Day 31: A Day Without Yogurt

It's only been a day since I've finished my challenge, and I'm feeling withdrawal symptoms. What does that mean?!?

Anyway, Mr. Yogato already put my (slightly humiliating) picture on the website! Click here and scroll to the bottom.

Day 30: A Champion At Last

Can you believe that I'm now a 30-day champion? What an honor!

I walked into Mr. Yogato after work accompanied by a friend, who seemed almost as excited about my moment in the sun as I was. Because my yogurt was free today (it just happened to work out like that), I opted for a medium original tangy with strawberries and blueberries. Heeding my flavor advice, my friend also got a tangy and praised my flavor-picking ability.

I then got my photo taken with the special Mr. Yogato hat and tie, along with a soon-to-be-framed certificate of my flavor name. (As soon as I get access to that photo, I'll post it up here.) Eventually, the photo will go on Mr. Yogato's website.

After all the hoopla, my friend and I were ready to chill out, so we hopped onto the Nintendo system and played Super Mario Brothers 3, which I don't think I'd played since I was about 12 years old.

My friend had to leave shortly thereafter, so I hung out and played some more Nintendo. Luckily, Mr. Yogato himself was around, so we got to chat, and he thoroughly congratulated me for meeting my challenge. Chris was working as well, so I was glad he was able to witness my crowning achievement.

All in all, Day 30 was a glorious experience. I don't know what I'm going to do with my lunch breaks from now on. To be honest, I'm kind of sad that my challenge is over. But you can bet I'll still be making regular visits to Mr. Yogato.

P.S. My flavor, Hot Ta-Melanie, should come to fruition fairly soon. I'm still not 100% sure on how the whole thing works, but I can't wait to taste my flavor!

Day 29: The End Is Nigh

It's so close I can almost taste it--my yogurt challenge ends tomorrow! It shall be a glorious evening. I'll laugh, I'll cry; I'll even eat some (OK, a lot of) yogurt.
But for right now, let's concentrate on today. When I went to yogurt today, I dragged along one of my colleagues, who happens to enjoy frozen yogurt almost as much as I do. He didn't buy any yogurt because he wasn't feeling so well (flawed logic if you ask me), but he did sample the original soft and original tangy.
I got a shot of original tangy with Oreos, and Chris was careful to pour on the topping so it didn't go everywhere. (Nevertheless, there were still some stray crumbs.)
Aside from a gaggle of college kids, my colleague and I mostly had the place to ourselves. While I ate my yogurt, we sat down at a table and commenced a game of Connect Four. Unfortunately, I didn't win the game.
After a lively discussion with Chris about Nintendo and other yogurt-related stuff, my colleague and I headed back to the office. He concluded that although another yogurt shop that shall remain nameless has tangier yogurt, hanging out at Mr. Yogato is a lot more fun. I couldn't agree more!

Day 28: More Mochi

I walked into Mr. Yogato and got the first serving of original tangy from a new batch. Sweet! I opted for a small today and added mochi and chocolate syrup. Luckily, yesterday's trivia questions were still up when I got there, so I got a nice discount.
It was pretty quiet inside, so Chris and I chatted for a bit, mainly about books. As usual, I rambled on longer than necessary, but he didn't seem to mind. Now that's good customer service!
A bunch of customers came in, so I ambled toward one of the tables. I only sat down for a few minutes, though, because I had to get back to the office a little early.
I can't believe that this journey is ending in two days--I can't wait to celebrate!

Day 27: We All Scream for Froyo

Today's yogurt line was practically out the door, which wasn't surprising because the weather was amazing. I was exhausted and nauseated from my run, so the long line gave me a chance to get my mind in working order and figure out the answers to the trivia questions before I ordered.
I'll admit that I heard a couple of preceding customers answer part of one of the trivia questions, but I got the other two all by myself! As a reward (and also because my run sucked), I got myself a small original tangy instead of a shot. I didn't add anything; I think I needed as simple a flavor as possible today.
The crowds inside left me feeling a bit claustrophobic, so I wandered out and stumbled slowly toward home. My nausea forced me to eat the yogurt pretty slowly, but I'm glad I finished it. As everybody knows, a yogurt a day keeps the doctor away!

