i will see you in far off places

Did you catch the Lost series finale? I always feel more sad than I should when a show I love ends. It's as if I'm saying goodbye to old acquaintances. While the two-and-a-half hour episode supersaturated me with emotion, what affected me most was the very lovely portrayal of an afterlife. I'm not very philosophical so I do my best to avoid meditating on any concept of heaven, especially since death really frightens me. But to be reunited with those nearest and dearest to me, after all, is a dream I can easily adopt.

photo via ABC.com

Food Revolution

I have tremendous respect for Jamie Oliver. His recipes are delicious and wholesome, with an emphasis on homegrown, seasonal produce. I hope he can actually make a difference in the eating habits of the world. (I believe he can!)
The second video is quite long so only watch it if you are really interested. The statistics are pretty enlightening.

I recommend his books as well. Yum.

Happiness Challenge

Taza, writer of the lovely blog rockstar diaries began a series entitled "here's to happiness" in which readers and other bloggers send in lists of 10 things that make them terribly happy. My heart does a little dance every time I read one. So if you want to be happy right this minute, head over there and browse around. Better yet, write your own! Here's mine:

1. Being the first person awake.
2. The smell of Christmas trees.
3. Other people's birthdays.
4. Old musicals.
5. My dog and her wacky antics.
6. Berry picking.{or any fruit really}.
7. Watching my boyfriend's face as he tastes something I just baked.
8. Making plans.
9. Fairs and festivals.
10. Indian summer.

Photo by Lorelle Shea.

It's Not as if New York City Burned Down to the Ground

ASofterWorld.Com


Now this blog is about the things I love and those that are dear to my heart, but sometimes we have to let those things go. Let's talk breakups. No, I'm not talking about a split from your sweetie but a breakup from something else that you love that is bringing you down. Running is one of my greatest pleasures (yes, some people may think that's crazy). In my opinion, there's nothing better than hitting the pavement and just taking off. But after averagine about 50 miles a week, I developed Plantar Fasciitis and had to take several months off, and now, after attempting to ease back in, I'm plagued by Shin Splints. So I have to wonder, is this the end of my love affair with running? Should I just deal, continue to dish out Doctor fees and possibly hurt myself more or is it about time I retire my sneaks and make better friends with the elliptical? Tell me, dear readers, have you ever suffered a bad "breakup"? Maybe you ended things with mac and cheese after your pants went up one too many sizes. Maybe those amazing, designer boots were just not worth the blisters you developed. How did you cope? Is there anything with which you wouldn't dream of breaking up, no matter the pain?