It started off with a bang.
I had a lot to do first thing, so I boiled some water and added juice from half a lemon. I could only choke down a few drinks of it. Prior to the hot water, I drank two cups of water.
Because of the hectic day ahead, I had to “hurry” and fix my juice. It was yummy to my tummy, fruit-filled splendor.
Yummy Tummy Juice
Navel Oranges (4)
Cherries (about 20)
Lemon (one half)
Bartlett Pear (1)
Wow. What a treat. The orange wasn’t nearly as prominent in flavoring the drink as I thought. The pear actually stood out from the other flavors; although I could taste each one except the lemon. My thoughts are that the lemon muted the bright sweetness of the orange and the pear’s unique flavor took over the drink.
So, I had to go running out to borrow some tables and chairs for the big celebration that would take place later in the day. On the way home with the furniture, I had to pick up a couple of bags of ice.
I got home, unloaded the van, tested the sprinkler for the water festivities and then took a shower. As I dried off and dressed, people started showing up.
We were overwhelmed and blessed to have a large crowd of the children’s close friends and their parents show up (while we had a few adults show up who have gone out of their way to help our family watch over the kids, etc).
The wonderful surprise of the day was the kids’ godparents who live in Georgia showed up without notice. They posted a notice on Facebook earlier in the day that they were doing something “crazy” today, but gave no further information. As I was showering it occurred to me that they might be coming to the party (three hours away), but I was afraid to say anything. They showed up as I was walking into the living room after the shower! Great friends… good times.
So after they arrived, it was time to go get the pizza and some more ice. I prepared to leave but several of the men at the party asked if they could help. I didn’t think I needed the help, but I eventually said to them, “Let’s all go!” So four men huddled together in a Toyota Corolla and took off for Little Ceaser’s to buy some pizza. We had to wait about ten minutes once we got there (seven pizzas), but we had fun talking.
We stopped by for some ice and drove back to the house. As we arrived, I noticed most everyone else had shown up, including the kids’ other godparents. Woohoo! What a blessed day.
So… I’m sure many of you are wondering. How’d he do!?!? Did he make it?
I mean really. Pizza?!?!? Terrific croissant sandwiches with the most incredible pesto mayo dressing?!?!? All sorts of chips? Fruit? Veggies? Cake? Ice cream?!?!
How in the world could I not forget it all and just jump in and shovel it down the hatch. I mean I _love_ this stuff. And, it’s such a special day, kids’ celebration of their birthdays in one big shebang with a load of family and friends to join us.
Somehow, I managed not to eat a thing. I’m not quite sure how I did it. I loved the smell of the pizza. I picked up a Dorito, sniffed it and pretended to eat it – not to shock anyone else – simply because I wanted to pretend for my own benefit. If I couldn’t eat it, at least I could pretend to consume it, right?
I did drink two more cups of water, and when everyone started having cake, I did fix a juice for lunch.
Party Juice
Kale (6 handfuls)
Cabbage (5 leaves)
Granny Smith Apple (1)
Lemon (1)
Carrots (3)
Celery (5)
Radishes (3)
Pear (1)
It was pretty much like what I’ve been drinking for the last few days, and it was alright. Nothing “spectacular”, but it was good.
What was hilarious was that all the guys were gathered around my new toy (the juicer) to watch it do its thing. I must admit I love the sound of the thing as it spins down from juicing. It sounds kind of like a jet engine – at least it’s fun to picture it that way.
So, I handed out about five glasses of juice (with just about a couple of tablespoons in each) to the guys and one of the ladies who was venturous. None of the men were too impressed, but the lady liked it well enough.
The party lasted another hour or so, and then everyone started to go home.
Finally, it was all over. I was exhausted and took a nap.
Upon getting up, I knocked out another liter of water.
Not too long after that I fixed myself a dinner juice. I was a bit terrified of this one, because I had determined to use some tomatoes and possibly some onion. I used to despise tomatoes, but over the last few years I’ve come to appreciate them more. (Check out this previous post: Please Hold the Tomatoes.)
Dinner Juice
Grape Tomatoes (about 30)
Yellow Onion (about one-sixth of a medium size)
Celery (4 stalks)
Carrots (3)
Lemon (1)
Cabbage (4 leaves)
It made a decent amount, about a full quart. I actually somehow enjoyed it. I could taste the onion, but the tomato was not too prominent. In fact the carrot and celery really seemed to overwhelm the drink – not in a bad way.
While I enjoyed the drink and I was feeling rather full, I still felt “deprived”. I mean, seriously folks, this was the party I was holding for my own kids, and I couldn’t eat a single darn thing!
So, I fixed myself a dessert juice to end the night.
Dessert Juice
Strawberries (about 12)
Pineapple (about 1 cup)
Red Grapes (about 1 cup)
Fuji Apple (1 small)
It was a fantastic juice. In fact, I’d say it was better than the morning one.
As I write this, I’m drinking some herbal tea (again, the Aztec Sweet Chili).
Today was a success on many levels. The diet went great. I’ve philosophized about the meaning of what’s going on in my head or whatever – and I’ll share it later. Most importantly though, this day was a success because of the great family and friends who joined us in making a celebration for the kids a day of real friendship and love.
Thank you all. Thank you God. Well done all of you!
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