Day 26: A Storm Is Brewing

I decided to get to Mr. Yogato as early as possible to bypass the terrible storm that's supposed to brew later this afternoon. Nevertheless, the weather outside was still atrocious, so I arrived at my destination a bit soggy.
It was pretty quiet when I got there, and I ordered a shot of original tangy with Cocoa Pebbles. While I was eating and reading, Mr. Yogato himself walked in and out without noticing me. I was into my yogurt, and he seemed busy, so I didn't want to bother him.
I was feeling a bit glum, probably because of the weather, but a little while before I left, a couple walked in and tried to figure out some trivia questions. They ordered a yogurt but still hadn't guessed a question, so one of the yogurus on duty said they could take as long as they needed.
They proceeded to spend many minutes trying to figure out an answer to the question they'd chosen, thus cheering me up. One of the yogurus and I  jumped in and gave them some hints to try to help. (I'm an expert now, you see.) It turned into a fun conversation, and I even told them I was on the board. They seemed enthusiastic and said they'd have to come back when my flavor (which they professed excitement for) came out.
I left before they'd finished answering the question, as I wanted to get home before my umbrella went to shreds. I hope they figured it out--may the yogurt be with them!

Day 25: Another Chat With Mr. Yogato

I arrived at my froyo paradise after work today to find Mr. Yogato himself standing outside. Aiming to test his memory, I walked up to him, waved and asked if he remembered who I was. He remembered not only my name, but also my flavor! I did have to clarify with him that it was not I who thought up the term "yoguru," however. He seemed disappointed. (I'm hoping J might get a reward for that, though--she deserves it!)
Apparently, Chris hadn't told Mr. Yogato about my blog, so it was news to him when I explained what I was doing. Mr. Yogato echoed Chris's sentiments from a few days ago that my blog might be linked on the store's website, and when I shot back with "I have a reputation to uphold," he dismissed it handily. ("What reputation?" [or something like that] he pontificated.)
As we finished chatting, Mr. Yogato told me not to forget to get my yogurt. As if I ever could!

I was all set to eat my yogurt inside, but the only seats available were the kiddie ones by the Nintendo set, and I wasn't in the mood to feel squished. Chris was there, as was a Yogato trainee. Luckily, today's trivia questions were the same as yesterday's, so I ended up with a 15% discount on my shot of original tangy with cantaloupe. All's well that ends well, I always say!

Day 24: The Shot Wasn't Enough

Maybe it's because I went to Mr. Yogato after I ran, and maybe it's also because I was already a bit hungry before I ran, but this evening's shot of original tangy with strawberries (which didn't go all over the place!) just wasn't enough. I got my yogurt on the run, and I was finished in about three minutes still wanting more. Sigh.
Six more days to go! Next Wednesday will be magical--I'm inviting a couple of friends from work, which could make it even more of a party!

Day 23: Dreaming of Future Glory

In only one week, I will be a Mr. Yogato 30-day champion! That, along with some other very good news that will come to fruition next Tuesday, will result in an excellent week.
Like yesterday, I got a shot. I went back to my original tangy, however, and I chose Oreos for the topping. Maybe I have an overly generous yoguru (who liked the term so much he designed a new T-shirt around it), but I could barely dip my spoon into my lovely frozen treat before crumbs started spilling everywhere. Either I need to get a less-crumbly topping, or I need to think up some kind of "Plan B" for the way I eat my yogurt.
At any rate, business today was pretty slow, and I spent most of my visit chatting with my yoguru, whom I suppose I can name since he commented on yesterday's blog entry and thus banished any claims to anonymity that he might have. I told Chris that I was not actually the one who came up with the term "yoguru" and that my friend/colleague J did. I needed to give credit where credit is due.
Can you believe I only have seven more days of froyo? I'm still going strong, and now that I'm so close to completion, my fantasies about next Wednesday's party/celebration are running wild. Should I sing Queen's "We Are the Champions"? Will there be confetti? Will all of the yogurus who are present give me a big round of applause? Only time will tell!

