The guys at work have been super as I told you. They have all been supportive and they have made sure to keep me from getting to worked up over the job.

What they have NOT done is make sure I eat right.

Just look at what is awaiting me in the middle of the room every day!!!

Yes, normally, I'd be grabbing a handful of peanut M&Ms each time I walked by. In fact, I'd probably add some pretzels too. However, now...I have to figure out how to "walk on by" and skip the candy.

Okay, so you say...."DUDE, just SKIP IT!"

Of course what you DON'T know is that there is free coffee too. Yes, FREE COFFEE!!!

In the hallowed halls of RJ Reynolds Tobacco, I am "that guy." I am the guy who is always carrying a full cup of coffee with him. Well, actually, I guess I used to be "that guy." Now I am the guy who has to use the coffee pot with the orange top.


Uh, for those of you that are coffee virgins...that is the pot of DECAF coffee.
I am probably one of 10 people in the whole building who drinks decaf.


And, now I know why....decaf tastes different. It is just not as good. But alas, I am a decaf drinker now....oh well.

SO, this is one of the things I need to get used to; no candy (or very little anyway...don't tell Ashley) and decaf coffee almost all of the time.

It won't be easy, but I AM feeling benefits of this new set of eating habits...I have lost upwards of 25 pounds....yep TWENTY-FIVE. Most of my pants are too big now. I am now wearing belts that didn't go around my waist and pants that I couldn't get closed back in November.

Yes, this is one of those "dark cloud/silver lining" moments.

Pre event, I was over 170 pounds. This morning I weighed in at 147. I have been eating right and eating less. Thanks to Ashley, I have plenty of good-for-me foods to eat...and someone watching me to make sure I DO eat them.

Let's hope I can keep it up while I am away at my company annual meeting. I promised my wife that I would take care of myself...even if she isn't there to watch over me. Help me have the strength to keep that promise.

I leave tomorrow & get back on Saturday for the meeting. That is 6 or 7 meals away form home. Wish me luck in finding stuff I can eat, and say a little prayer that I EAT it.

And, please say a prayer for Ashley. She does not like me to travel at ALL. Since this will be our first time truly apart since November 22, she is going to have particular trouble.

Anyone reading who has our number...she'd love a quick call.

That's it for tonight....

Good night & God bless.