Big News

Finally! Some good news to share! First, I got a promotion at work. I’m excited about the opportunity to learn new things. Second, Michael got a job! It’s a contract to hire job and it’s the perfect job for him. We hope it goes well and after the contract is up, it goes permanent. It’s been a very, very long year and I’m glad that there is finally some positives coming our way.

There’s also been some other…exciting things happening here for me. I’ve been so excited lately and unable to SAY ANYTHING…it’s been killing me. I especially wanted to share my news with you guys!

In January I started sending out query letters to literary agents to try and get my book published. Honestly, writing the book was a lot easier than this portion of the journey. Lots and lots of rejection, disappointment, feeling hopeless and then…

I found an agent. Or did she find me? We found each other and she LOVED my book and we just clicked immediately. Our first phone conversation in June lasted nearly an hour and I liked her immediately. Of course having an agent doesn’t necessarily mean it is guaranteed to be published. The book industry is changing rapidly and publishers are much pickier. Giving a first-time author a chance is a gamble and I hope one of them risks it on me.

I do have a back-up plan in case things don’t go as planned. Like I said, the market is hard. This could be a very long process. I may not have any news for awhile. I will keep you guys posted the best I can and cross your fingers that a publisher wants to give me a chance.

This blog has evolved a lot over the years and I am so happy that I’ve been able to maintain it to inspire you guys. Even if I only inspire one person, my job is done! I hope that my blog AND my book can be an example that massive weight loss CAN happen in a healthy way and the weight CAN be kept off without depriving yourself of every joy in life. (Ahem, beer, pizza, ice cream.) I truly hope that my blog and book illustrate that my life in moderation is both effective and FUN!

The day that Michael got the news that he was hired, we went out to celebrate. We went to the Matador for some yuppie-Mexican food that just happens to be delicious, even if it’s not authentic.

CHEERS!!! I had one Ninkasi Total Domination IPA. It was great on a hot day.

They brought the usual chips and salsa and I tried not to go too overboard with them. It’s easy to mindlessly munch those things.

Michael ordered the burrito, smothered in sauce and their zesty sour cream/guacamole dressing. I’ve had it before and it’s absolutely wonderful but way too big for one person to eat alone.

His burrito had black beans and shredded beef in it. He gave me one bite and I remembered just how great that burrito was. But I loved my dinner. I got the smaller plate: firehouse chili.

I loved my chili. It was fantastic and really, really spicy. It had peppers and chunks of beef in it, topped with their sour cream mixture, shredded cheese, onions and the crispy tortilla strips. There were also chunks of tomatoes in it. I want to find a recipe similar to this and make it this winter. It’s probably my favorite chili I’ve had in a restaurant.

We went home stuffed to the gills, happy about our good news, and ready to relax in our food coma.

Fat Kitty was not impressed with our news. But what does he know?! I am so happy that things are getting on track. Cross your fingers that they keep going that way.

QUESTION: What’s your favorite spicy chili recipe?