulled pork sandwich. Glaring back at me was the Coca-Cola! I broke down. I filled the Styrofoam cup with the forbidden elixir.

It seemed like a setup from the beginning. I went into the post office which is right next to the BBQ place. Every time I smell that delicious wood they must use to smoke and flavor the meat with, I am almost intoxicated! It smells like some parts of Florida. The palm trees and ocean. I can't be alone in this. Anyhoo, on the occasions that I am lured into the BBQ place, it is always after I've left the post office. I walk back over to A&R because I would have to make a left turn against traffic and another left to get into A&R. You know how I feel about left turns during rush hour or anytime for that matter but I digress. Well wouldn't you know it: there is a convenient little path that leads from the post office to A&R BBQ . It must have been bore there by the postal workers traipsing back and forth to get their fill. A&R must have released triple strength aroma today because there were so many people in line for food! I have never had more than 1 or 2 people ahead of me. Apparently it was tactic because 2 ladies behind me commented how busy the place was today. Their tactic had worked. And I fell off the wagon! If it makes you feel any better, the french fries were not crispy and there was no ketchup in the bag! *rolling eyes*

But I had resisted the temptation all day. My head was hurting. I was having cravings. I have not had a Coke in a few days. I took some time off from work last week and I have not been tempted for a Coke. I was content with my caffeine-free Cherry 7-Up. But I went back to work today. And there is a big bad Coke machine in each of the faculty lounges. I went to wash my hands for lunch and there it was. The Coke machine. I walked past it with a haughty sneer. Why did someone enter the lounge and make a purchase while I was in the restroom washing my hands? It was before lunch and I know the cafeteria lady comes out and buys a Coke everyday before the serving begins. I heard that familiar drop of the coins and then the roll-bounce-drop of the cold beverage arrive at its destination and on to the thirsty buyer. I almost had to run out of the lounge. I am such an addict! I will keep trying. I did not expect to go cold turkey. I anticipated a slip up. Again, it is not carbonated beverages, it's caffeine I'm trying to avoid.

I am going to take a pix of the Coke machine and post it! It is going to be hard. I refuse to use student bathrooms just to avoid confrontation with the Coke machine!

Back to the drawing board.

100 Day Challenge

Seems like every other person I know is on a "100 Day Challenge". I don't make New Year's Resolutions so this seemed like a movement I could join. I am not following a strict diet or regimen. Just a few steps towards healthier eating, living and being. The first thing that came to mind was perhaps my biggest challenger: caffeine. I probably drink more Coca-Colas and Dr. Peppers than the average bear: Lunch, dinner, snack and I have been know to guzzle one down at breakfast. My justification has always been: it's my coffee.

So I'm cutting down on the caffeine and the sodas. I have one more Cherry 7-Up in the fridge. It's caffeine free so I am not going to trip. Sometimes I need a little something strong to wash down certain foods. I may have an occasional carbonated beverage but it should be caffeine free.

I have been low on energy lately but I have not been cooking either. It's been my patented "hollerin' in a horn" i.e. drive thru window dining. Not very nutritious or healthy so I plan to cook more.

My natural hair has been in great shape but I have been lazy with the styling. So I plan to try to styles and make sure to keep it moisturized. I am a self professed Product Junkie but I will try to minimize purchases and try to stick to the healthy products like Ayurveda products and methods. I'm trying to use up the products that I already have. And that's a lot!

In terms of my creativity, I have been slacking. Maybe it's the winter blahs but I was hoping for more finished projects instead of the UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) crowding my workspace. I am challenging myself to be creative on a daily basis, be it big or small.

I cannot tell you the last time I finished reading a book! That is shameful. Reading is so enjoyable for me. I cannot believe I have let the pressures of the job and life interrupt that. I'm taking it back. I went to my book shelf and grabbed Terry McMillan's "The Interrupting of Everything" and Eric Jerome Dickey's "Sleeping With Strangers".

This is not going to be hard. Just an adjustment to my current lifestyle.

I will try to blog daily but this may or may not happen. No pressure. I can always give you a catch up.

I actually started my 100 Day Challenge, Saturday, January 24. Amazingly, the 100 days will commence on May 5th! How appropriate. I can celebrate my achievements on Cinco de Mayo!

When I went grocery shopping yesterday, I had a list. I was planning to make some Red Beans & Rice. I had seen the Neelys prepare this on their Food Network show Saturday morning. It looked so delicious and easy to indoctrinate myself back into the kitchen. While in the store, I was sooo tempted to put a pack of Cokes in my basket. Red Beans & Rice is one of those foods that I need to wash down with something carbonated. Maybe I should have gotten some beer! I resisted and picked up the Ozarka water instead. I also indulged in a bottle of Naked Superfood juice. I picked The Green Machine. A friend at work let me taste some. I was very skeptical. It looked like algae. But the taste is delicious. I look forward to sampling other flavors soon.

Cheers!