I began yesterday giving up soft drinks for lent in the hope of kicking my cravings for the syrupy beverage to the curb. I’m proud to say that day one was a success. I know, I know, it’s only one day right? But for me, a true Dr. Pepper lover, this is huge. I do okay at home, but at work it’s much too easy to grab some change from my purse and indulge in my second favorite drink. Coffee is my first, but I’ll work on that later - one step at a time.

I took my large bottle of ice water with me and sipped on that throughout the evening. I’m not saying I didn’t think about the drink machine sitting just out of view. Actually, I’m pretty sure I heard my name whispered a few times from that direction. Still, I refused to give in to my cravings and made it successfully through the night. I felt good when I walked out of work at 1:00 am having had no soft drink the entire day.

Not only that, but I had another temptation thrown at me! I have a wonderful co-worker who works 11 pm to 7 am. She had asked me if we could switch shifts tonight since she is flying out of town early in the morning and I agreed. So she came in last night and told me she brought me something to show her appreciation for me agreeing to the switch. She reached in her bag and proudly produced a box of THIN MINTS GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!! Oh my gosh, my absolute favorite (at least it wasn’t a case of Dr. Pepper). She meant well and so I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. I told her it wasn’t necessary but that I really appreciated it. Then I told her I was going to take these home where they would be enjoyed in a peaceful, relaxed environment instead of a dirty, noisy jail. I’m proud to say that I put them into my bag and out of sight, brought them home and gave them to Tommy with his Valentine so he can enjoy them. Wow, talk about self-control! I totally owned it last night.

By the way, I know I’ve mentioned more than once how wonderful my husband is. Well, I woke up this morning and had some roses and a Valentine’s card, AND a trailer for my son and I to carry our kayaks on! Now I just need some warmer temperatures and we’ll be back on the river.

To all my Spark Friends, you are the best. Thank you for being so supportive and
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!