Day 9. I can almost taste vegetables!

This morning, I infused 5 Tbs of cane sugar with warm water to hold me over until the agave arrived (although now I feel like most of it will be used in post-cleanse cooking endeavors). I drank two glasses and got ready for my lunch shift. I squeezed 2 lemons and added them to the rest of the liquified cane sugar, and brought my baby-food jar of cayenne. I've noticed the lemons yield much more juice when freshly acquired and left in the sun, so in the mornings I always put at least 4 lemons on the back porch, and buy lemons for no more than two days at a time.

I came back from work and errands to find my package on the doorstep. Finally. I had time to mix up enough concentrate for the rest of the day and night and head back out. My first destination was the interview for my second job (because I want some job security and day shifts). During the interview, I convinced the girl to join my future side-career female assassin group after both deciding to destroy the system. All she had to do was mention the oil spill and the conversation gained momentum in the right direction. She said my chances are pretty good. What was affirmed: It pays to be YOURSELF.

The German restaurant had a catering function happening, which meant my first experience with the owner's famous barbecue meatballs. As his wife told me, "I don't eat meat, but I could take a bath in that barbecue sauce." All I needed was the smell to enjoy it. Thankfully I left early as it was slow, because he ended up letting the employees eat the leftover sandwiches, chicken, fondue and strudel.

When I got home, I went for a run. I am using the uphill forest trail behind the house. It is amazing. It's only about a mile and a half, but a majority of the trail consists of rock hopping, steep inclines, and mesmerizing views of mountains. I started out a little too strong, but it was a consistent, energizing run. I made plans with my roomate to go on a longer run tomorrow. I also convinced him to get a pair of vibrams... It's the barefoot revolution!

I made a list of what foods I plan to eat Saturday. I CAN'T WAIT FOR (non-lemon) FRUIT. And vegetables and couscous. But mostly fruit. I plan to grocery shop tomorrow before work, and I already have my food schedule ready. My first food back from the cleanse (assuming they have it)= papaya. It will be transcendental.

Right now, I feel empowered. I'm not watching tv, I'm not surrounded by sights and smells of food, and I am content. I feel like I've achieved a new level of understanding involving my own life and my surroundings. I'm already planning on doing another cleanse in the fall. Throughout my research I have learned of other methods, most interestingly ones involving vegetable juices. It's not just about the change in diet. It's about shifting your daily life enough to give you another perspective, and the ability to alter it.