9 weeks....and I survived vacation!

There is so much to talk about this week!   My husband was on vacation all week and he is notorious for being a bad influence on my food selections.  Not only did I survive him being home and on the prowl for sweets, but I also survived a mini vacation.
I was so nervous about going away, so I bought some protein shakes, protein juices, and bars to have with me just in case.  I dread trying to find something to eat in a restaurant or worse yet, having something disagree with me and not being in a familiar place.  But everything worked out and I went into it with an open mind about food.

In the past..vacation meant pigging out on everything, bakeries,candy stores, and fudge everywhere, and maybe a little too many margaritas.  And it also means loads of weight gain and feeling horrible.  Not this time!

Having fun shopping!

I even let my husband take a few pics of me (very rare indeed!)   For 2 days we shopped, and walked, shopped, and walked.  We walked everywhere just because it is much easier to get around the cute little town that we went to.  I was completely shocked that my feet never hurt.  Not once!  I dont even think I was out of breath climbing hills and crossing streets.  I might have even broke into  a tiny jog at a big intersection!  And, in typical fashion,there were cupcakes..fudge..and candy.  We went to a cupcake place that won the Food Network show for cupcakes in 2007.  They had beautiful creations, so we decided to each get one.  Later, when we ate them, I took a few small bites and just couldn't do it.  Number 1...it was dry.  I am very picky about cake and if it is dry it is not worth it to me. Number 2..it was sickening sweet.  Very disappointing.   So...that was a waste of money.  Hubby didnt like his much better.  At night, our hotel had snacks and beer/wine.  Since we weren't that hungry anyway, this worked out well for both of us...and they had  smoked sausage,cheese, and veggies/dip.  Right up my alley!  This was my first time eating raw veggies so I chewed like no tomorrow and prayed for the best.  They tasted WONDERFUL.  I can taste every little detail in food now.  A carrot or celery is better than a cupcake..and I mean that! The next day, free breakfast!  I had a few scrambled eggs (yuck) a bite of toast (yuck) and tried a little oatmeal (nasty).  So glad I had my trusty protein.  Hotel eggs are not good any way you try to eat them :)

After we walked around some more we stopped at a tiny little cafe before heading home.  They had a tiny menu too!  Thicker soups are always safe, so since I hate pea soup my only other option was carrot soup.  This was a little German bistro, so I took a chance.  

It was perfectly amazing in every way.  Loved it and this little cup kept me going for hours.  I have to get over caring what people think.  My husband had this huge meal and I am twice his size having a tiny cup of soup.  The waitress was trying to figure that one out in her head ;)

Mini-couples' getaway was awesome to say the least.  It was nice to be away from food and protein rules and just act normal.  This is my new normal and I have to learn how to deal with it in public,so it was great practice.  But the BEST part....getting on the scale the next day!

284.0 pounds.

Haven't seen that number since I was pregnant.  But that makes 44 pounds gone forever, and those 4 were on vacation!  

The kids go back to school this week and I am going to go DO something.  MOVE something.  Clearly this journey could go full on warp  speed if I exercise.  I proved that above!  I feel rejuvenated and ready for more!  I can take this higher!  

Here is a new picture..wearing another oldie but favorite.  I love shopping in my too-tight bins!