The Master Cleanse

Wow, I did it. I still can't believe I did it!!! I've been living off fresh-squeezed lemon juice, pure maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 10 days now. Its called The Master Cleanse. Tomorrow I get to transition back to real food with orange juice (fresh squeezed!) then Sat and Sun I can have vegetable soup and salad. I haven't been as hungry as I thought I would be, and I have plenty of energy - surprisingly. I actually went to the gym and worked out twice, hard core! and was fine. Weird, but true. My dad, mom, and sisters did this with me (not all of them), and we called each almost daily to offer support and encouragement. The only times I had trouble were when I started letting my mind wander into forbidden paths... pulled pork sandwiches, spaghetti, doughnuts... I had to stop myself from peeking at recipe websites today. What was I thinking!? I actually borrowed Peter's snicker power bar the other day, just so that I could smell it. That was a mistake. It only gave me more food dreams. So, I digress. Truly, it has been a magnificent feat in self-discipline. I've lost 8 pounds and I'll keep them off if I continue to eat healthy and exercise. I feel clean, mean, and in control! Hopefully my inner organs are cleansed of many toxins and are grateful to me. AARGH. I can't wait until Monday when I can go to Chipotle.

Here are a couple of links if you're interested: http://healthandlight.com/TheMasterCleanse.pdf

and http://therawfoodsite.com/ and here's a NAYSAYER site: http://www.thedietchannel.com/master-cleanse-detox-diet

One of many fans

Jake is a fan of the AZ Cardinals. Dad is a fan of the Master Cleanse and the Super Foods. I am a fan of my nephew named Theron! I enjoyed the weather and visiting my family and friends in AZ last week, Theron being among the highlights. I especially enjoyed teaching him to say, "oh-yay-UH!" Is he adorable or what!? I know I am among many fans.

Running Bear.... loved little White Dove

My husband is fabulous. He danced shirtless in front of the extended family, with war paint on his chest, a feather on his head, and a mock loin-cloth over his jeans. Why? Because I thought it would be fun to perform a 50's song "Running Bear" at the Cope Family Variety Show a week before Christmas (mostly becase of an inside joke with his brothers). Peter was indeed a good sport, infact he was the star of the show, after 3.5 year old Caleb, of course. I appreciate his willingness to make a fool of himself, all for the sake of creating memories. And I'm grateful to Cassie who took the pictures to remember it by!
The next day, he went to a Triathalon with his brother Patrick and the so-called "war paint" was still on his chest. Naturally, he got a few interesting looks, smirks, and comments from fellow swimmers. When he told them it was for his wife, the looks got even more interesting.