A Challenging Situation

Personally, I feel that my ever-growing blog has cited many a challenging situation, but I'll oblige. I'll paint a picture of the battle between me - Valiant Conqueror of a Healthy Lifestyle - and Cookies, Cakes, and Chocolates - Villains Crushing the Souls of Healthy Eaters Everywhere.

The lights are dim. Notebooks and journal articles clutter the table, their haphazard mess occasionally pierced by a can of Diet Coke or a set of headphones. I sit, restless, running my fingers across the pages of "The Entertainment Education Strategy in Communication Campaigns," and wondering what the hell an oblique persuasion dilemma is, exactly.

Outside, the trees delight in the gentle caress of the wind. They whisper to each other and wave to me, suggesting that I join them on this beautiful day. Their insistence is impressive; the freshest of airs billowing through my window momentarily rouse me to exercise. I sit a bit straighter, and brush my hair from my face; "I can do this!", I say. Yes, out loud.

I glance at the table once more; journal articles glare ominously back at me and sling silent taunts my way. I rise, hoping to outdo them --

And into my immediate line of vision comes a seemingly innocuous box sitting on the kitchen counter. A small, beige box with pleasant brown borders and Porto's Bakery written across the front. My heart sinks.

I can smell the guava jam and mascarpone cream cheese from my huddled position amidst endless papers. Pastries beckon to me, their flaky fingers of fresh-baked crust seducing me in the afternoon sunlight. I glance again towards the trees, but they are so far, far away...