Would you like some cheese with that whine?

Yes, yes, I would like some cheese! However, Kris and I have gone vegan for a 28-day shape-up program initiated by the Mesquite Fire Department. Long story short, a fireman in Austin, TX created a diet called the "Engine 2 Diet", and it's geared towards improving cholesterol levels, reducing fat (no oil or sugar is allowed), eating "clean foods", and good carbs. The Mesquite City Planner thought it would be a good thing for one of the fire stations to try, and so being the supportive wife I am, we've implemented the diet at home as well. Problem with the diet - NO CHEESE (or no dairy to be specific)!!! What the?! I've been a vegetarian for years - "ovo/lacto" to be precise - but I've always had dairy in my life as a close friend! Kris and I are both big cheese lovers (those of you that know us well, know that Kris' nickname is "Cheezer"), so this has been a big challenge to say the least. We pretty much put cheese on any and everything...oh - and Ranch dressing...yummy! But, alas, we have 21 days (and counting) left of this craziness...if anything, it's teaching us a lesson in restraint. Nicky has not joined the vegan bandwagon, so it's been tough to give him both cheese and Ranch (he insists on "dip" at every meal...he'd dip his fruit in it if we let him!) - I've almost succumbed to licking Nicky's fingers just to have a "hit" of the good stuff!

There are a few good things stemming from this lunacy: 1) I've lost 5 pounds & Kris has lost 7 (not fair! why do guys always lose more?!); 2) we're eating more healthily - no processed foods to speak of; 3) I've gotten into cooking again (like I said - no processed foods - so I meal plan & cook for 3 squares a day!). It does take some time to prepare for each week, but hopefully the benefits will outweigh the negatives. Another negative...kinda gross, but has to be said...the gas stemming from all the fiber! OMG! Add to it Nicky's ever-present "2 a days", and oh man! Kris said the fire station is like a veritable "fart-fest"!

Now for the whining part...well, I guess I've been whining throughout this post as it is...I'm taking cues from Nicky. Man, does this kid whine. I wish I could add a good audio snippet of his talent, because goodness does he have it down pat! And it's over any and everything! I've read that children who whine will typically do so at the 2 1/2, 3 1/2, 4 1/2 & 5 1/2 marks...well, looks like it's true so far. We went through the 2 1/2 and we're at the 3 1/2 stage now...guess we have more acoustic stylings in our future! However, then he goes and does something sweet like walking me to my car, opening all the doors for me along the way, and waving to me until I pull out the garage, and drive away. (sigh) I guess like the sensible, yet nutty diet (literally - we eat a ton of nuts right now!), all things in life have their good and bad points!