I've been a perfectionist for as long as I can remember, and it causes all sorts of problems. Although it is useful when it comes to completing school projects and getting good grades, it can also be counterproductive. Sometimes I feel like nothing I do is really good enough, because none of it is perfect. I can get so bogged down in feelings of inadequacy that I don't get anything done. It's taken me a long time to accept myself as the imperfect person I am, and to learn that even if something isn't perfect, it can still be pretty darn cool.
    The word "parfait" means perfect in French. This parfait is a celebration of exactly the opposite. Because life ain't perfect. Life is messy, like a ruby-red pomegranate seed squirting blood-red juice everywhere as it bursts apart. Life is crunchy, like Crispix. Life is tangy, like vanilla yogurt. I like it.

Ingredients:
* serves 1
Seeds of 1/4 pomegranate
2 generous handfuls of Crispix, or your favorite crunchy cereal
1 individual sized vanilla yogurt

Are you ready to get pomegranate juice all over yourself? Good. Cut a pomegranate into quarters, and separate the seeds of one quarter, putting them in a bowl. Put the rest of the pomegranate in the fridge to eat later. Put a handful of Crispix in the bottom of a drinking glass, and crush them with your hand. Put a dollop of yogurt on top of the Crispix, then a spoonful of pomegranate seeds in top of the yogurt. Continue to layer Crispix, pomegranate seeds, and yogurt until you are almost to the top of the glass. Put a generous spoonful of yogurt as the top layer, and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Enjoy this healthy dessert!