gators take manhattan

Last Friday, reps from Gatorland, an alligator theme park and preserve near Orlando, came to visit the magazine for a deskside chat with some of our editors. It was not a normal deskside though, because they brought their reluctant coworker Izzy along...

I think he liked me. He didn't squirm at all in my hands, after freaking out when my coworker tried to hold him. Good thing Gatorland's "Dean of Gator Wrestling" was on hand to keep everything under control. He said that Izzy will get to be 14 or 15 feet long. Hmmm, I don't think I'd want to get so up close and personal with him then.

After my encounter, I was able to leave work early (yay for prez weekend), and take that opportunity to go and buy bridal shoes, just in time for my first fitting, which is this weekend. And, in case you were wondering, I did not buy any alligator skin shoes.

it's on...

...or off, hopefully. I have to come out of the closet about something (actually cabinet would be more appropriate in this case). I have been involved with it for a little over a month now, and I just can't keep it a secret any more...

It's Nutrisystem (and working out), and I'm totally into it. I have lost 12 pounds so far, and am feeling great. I know it's not for everyone, but it's perfect for me, and you know why? Because it's totally brainless.

There's no thinking, or calculating, or cooking. Everything for the month (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts) is sent to me in a big box at the beginning of the month (with the exception of fruits, veggies and dairy that I have to supplement), and I separate them out by meal. So in the morning, all I have to do is grab a breakfast, a lunch, some fruit and dairy snacks, and I'm set for the day. Easy. Dealing with the temptations at work is another story... not so easy, but I'm doing it. I haven't sampled any of the magazine's test recipes since New Year's, which is a big feat in itself. The best part though, is that I get to skip the daily struggle of "what's for lunch?" and "what's for dinner?" A struggle that once ruled my life.

Also, it occurred to me last week when the man called my work pants "parachute pants," that maybe I'll soon be able to venture into the two large suitcases taking up my closet. The suitcases that I have moved with twice, but have not dared to enter since I was living in LA. I know that I'm not there yet, and there's still a long way to go to a healthier, leaner me, but... it's a start. And I know that with every step (or bike revolution), I'm getting closer.

playing with the new toy