LIVING WITH MCL

I don't know about the rest of you, but I always seem to enjoy the anticipation of a vacation, more than the actual vacation. Now it's not like we [I] didn't enjoy the vacation. There were actually a lot of things to like about Grand Turk, i.e. great diving, quiet and untraveled beaches, friendly inhabitants, and near perfect weather. (The only rain we did get, started just before our 1st dive Thursday morning, but by the time we surfaced the weather was beautiful again). My problem is, I always seem to focus more on the few things I don't like. Traveling of course is always a hassle, but that's a problem no matter where you go, so there's no need to mention that. Then there was the resort which didn't quite live up to expectations, but neither was it awful, so I won't complain about that too much either. The most disappointing aspect of Grand Turk was the lack of high quality restaurants. When I go on vacation, it's the food [and wine] I look forwar...

Here it is almost 5 PM, and I'm not sure how much longer I can last without putting some substantial food into me. I rode pretty hard today, and all I've had since getting home is some left over meat loaf, an apple, about 6 sticks of celery (each stick is good for about 90 seconds), and one of those chocolate chip cookies that are always staring me in the face in the kitchen. I know, but I couldn't resist. Hey, I rode hard today, and I needed a sugar fix. Unfortunately not even that has quelled my desire to eat more at this moment. The worst part is, Edie is planning on baked chicken tonight, and that takes at least an hour, which right now is seeming like an eternity. This losing weight thing isn't getting any easier yet, but at least I'm getting closer to my goal. I've already lost one pound since last Sunday. :) I think I'll go make a salad now. That may encourage Edie to get dinner started.

When you love to eat, especially desserts, like I do, the absolute hardest thing in the world is to go without. Even limiting yourself is difficult, because you know, once you've had a little, it's so easy to rationalize having just that little bit more. I know, because I've been there and done that. When I was first diagnosed with mantle cell, I read an article by Dr. Arthur Robinson about diet and cancer , and decided the best way to combat my lymphoma, was to lose weight by decreasing my food intake, and increasing the amount of exercise I do. It was going to be my mission in life to prove Dr. Robinson correct, and exercise and starve my lymphoma to death. It was difficult, but I did a pretty good job accomplishing that task. I lost 30 pounds [attaining a weight of 147 pounds], and I was riding and feeling better than ever. But then a trip to France in 2003, to consult with a doctor there, as well as experience the Tour d'France in person, resulted in my gaining abo...