Day 22: Coming Clean

Well, I did it--I confessed to my yoguru that I'm writing this blog!
I wasn't quite sure how he'd react, as I admitted that it featured him prominently, but he seemed to take it well enough. He said he might even show it to the owner, which could result in some kind of linkage on Mr. Yogato's website. I'm not sure whether to be proud of or embarrassed by this.
In other news, I had my first "shot" today, which, as I found out, costs less than a small and comes with a topping. However, today's shot was even better, as it was unexpectedly free! I called out guilted my yoguru on not telling me about the shots before, and my yogurt was on the house as a result. Woohoo!
In preparation for my impending flavor, I sampled the chocolate yogurt, which was being rotated in today. I added a little bit of chili pepper to "test" out my new flavor, and I think it'll be a winnah.
Though I ended up getting a chocolate shot with coconut flakes, I came to the conclusion yet again that the original tangy is definitely my fave. A few minutes before I left, the other 30-day contender came in with a friend, who's a 30-day champion. We all had a nice chat.
In general, today's atmosphere was really light and fun. I also think I walked back to work right on time--the seemingly ever-present gloom around here turned into rain just as I was returning.

Day 21: Meeting the Head Honcho

I didn't meet the other contender today while cleansing my palate with a "naked" small original tangy, but I met someone even better: Mr. Yogato's owner!
The last time I'd seen him, I was in line behind a newly minted 30-day champion. He jokingly accused her of not really completing the challenge since he'd never seen her before. Anyway, the girl's accomplishment got the gears in my mind going--I ended up starting my challenge the next week.
When I saw the owner today, I thought it might be a good move to introduce myself so he didn't accuse me of the same shenanigans. We ended up having a nice little chat, and he loved my flavor idea and name. He clued me in to a yogurt size available only to 30-day challengers: the "shot," which seems to be an ounce or two smaller than the small. I think I might start buying shots tomorrow. He also told me that 30-day champions enjoy other little "perks" in the store, but he wouldn't tell me what they were since I haven't yet completed my challenge. I can't wait to find out what they are!
The weather today was humid, but the temperature was really nice, so I was surprised that Mr. Yogato wasn't more crowded than it was. I'm sure it got a lot busier later, though--when the weather is fine, Yogato's on the mind!

Day 20: Free! Free! Free!

I planned today's running route to end at Mr. Yogato, which was a huge motivator during my run. I was very excited because today was a free day!
I relished my medium original tangy with strawberries and Cocoa Puffs, pushing any thoughts of the yogurt's enormous sugar content out of me head. Today's yoguru, who was also there yesterday lending "my" yoguru a hand, was quite friendly. I told her I was on my 20th day, and she seemed enthusiastic, even asking me about my flavor.
I really wanted to sit down and hang out, but the seats were all taken. I stood outside for a few minutes, just chilling out (get it?), but I quickly got bored and started walking home. My yogurt lasted a little less than half a mile. Thankfully, the fact that I'd overdressed a bit meant I wasn't freezing by the time the yogurt was gone.
I can't believe I have only 10 days to go! I think I'm gonna miss my daily yogurt routine.

Day 19: Mochi Madness

OK, so there really wasn't much madness going on, but I did get mochi on top of my small original tangy. I added some chocolate syrup, and the combination was perfect. The best part was that my regular yoguru was there! It was a treat to see him on a weekend.
Today's weather was a little better than yesterday's, but it was still pretty cloudy and humid. I hung around longer than usual because I had some time to kill before meeting a friend for a movie.
Though my regular yoguru won't be there tomorrow, I am excited because it will be a free yogurt day! I plan on running to yogurt, so I will probably be in the mood to splurge a little. It's supposed to be nice out, so I bet it will be even busier than it was today.
I have to say that I'm pretty pleased at how smoothly this challenge is going. I'm not even close to getting sick of froyo, and I haven't had any major speed bumps in taking the time to go there. I will probably need to detox from all the sugar after my 30 days are over, but so far, it's been a great ride!

