I've been displaced from my home office all week (thanks to the installation of a new floor), working remotely from the library and anywhere else I can find an Internet connection. It's been a frustrating, stressful week of trying to get things done without the comfort of my normal routines and usual workspace. Once again, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing the "imperfect;" things are getting done, but frankly, it isn't pretty.

Yesterday, I had a much scarier reminder  of keeping "perfect" in perspective.

I sought some respite from my stressful week at an exercise class I really enjoy. In the  ladies room before class -- as often happens -- I was chatting with one of the other exercisers. She mentioned that she'd gained weight recently and wanted to know more about the eating plan I followed during my year as Shape magazine's Weight-Loss Diary columnist. As we headed out to class, I couldn't help but think that she looked great. The "flaws" she saw just weren't visible to me.

After a grueling class, we were putting stability balls away in the closet when a piece of wood suddenly fell, hitting her on the head. Within seconds, she was on the floor, her head bleeding. Watching the rescue come and the EMTs strap her to a back board was one of the scariest things I've witnessed in a long time.