"B(re)aking Up Is Hard to Do"

In which we shall see: A comfort zone, some tragic (yet motivational) shopping, a Spring fling, and a farewell to baked goods.

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I am deeply saddened, yet obligated, to announce the ending of what has been a truly delicious relationship. The circle turns and the cycle of life moves on, we grow and expand and seek new places, new experiences... often times we leave others behind not because something goes wrong, but rather because things are just too right. We build a comfort zone around that other and burrow in, practically hibernating in the love and goodness, reluctant to move at all. And so, though it tears at my heart, it's time to make public my break-up with Mrs. Backer's Bakery and Pastry Shop. I don't think I'll find another bakery quite so perfect for me - and with a whole lot of self-control, I won't even try.

This week I've been trying to shop for a new Easter outfit, and while the in-store lighting is seldom flattering, it does tend to illuminate certain truths: NOTHING FITS. I'm not kidding. Anything that hangs passably well around my lower half looks tent-like on my upper half, and this Spring's separates are pretty fluffy, with yards of fabric pulled in to ruffles and pleats and a determination to hit a petite pear-shaped girl's absolute worst spots. Perhaps the spring/summer lines are all about motivation - either get in shape or shop somewhere else! That 34-year old metabolism shift literally hit within days of my birthday, and since I don't have the money for a whole new (custom-made) wardrobe, it's time to take stock of my life and cut the fat (figuratively and literally).

Chocolate and I called it quits a few weeks ago, and while we're still occasionally friendly we'll never be as close as we once were. I just can't go back there again. Sugar and I have been on the verge of separating for quite some time, but he's such an attractive flirt that I haven't been able to give him up - some tough love could be in order, along with a thorough housecleaning... one last Easter fling, and I'll show him the door (and kick him through it). I'm looking to get to know some new options - Treadmill has been friendly, Abs Machine is always welcoming (though a little indiscriminate), but I just can't face Stairmaster (our past history is not good, misogynist!) - Dance Class is waving at me like an old friend, so I'll have to make time to get out and mingle 'n move again. I find Free Weights very intimidating, but I hear that with some patience they'll show you a good time... I don't know. They seem kind of intense to me.

Whatever option I choose, it's past time to get out and make myself available again - and to revisit parts of my wardrobe that haven't seen the light of day in quite some time. And since a whole new life requires a whole new lifestyle, it's likely I'll be cutting Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill and Papa John's Pizza (maybe there'll be an occasional weekend visit, for old times' sake) - though the real hearbreaker just might be Olive Garden. Alfredo and Breadstick, I don't know that I CAN give you up (and after all, you come with an all-you-can-eat salad)... but I will do my best to be strong. By the next time we meet, hopefully there'll be a lot less of me to love!

And so, Mrs. Backer's Bakery and Pastry Shop, it has been a 5-star run - and believe me, it's really not you, it's me. All of me. I'll always remember your cinnamon rolls, and nobody gets Tarted up like your Raspberry Cream Cheese! I know you'll carry on without me, and find plenty of others to love - I'm not saying you're promiscuous, of course, just that you instinctively know the way to a person's heart. You won't be lonely for long, honest. A few minutes, tops. But don't despair - I won't cut you off without a final goodbye... I just called, and the baker agreed to hold a couple of cinnamon rolls for me tommorrow.

Without frosting.

Baby steps, baby.

Watch out for falling baked goods,

Cyd

P.S. The returns are in, and the counterblog is on its way!

Days I've gone without chocolate: 21 of 24

Stupid things I've done today: 1, with good intentions

Final exams to grade today: 0 !!!

Essays to grade today: 13 (out of 26 kids - why won't they just do their work!?! Bleh.)