Day 18: The Contenders Meet

Today was pretty rainy, but I was no less motivated than normal to get my lunchtime yogurt. As usual, I got my small original tangy with no toppings. (I did, however, add some chocolate sprinkles.) But, in a deviation from every other yogurt-challenge experience I've had, I met the other contender.
He seemed like a nice enough fellow, and we introduced ourselves and chatted for a few minutes. But while I sat and chatted with my yoguru, he bought his yogurt and headed right out. The other contender is a couple of days ahead of me, but my yoguru suggested we throw a joint party since our count is pretty close in number.
I spent the majority of my yogurt trip chatting with my yoguru, who said he missed me yesterday. That was so nice to hear! My yoguru let me try a couple of pieces of mochi, which I'd heard a lot about but hadn't yet tried. I think I might get it as a topping tomorrow. And despite the bad weather, I was in a pretty good mood today--I guess frozen yogurt just does that to a person.

Day 17: Post-Run Yogurt

Today's yogurt happened after a run by the Tidal Basin after work. It was warmer than I'm used to, so I had a hard time. My frozen yogurt was extra welcome today.
I got a small original tangy with no toppings, and I was too out of it to answer any trivia questions. Luckily, I had a discount card I got a while back that I hadn't used. It was only 5%, but it was better than nothing!
My yoguru this evening was friendly, and when I mentioned "my" regular yoguru by name, this evening's yoguru said I seemed to know my regular one pretty well. I told this evening's yoguru that I was "on the board," and he brightened.
I told him who I was, and he cheered me on, noting that I was halfway there. He said it gets easier around Day 20, but actually, he's wrong: It was pretty easy from Day 1!
I was anxious to get home already, so I ate my yogurt on the walk home. It made me a little cold, but, as evidenced by past experience, frozen yogurt is worth any physical price!

Day 16: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Day 16 was nice and relaxed. While busier than yesterday, Mr. Yogato wasn't as manic as Monday. I got my small original tangy (with trivia discount) and kept it simple by not adding anything, not even chocolate sprinkles or red pepper flakes.
As I sat down, I noticed that Rebecca Black's mini cutout was gone. (Too bad; it was amusing!) I sat, ate, read and chatted a bit with my yoguru, whom I still haven't told about this blog. As usual, I enjoyed the music playing in the background--my yoguru has good taste in music.
The walk back to work was pleasant enough, though it was a bit windy, and I didn't see any doggies near CVS. It's been a while, so I hope I see one again soon!

Day 15: Historic Halfway Point

It was a chilly afternoon for froyo. Tightsless and sandaled, I traveled to Mr. Yogato at nearly a breakneck speed, stopping for no one. The wind whipped at my clothes, threatening to upturn my dress. I arrived at Yogato breathless with excitement. As of today, I've reached the halfway point of my yogurt challenge! My yoguru seemed enthusiastic about my accomplishment thus far.

I went back to basics with a small original tangy with chocolate sprinkles and chocolate syrup. Luckily, I answered some trivia questions and got 10% off. 

My yoguru asked if I still wanted my flavor to be Hot Tamelanie, and I answered in the affirmative. As we chatted off and on during my visit (I'm finally on a new book now!), I contemplated whether to tell him about this blog. I haven't yet come to a conclusion, but I'll come up with an answer in the next couple of days. 

As I was getting ready to leave, I noticed a random tiny photo cut out of Rebecca Black's face on a little whiteboard. What did the girl of "Friday" fame do to deserve such an honor?

