Day 14, MY Marathon

Flegel, visipix.com

 Saturday night was my first time out at a party while on this cleanse--and it was a dessert party!  My husband and I took one swooning look at the table, and he promptly abandoned his wheat-free diet.

I was able to nibble on almonds and grapes while he indulged in whimsical treats like Carie's mocha creme cupcakes and Michelle's dark chocolate toffee bars.

When the dancing began, a friend dragged me onto the floor, whispering, "Saturday night without a glass of wine. How's that going for you?"  


It's surreal, I replied, sipping my apple juice, while she poured herself another glass of red.


Just like every other day of this cleansing journey, I find myself alternating between feeling victimized and feeling enlightened.  Maybe they're one and the same.  Look at history.

When we left the party, close to midnight, we stepped out into a crisp November sky, complete with a full moon. As we walked down the road to our car, my husband admitted that the treats he consumed gave him a temporary pleasure while what he truly desired was the long-term satisfaction of meeting his goals around health and weight.

I admitted that after 10 days without sugar, it was really the cheese and crusty breads that called out to me. It was enough to soak up all the desserts by sight and smell. I had no regrets about what I had missed, though I still felt strangely sorry for myself.

Of course I'm sure that there were other friends there who weren't eating sugar or consuming wheat or drinking alcohol; but this is MY marathon.

I've never run a race or biked across the state or swam around the entire pond, but I have made it 14 DAYS without so much as a slice a bread or chunk of cheese or a drop of maple syrup or a mug of green tea or glass of Chardonnay--and for that, I feel quite proud.

Your company has cheered me along the way.


ps. I wonder if you have favorite organic wines? Years ago my cousin shared that her water tables in California were terribly polluted from all the vineyards. Each time, I chose a wine, I thought of her and all the other people affected by my choices. I know organic wines are better for me and better for the earth and better for my friends and family all around the world.