September's Sweet Indulgences

I love vegetables. I crave them. And, if I experience even brief periods of vegetable deficiency, I high-tail it to the nearest Thai restaurant where I order a pile of steamed produce, packed with vitamins and topped with tofu. I am near silent while obtaining my fix, save for the times when I can't resist yumming and mmmming and declaring how much I looooove vegetables. I say this with the same enthusiasm as a small child recounting her favorite flavors of ice cream. It's true; I feel comforted by foods that have no business being considered comfort food. When life gives me lemons, so to speak, I give myself a cornucopia of broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, and cauliflower. Toss in some bamboo shoots and pea pods, and I'm in heaven. In fact, I'm thinking of creating a line of T-shirts that read "Fresh produce is my Prozac."

Wanna buy one?

Perhaps not. Maybe I'm annoying you, with all my healthful non-indulgence indulging. So, let me assure you; I indulge. I dig dark chocolate. I gush over gelato. I have been known to skulk around an office or two in the late afternoon hours, in search of the candy kept lock-safe in the desk drawers of my colleagues. I don't drink coffee but have a serious addiction to black tea, and, where summertime indulging is concerned, there's an ongoing debate in my family about whether I could single-handedly devour a whole watermelon. Look, I could; I know I could. I'll prove it someday . . .

Today, however, I'm busy considering all the sweet treats that September brings-- and these need not be edible ones exclusively. Last night, for example, I attended an event hosted by the Anti-Defamation League, at the JFK Library in Boston, where I encountered a bevy of PR gals commenting on the outfit of another. "Is it too early for red lipstick?" asked the cutely dressed one. "Nooooo!" exclaimed the fashion forward gaggle, "It's September!"

Indeed, it is. So, I'm curious: How will you celebrate this month, as a seasonal or psychological turning point? New fashion statements. Calling in "sick" to enjoy the good weather (don't worry; we won't tell). Red lipstick. Fantasy football. Eeeking out the final beach days of the season. Starting a new exercise program. Returning to hot yoga classes now that the summer heat has subsided.

What are you looking forward to this month? (Remember, broccoli is taken).