Day 14: Brisky Business

It was sunny and in the 70s during my lunch hour, so business at Yogato followed suit. As I ate my original tangy with Cocoa Pebbles for the second day in a row, I watched one after another customer order up.
Sadly, I forgot my Yogato Aloto card, so I had to get a new one. But happily, I knew the answers to all of the trivia questions, as they were unchanged from yesterday.
Can you believe tomorrow will be the halfway point? I love my froyo as much as I ever have--I'm not even close to getting sick of it. With each passing day, Hot Tamelanie comes ever closer to existence....

Day 13: More Meh

Weekdays at Yogato are just better, what can I say? Today's yogurus were the same as last Sunday's, I think, but they just aren't the same as "my" regular one.
I ran to yogurt as I did last Sunday, so I allowed myself a forehead stamp, which easily wiped off because of my sweat. I also answered two of the trivia questions, which were finally different after like four days, so in total, I got 20% off. Yay for discounts!
I ate my small original tangy with Cocoa Pebbles (great combo, by the way) in silence. I think that's what I like about the yoguru I usually see; I appreciate when anyone in customer service makes an effort to be friendly with me. Today's yogurus were nice, but they didn't really put in any effort to have a chat. (I'm a big fan of chatting, especially when I'm by myself and have no one to talk to.)
Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful, so I'm looking forward to the work week. As I listen to my next door neighbor hack up her lungs and sneeze out her brains, I think fondly of my lunchtime yogurt visits and pine for 1 p.m. to come just a little bit sooner.

Day 12: Meh

The yogurt was not meh, of course, but the experience kind of was. For some reason, while I was at Yogato today, I felt like something was missing.
A friend and I went to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms (and tourists) en masse. As we started making our way toward the Washington Monument, the sky opened. Let me tell you, getting pummeled by hail is a blast, and I'd recommend it to anyone!
But seriously. After it hailed, it began to pour, so we took cover under some awnings and construction sites on 15th Street. Thankfully, the "scattered showers" forecast was totally accurate, and we resumed our walk to Yogato a few minutes later.
By the time we arrived in heaven, our hands were freezing, but my resolve to eat yogurt was no less. I was excited to see that yesterday's trivia questions were still up, so even though I resisted a forehead stamp, I still got a nice discount.
My friend didn't partake, so it was a one-person yogurt fest. Maybe that had something to do with the lack of contentment I usually feel when I'm consuming my froyo. Or maybe my froyo adventure is something I just prefer doing alone. Either way, something felt off.
My original tangy with crushed chili pepper and chocolate sprinkles tasted as yummy as usual, of course. But although today's yoguru seemed nice, I think I missed "my" regular yoguru. I can't wait till Monday!

The wind whips my hair back and forth.

Day 11: Froyo Saved My Life Tonight

Elton John must be stuck in my head from the latest (terrible) episode of "American Idol," but I definitely felt like tonight's frozen yogurt saved me from catastrophe.
Turns out Indian food is not the best lunch choice 3 1/2 hours before an 8.81-mile run in the grueling, touristy wind, and had it not been for the promise of yogurt, I'm sure I would have expectorated more than saliva.
When I arrived at Yogato, the place was a bit busier than it usually is. I suppose 8 p.m. on a Friday is a better time for froyo/socializing than 1 p.m. on a weekday, but a crowded Yogato does not a happy Melanie make. Anyway, I decided a medium yogurt would help remedy my pukeishness, so I got a medium original tangy with no toppings.
Two trivia questions plus a forehead stamp later (yay for 20% off!), I sat down to eat and read "Game Change." I figured eating eight ounces of froyo in-store was a safer choice than eating it on my way home; I really didn't want to turn into a walking cryogenics experiment.
I sat, ate and read, sat, ate and read, and when I looked up a few minutes later, the place was absolutely hopping. It got so bad I almost felt claustrophobic--Yogato is pretty awesome, but also pretty small--so I quickly shoveled in the rest of my original tangy with chocolate sprinkles.
I walked home without freezing, and when I got to my building, a nice, possibly tipsy, guy opened the door. I ended up (happily) giving Yogato some free advertising by explaining my still clearly inked forehead stamp, which I'd forgotten existed.