Playing with fire?

Do bloggers do this every day? I have found it near impossible to get here every day. I do think about you all, and I'm sorry to have not updated this space for some time now! Wow, where has this month gone?

Edna (Me), Katie, Kenny (Katie's Dad)

Well, last week my oldest daughter, Katie, graduated from Arizona State University. I am so very proud of  her hard work and persistence to pursue higher education. She is a really smart cookie, and even received the honored cum laude recognition for maintaining a grade point average between  3.4 to 3.59!

We have also been preparing for our summer vacation. With gas prices, this is no simple feat! A great tool to use is Gas Buddy for up to date pricing anywhere in the US. They are also on Facebook! If you have a smartphone, you can also download a free app for your phone! What a convenient way to save some bucks while you are out there driving around!

Well, now that the fires are out, let's talk. Playing with fire is almost never a good idea. I have never been known to follow the rules....well, not exactly anyway! I'm a bit of a rebel. So then, when my doctor told me that I would have to follow the HCG rules exactly, what did I reply? Of course, I can do that!

Well, until you are in the throes of your situation, you never REALLY know what your actions might be. Like CHEATING. Yep, that's what I said. CHEATING. *Raising my hand ever so slowly* Yup. I. admit. it.

What has it cost me? Well, I don't know. I've see sawed. I've gained. (not much...but still). It's slowed down my progress. It's slowed my "elimination." Basically, I think it interferes with my whole process of the HCG weightloss.

Do I think I should throw in the towel? NO!!!! I have researched several sites on the web that do talk about cheating on the HCG Diet. I think there is some merit to what they say. BUT... I would NOT recommend intentionally cheating....OK....cheating IS intentional...it's not like we go ...oops...did NOT mean to pop that chip into my mouth! *GASP*

Katie's Graduation Cake

But this month I had several celebratory events to attend...one being my daughter's college graduation. We ordered a rum cake from Cathy's Rum Cake Caterers in Chandler, AZ. Cathy's cakes are to DIE for... or.  CHEAT. .... on your HCG diet. Mind you ...I didn't have the ENTIRE slice! Moderation is key! I tasted a small "bite" of my slice, and I promptly put it into the freezer when we got home from the party so that I can enjoy this scrumptiously delicious treat during my HCG phase that allows me to imbibe with such a delectable treat!

The Smith Family (Katie not present) with
our peach tree at Schnepf Farms

I would be remiss without retelling on myself about the PEACH. No really, the peach. Not just any peach. A beautiful, juicy, delectable peach from OUR FAMILY TREE at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, AZ. We leased a peach tree this year from the Schenpf Family. I did not know then that I would be in the midst of my HCG journey. So here we are in May, and the peaches are ready. We go out for our first picking of the season. The peaches are DIVINE. I had it set in my mind that I would just wait. I can have peaches once I go into my maintenance phase. But let me tell you .... they are irresistable! So, just as Eve enticed Adam ...I succumbed also to the wonderful, peachy scent and feeling the soft, cuddly skin....ok...it really IS an emotional and spiritual experience! (for me anyway... ;-)) If you have not ever considered leasing a tree from Schepf Farms, I royally recommend it! They give you the VIP treatment like no other peach picker and you won't regret it!


We also celebrated my best friend's youngest son's first birthday. And, I had a going away party for a dear sweet friend from my homeschooling group. So yeah, there was a lot of EMOTION going on this month. And yup... I am an emotional eater! I have learned that more and more about why I eat as I've gone through this process over the past 5 weeks. 


Wow...just over 1 week to go before I hit maintenance. Maintenance is a critical period of 3 weeks after your HCG protocol. This period will make or break your weight loss. I can assure you, my CHEATS will be few and far between!


So what are the stats? Well, I'm very excited!! I have lost almost 20 pounds and just over 30 inches! And, I still have a week to go!


My lowest weight so far has been 188.4. I was really excited to see that number as I can't recall the last time I saw that number in reference to my weight!! Mind ya...I'm up a pound to 189.4 today. Yep, those CHEATS will bite you somewhere! Today, I'm pretty sure it was my THIGHS as I gained a half inch there!

This is me about 1 week BEFORE I started the HCG Protocol

Me and the kids picking peaches. Not quite an
AFTER shot yet, but pretty good for Week 4 1//2!
Those ARE my "skinny" shorts which were previously
too tight to wear! WOOHOOO!

But all in all...this process works! I should be home today and can adhere to my diet "rules" in a more behaved manner.

It's been a process to just let go ... of the weight ....of the emotional junk that binds me to eating ...of a lot of things.... but it is possible. When you keep your eyes set on the goal and you know that you are absolutely doing the RIGHT thing for your health, it gets you through the tough times. After all, MY reasons for doing this are BIG. If I'm healthy, I set a better example for my kids to follow, and I can be around here a lot longer to enjoy my family and friends!

'Til next time.... Just Let Go ... Edna