Rebecca, anyone who loves both of those eateries, plus Paradiso, is a friend of mine. :) And of course, *ultimately* I don't care what anyone thinks about my posts, but I still have plenty of those moments when I *think* I care. In the end, I can only write really well about things that matter to me, and hope the right readers come along for the ride!

Jody, when it comes to eating, just like song writing and friend making, the important thing is to be completely yourself, and keep your motives in check. If someone is really healthy all the time or has very sophisticated taste, and that's just who they are, that's great. If they're trying to impress other people, then it's messed up. In terms of relating eating habits to dating, I'm sure it's more common for people who are rather obsessed with food (like me).

Jessica, yes the mix of ups and downs is what matters. I think people can stomach my beautiful life more when they know how much I've struggled through, and all the pain that came with it. I want to make sure, too, that I communicate all sides of my happy life today, because it's certainly far from perfect. It's all rooted in your perspective—my definition of "perfect," (just like "normal") has changed.

Trina, thank you! That's a blessing worthy of printing out and hanging on the fridge. :)

Lesley, thanks for reading, congratulating, and being a part of this little blog community.

Hamish, I would feel exactly the same way about being with someone who didn't share my food loves: "I’d feel like I’d have to repress that passion, or that I might feel guilty about my selfishness whenever I chose to indulge it." You captured both sides of the problem perfectly. I'm so glad you found my blog and decided to comment! I do hope no one feels "guilted" into commenting, though. I love hearing from people, of course, but I also fully respect all of my readers who are out there just reading and reflecting and living, but not commenting. Cheers to you and your girlfriend, and to all of the various meals you will share. :)