The Kindness of Strangers

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the best compliments come from the mouths of complete strangers? My friends and family can praise me to the high heavens, but it often means infinitely more coming from a person with whom I do not have an intimate relationship. Let me explain:

Last week while on one of my many Christmas shopping expeditions, a woman stopped me as I entered the store. She said, "You know, you have gorgeous hair!" This small compliment may seem trivial to many, but to me bore great significance. Before my struggles with anorexia, I had a long, thick mane. Obviously, as my disease progressed my characteristically voluminous hair disappeared. It may seem petty, but losing my hair was one of the most painful parts of my eating disorder; it was a painfully apparent side effect of the damage that I was uncontrollably inflicting upon my body. Thus, to hear a stranger comment on the healthy state of my hair was especially rewarding, even if it has been 3 or 4 years since my recovery. I guess my obsession with avocados and almond butter has benefits besides satisfying my tastebuds:)

Have you ever had a similar experience? Has a stranger ever paid you a particularly flattering or meaningful compliment?

Alright, I better get to the food--I am headed out tonight for an early celebration of my birthday (it's not until Wednesday). Take a look at my nibbles:

Friday
I was uncertain as to what kind of smoothie I would be able to make with the limited food available in our lake house pantry/freezer. Fortunately, I discovered some frozen strawberries and frozen pineapple--score! I combined them with soymilk and a packet of berry pomegranate hemp protein that I had brought with me. Truly tropical and tasty.
Saturday
Before heading out, I made myself a quick Banana Blender. I didn't have any flaked cereal on hand, so I used my favorite "adult" cereal instead, Kashi GoLean. Fantastic! The finished product had the perfect consistency, close to that of pudding. Yum.
After a run around the neighborhood, I refueled with some Peanut Butter Noodles, to which I added some broccoli slaw. On the side, I had a salad with dried fruit and a drizzle of Annie's Ginger Dressing, as well as some clementines.
For dinner, my family decided to order in Chinese food. I opted for a simple steamed vegetable dish to which I added shelled edamame, cashews, and a sweet agave-mustard sauce. I also had some fresh pineapple (and maybe a fortune cookie...)
The smoothie of the evening featured blueberries. I combined blueberry Spirutein, blueberries, soymilk, and granola. SO fab.
Sunday
I kept breakfast simple but filling, as I was headed to help out with my Mom's Sunday school class. I knew I would be running after 3-year olds all morning! I heated up some almond milk and poured it over crumbled Weetabix; I had a sliced banana with cinnamon-raisin PB.
I scarfed down lunch pretty quick because my family was headed out to see White Christmas at the Alabama Theatre. We have been going every year since I was 11! Anyway, I made a quick Tofurky-avocado wrap with spinach, mushrooms, and whole grain mustard. This was suprisingly delicious! On the side, I had broccoli slaw (dressed with rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and agave nectar) and peaches.
Pizza night! I never made it to the store for a Boboli crust, so I settled for a whole wheat tortilla. I topped it with pasta sauce (Classico), 'shrooms, bell peppers, and reduced-fat cheese. I had a salad with Woodstock dressing and fresh fruit salad as well.
The smoothie last night took on a tropical note again: pineapple, soymilk, vanilla Spirutein, and coconut.
Monday
I had plans to go to the gym with my sister this morning (due to the newly arrived 20* weather!), so I made an easy but fun breakfast--Banana Fingers. I rolled sliced banana in cinnamon-spiked yogurt and crushed GoLean. That's almond butter on the side for dipping.
Once we returned from our workout and errands, I prepared myself a recipe from Vegetarian Express, the "filet" of tofu with mustard-dill sauce. I substituted agave for honey and vegan mayo for regular--otherwise, I stuck to the recipe (for once!). I also had a salad with walnuts, toast, and clementines.
Urgent question for you all: What should I make for Christmas breakfast and dinner?? I have no idea what to prepare! I would rather not rely on packaged meat alternatives (as I did for Thanksgiving). I was thinking of making a tofu quiche for Christmas morning, and Christmas dinner is entirely undecided. Any and all suggestions are welcome!!

I will leave you with some pics of my favorite ornaments. The last one is precisely 21 years old--it's from my first Christmas!
Happy Monday!