my new fad diet

I'm on a new diet. Basically, I eat whatever I want, whenever I want. Really! I haven't given up carbs, sweets, or anything, and I feel pretty good most of the time. And I've lost weight.

Here's the catch: I've tricked myself. I forget to eat. I don't want to eat! I'm too busy. I'm occupied.

I'm reading the Twilight books. I'm on the Twilight diet.

Seriously, it's a great diet. I've already lost 4+ pounds. Insane, and unexpected. But the thing is, I simply cannot tear myself away from these books!

The young women at Church (and half my female friends on Facebook) have been gushing about Twilight forever. They saw the movie at midnight. They got the last book of the series (#4) at midnight. One of my young women stood in line for 5 hours to BUY the movie when it came out. Yeah, they're that crazy.

The other week I was feeling a bit down about my life. I'm at a point in my life where I feel like I'm either missing something, something big, or I'm not appreciating what it is that I have. I need a good attitude adjustment. I thought, what can I do?

I decided to unplug for a bit. I love reading, but I don't think I've read a single book since Wesley was born. I really need a breather, a distraction.

I put a post up on Facebook... who has the Twilight books and would let me borrow them? I instantly got a hit, from one of the young women in fact. I went over on Thursday and borrowed the first two. She wanted to give me all four and I said, "no no, how about I read these two then trade them for the final two?" I didn't realize that I should have taken all four.

I started Twilight on Thursday afternoon during Wesley's nap. I read at night. I read the next day to and from work on the bus. I read all Friday night (getting to bed after midnight). I slept until 6 am then woke up in a jolt and kept reading. I was done all 498 pages by 8:30 am Saturday. WOW.

I started New Moon (#2) Saturday afternoon. I read Saturday night and Sunday. I knew I was in trouble. I went back to my friend's house on Monday to get book 3 and 4 and the movie. I watched the movie Monday afternoon (likes and dislikes abound). I read Monday night. I read Tuesday. I finished all 563 pages last night by 10:00 pm.


Whoo baby! I'm two books heavier in my mind and four pounds lighter in my body!

In fact (and Julie if you're reading this I apologize!), when I got the movie Monday morning I knew I had to watch it ASAP. I usually work from home Monday afternoon and I begged my boss to switch my schedule to Tuesday. Angela, you're insane! It's all over the top! You're calling out sick from work!

What I really should do is give myself a breather from my breather. Take some time before starting #3. But I don't think that'll happen. I think I'll start #3, um, right now.


I feel strangely odd about the whole thing. Some friends have said they couldn't get through it, they didn't like it, it's not written well. I'll admit it is a bit passive at times, and sometimes slow. And yes, for the better part of many of the books you want to slap the main character and yell at her to just to say what she's thinking already and stop being to cryptic. But maybe that's what I like. I like that it's confusing and roundabout, since so is my life. Boy, I wish things were simple. They're not.

I love the story, I love the characters. I almost wish they were real. That we were all friends. I'm glad there's not just one book! I'm also glad I'm kind of late to the table since I don't have to wait like everyone else did. I don't think I could handle it. Waiting for the movies will be tough enough. I told my friend from Church that I'll be right beside her at midnight to see the next one in November! INSANITY!


So for anyone sitting on the fence, dangit go read them. I will warn you thought that it is more teenage love as opposed to vampire love, although vampire love is part of it. But the story has just put something in the pit of my stomach that is exciting. I feel, corny as it sounds, like I've fallen in love! I forget to eat! I'm deliriously happy! I feel like there was this big secret everyone else was in on that now I'm finally in on. It's hilarious.

(Sidenote: Seriously, if you feel differently about the series, feel free to comment in the notes on why. We're an equal opportunity forum here. You don't HAVE to agree with me.)

And, I don't want it to wear off since I'm exercising pretty hardcore as well and getting a double-punch at this lingering baby weight. I've felt as of late that I needed a jump-start to some serious and focused weight loss, and I think this is it. I was considering South Beach, but this is working just as well! Is it healthy? Well maybe my mom would be worried... but I am eating fruits and vegetables. And a lot of yogurt. Really all I'm in the mood for is yogurt! Is that weird or what?

In any case, I'm feeling good. I think in our lives, sometimes we need great distractions like this. I'm not sure what I'll do when life gets back to normal. Maybe I just need to read more often.

I recommend the Twilight diet!