No more fat pants

So I bit the bullet and signed up (again) for Weight Watchers Online. Hey, it works when I actually stick to it. And I am determined to stick to it this time.

And today I begin...

In my Madi series, Madi's go-to food when she's feeling stressed, bored, or just plain hungry, is Edy's Dibs. Have you ever tried those things? Yum! There are a bazillion flavors and there's no way you can eat just a couple. Break out the giant ice cream bowl and fill-er-up. Or, better yet, just eat right out of the carton.

As much as I love Edy's Dibs, my personal temptation is regular ice cream. Any flavor will do, but I'm partial to anything of the vanilla variety (cookie dough, cookies and cream, just plain vanilla) as long as it is drenched in Hershey's Syrup. It doesn't help that my husband works for a dairy company and during the holidays brought home a 3-gallon tub (do you know how HUGE that is?) of Hudsonville Cookie Dough. Well, my daughter helped a little, but let's just say I way overdosed on ice cream - plus went through 2 bottles of Hershey's syrup - in less than 3 weeks. Yes, it does embarrass me to admit it, but there it is.

But no more. The tub of ice cream is history and my freezer and fridge are both stocked with Weight Watchers meals and other healthy foods. The only ice cream allowed in my house are the Weight Watchers desserts. At least with those, there's portion control.

By the end of Mind over Madi, Madi shows signs of getting a grip on her Edy's Dibs addiction. Although I know she'll slip up, and she's not eliminating sweets completely from her diet, it's a start.


What about you? What is your go-to food addiction? Do you prefer rich and creamy or salty and crunchy? And the better question...what, if anything, are you doing to get your addiction under control?

It's my Chocolate Party and I'll Cry if I want to...

I'm eating my chocolate.

Alone.

Sigh...

So I really, really, really wanted to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers conference this year. Which, I must mention, is happening right now, even as I type. My reason for wanting to go isn't limited to the fact that it's being held near the biggest mall in America and I could use a new handbag or two. I seriously would give my right shoulder to be in Minneapolis right now. And suffering from major tendonitis in my right shoulder has nothing to do with it.

If rubbing shoulders (my left one) with my favorite authors, attending great writing workshops, and the possibility of pitching to major publishing house editors isn't reason enough, I would have loved to finally meet face-to-face with those who have encouraged me, critiqued the yuckiness out of my manuscripts and inserted so many smileys and "loved this!" comments in the margins.

And then there's the famous chocolate party, hosted by Michelle Sutton...

Oh. One more reason I wish I was there: to attend the Awards Ceremony tomorrow night. Yes, my manuscript is in the running for an award in the Chick Lit category. I will honestly say that I totally don't expect to win. Which is why I wish I was there. If I thought, for one second that I AM going to win, I wouldn't want to go. The thought of having to make a speech - even a brief 30-second speech - is enough to send me rocking in the corner. And I'm thinking that branding myself as a corner-rocker wouldn't leave such a good impression on those editors and agents.

But I am so very honored to be nominated. And as cheesy and cliche' and totally fake as that sounds, it's the honest truth. The fact that my work is recognized at all, let alone in the prestigious Genesis contest, is truly humbling for me. And if I come in 5th place, I will be satisfied. Just not quite AS satisfied as if I come in, say... not last.

Anyway, I will be waiting for the news tomorrow night. I'm sure someone will post the results somewhere...Facebook, ShoutLife, in a personal email.... (hint).

God has blessed me in ways I never would have imagined even two years ago. Joining ACFW and meeting such beautiful people who happen to be fabulous writers, has been one of my biggest blessings. And, like I said, to be included in a list of ACFW finalists is beyond my wildest dreams.

So to all of my friends and all of those I desperately hope to meet in person one day, I hope you're having a marvelous time and making lots of new friends and getting lots of manuscript requests!

And, of course, I hope you're eating pounds of chocolate.

Maybe next year, I can join you so I won't have to eat by myself.