Honey, I can’t go on vacation this year.
What did you say?
I said I can’t go on vacation with you all this year.
That’s what I thought you said. Why not?
I just started my diet and I don’t want to give it up.
That’s silly. Why can’t you stay on your diet while we’re on vacation?
I just can’t, and you know it. It’s much too hard. Everyone is eating and having a good time and I’m not. It just doesn’t work.
What diet are you on anyway?
I’m doing a modified version of South Beach and Atkins. It’s my own creation. There’s no starch, no sugar, plenty of non-starchy vegetables, certain fruits, meat, fish, chicken, cheese, and some very creative desserts that have Splenda in place of sugar and ricotta cheese instead of other ingredients – some of George Stella’s recipes.
That’s why we’ve been eating so well. And I thought it was just some new recipes you were trying out.
So do you think you and the kids can go without me this summer?
I don’t think we can. I don’t think we’d want to. At least, I don’t. I’m sure the kids won’t want to either.
I’m sorry to put you through this with me, but I vowed that I wouldn’t disappoint myself again. I’m determined this time to see this diet through. And I’ve been preparing myself now for the past three or four months, believe it or not. I was primed and all ready to go last Tuesday. And off I went, going strong, working my plan, keeping to all those small goals, meeting them actually. I’m really pleased with myself.
Well, I really want you to go on this vacation with us. It’ll be fun. Here’s what I propose. Why don’t you stay on your diet on vacation.
But I said I couldn’t…
You didn’t let me finish. Why don’t you come on vacation with us, stay on your diet, and we’ll all go right on your diet with you. Not another morsel. Not a different kind of food. No extras. We’ll do what you do. What do you say to that? We’ll all have fun.
That’s sweet. I never even thought of that. Do you think that’s possible?
Let’s tell the kids and then see if we can plan it out together.
Thanks.
Don’t thank me. You’re worth it.
