walking outside + bitey bugs = no fun

i love walking. it's a very calming experience that, done in the right setting, can take all your cares away.

just stop, and breathe in the air ... mmmmmmm ... *OUCH!*

i guess my love of nature stops at the pretty trees and beautiful sky. i HATE the little bugs that delight in a feast of my flesh.

we ended up walking almost three miles, and i did the whole thing in shorts and a t-shirt.

bite me once, shame on me. bite me twice ... well, you know.

i've already got my wardrobe picked out: turtleneck, long pants and a hoodie.

did i mention it's supposed to be in the high 80s this weekend?

this is going to be an interesting weekend.

... as a side note ...

i am super proud of myself: i was faced with a soda machine (the first time since i quit) and i DIDN'T take any. at all. and i was tempted. a lot. (i swear i heard dr. pepper call for me ... i'm probably just hallucinating.)

jen's willpower is coming back!

are we there yet?

dear caffeine,

i'm breaking up with you. i'm sorry to do it so suddenly, but it's for our own good. please believe me when i say this: it's not you, it's me. i just couldn't handle your yummy-ness for another day.

i will always remember the good times, like the delectable cherry dr. pepper from sonic, or cherry cokes at my 8th birthday party. remember those root beer floats at parties, or diet pepsi at lunch? i know i do.

you'll go on without me. there are so many other people out there, waiting for everything you have to offer.

love,
me

p.s. WHY am i doing this again?



... oh yeah. it turns out that a lot of my health issues could be stemming from my daily "inhalation" of these tasty beverages (and chocolate).

according to health.org, while many people feel that caffeine increases their mental alertness, higher doses of caffeine can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches, heart palpitations, ulcers, acid reflux, muscle twitching and the jitters. it can also interfere with normal sleep.

i'm particularly concerned about this little tidbit: "caffeine may also cause the body to lose calcium, and that can lead to bone loss over time. drinking caffeine-containing soft drinks and coffee instead of milk can have an even greater impact on bone density and the risk of developing osteoporosis. if you are stressed or anxious, caffeine can make these feelings worse."

well, it's a good thing i'm stopping, right?

maybe the anxiety will finally come down a few notches?!

it doesn't feel like it.

five full days "sober", and i feel like crap. i'm still waiting for my body to reset.

i quit cold turkey. i really don't recommend that method. every day is a crash for me.

according to wikipedia, a "caffeine crash" will cause headaches, nausea, fatigue and drowsiness. it will also cause anxiety, irritability, inability to concentrate and diminished motivation to initiate or complete daily tasks. in extreme cases it may cause mild depression." seriously? i should have just stayed on the wagon!

you know what? even with all that, i'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. we're going to get there after all.