First off, let me start by saying that grogging is hard work. It requires thought which requires a brain, and at the moment, I can’t say that mine is fully functioning. That, and it interferes with my chocolate-eating schedule.
Like most women, I have a lot going on. Family, kids, laundry, bills, new book coming out … it’s really a lot, you know? I’ve heard that exercise is supposed to be great and help you relieve stress and so on and so forth (do you see me rolling my eyes about now? I mean, how do they know that’s really true?) … me, I opt for self-medicating with chocolate.
I won’t wax on about all the healthy benefits of chocolate (I think there’s a study somewhere that proves it’s better than exercise …), but I will say that it has helped me get through more than one deadline and has sparked angelic, creative visions that would put Michelangelo to shame. Knowing that our grog was on the verge of launching, I made a special trip to Costco to pick up a six-pack of chocolate in preparation for all the exciting blogging ahead of me.
Now I don’t get into other people’s business about chocolate or what they do with it in their free time, but the checkout guy didn’t have any chocolate etiquette to speak of. That’s right. He actually refused to scan it and instead suggested that I swap it with another box of chocolate, one that had a BOGO promo going on (BOGO = buy one, get one).
I honestly think it’s because he was a guy that he didn’t get that I didn’t want the BOGO box of chocolate. The assortment I had (Hershey’s Milk, Hershey’s Milk with Almonds, Kit Kats, and Reese’s) was the one I wanted. The other box had Butterfingers, 100 Grand, Crunch, and something else that my half-a-brain can’t recall. I didn’t want that one, BOGO or no BOGO.
He produced the coupon. This had the psychological equivalent effect of waving money in my face. He was playing dirty and we both knew it. But I persevered: I said no and got the hell out of there with my integrity and my box of chocolate intact.
Moral of the story? There is none. I just wanted to point out that while I was mulling over what to write, I polished off three bars of chocolate (two Hershey’s with Almonds, one Reese’s). I also had an 8 oz glass of water, because it’s supposed to be good for you. And while I didn’t hear trumpets trumpeting and angels singing overhead, I predict good things for our grog. We’re six up and coming authors with excellent debut novels, and we all love to blog. So check back often, have a candy bar on us (metaphorically – please do not send us receipts for your chocolate), and enjoy the grog.
Chocolate via an IV drip works well for me …
I like Hershey’s milk chocolate Chipits. You can pour as many in your hand as you want and pretend it’s less than a whole bar.
I’m a lover of the dark chocolate. I lived in Beligum for awhile and developed a serious habit.
Chocolate covered espresso beans are my drug of choice. (Hmm… perhaps this has something to do with my insomnia…)
A man with coupons? Unheard of. He must have had an ulterior motive 😉 though I will admit those Costco folks are a pretty friendly bunch (my toddler always gets a smiley face on the receipt!).
I’m a total heathen when it comes to chocolate. I’ll eat those gold foil wrapped coins from Gasparilla seven years ago if there’s no other choice.
And really, if it takes reimbursing for an occasional chocolate bar to spread the grog, well, I’ll do it.*
*This in no way indicates that Kristy Kiernan will actually reimburse any member of the general public for chocolate expenses incurred as a result of this Comment.
If you reimburse for chocolate, I will buy your books! I’m an M&M kind of gal myself.
I am working on a box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts right now (Hawaiian Host – I’m not picky) … yum …
Now I understand why you always send us chocolates. You don’t want to be the only Chocoholic in the family! Okay okay, my faves are Snickers, Kit Kats, and Peanut M&Ms. You’re not alone…
Five more months til your book comes out! WOOHOOOOO!
Wow! A new book! Amazing! Here I thought we were going through a parallel motherhood both with 8-9 month olds and 5-6 year olds but we’re really not! Well, aside from motherhood and chocolate, that is (except I would do almost anything for Swiss chocolates)! Otherwise, the similarity ends there. Congratulations! I’m so proud of you! And, yes, I’m one of those who hasn’t been keeping in touch (so consumed with my own little world) so I had no clue about the book. But I will be one of the first to buy it. I can’t wait!
Congratualtions on your book! As neighbors, we can vouch for your good looks and fine figure, despite all the chocolate…..
Hi Mia:
I guess I need to be eating more chocolate and drinking less coffee. I have a book due in six weeks. . I’m sometimes forgetting to eat altogether.
Best of luck with the book launch and can’t wait to see a fellow Rice alum on the shelves.
Best,
Jeff
For some reason I had a vision of me literally sitting on the shelves (per Jeffi’s pithy comment!), desperately pitching copies of GOOD THINGS to anybody who has the misfortune of walking by. Will have to talk to my publicist about that one …
Trader Joe’s — which I’m betting hasn’t made it to Hawaii yet — and specifically their Sweet and Salty Savory mix was so incredibly helpful during the writing of my book that I’m thinking of thanking it on the acknowledgments page. Seriously. When I smoked, I thought “I need to smoke to be creative.” Hah! It’s chocolate that actually does the trick…
Hershy’s and Reeses – yum! Mouthwatering even at 10am.
Oooooh Ms.Mia, I can’t wait to dive into your book and a big box of Junior Mints!!! Everytime I see dark chocolate anywhere, I think of you! As for my ultimate fave – good ‘ol German milk chocolate (Milka is sooooo good). Never underestimate the power of good chocolate…
I never thought I’d say this, but I honestly think I am getting to the point where blogging is taking over my chocolate obsession … (don’t even get me started on my myspace.com profile – I can spend hours trying different templates and music clips, only to end up with what I started with). If you’re on myspace, “Friend” me — I can always use more friends!
http://www.myspace.com/mia_writes
Peanut Butter and Orange Marmalade Sandwiches. And by the way Mia, why is your book out the same day as my daughter’s book? I can only buy so many copies at a time.
She promised me dinner if I buy enough to get her on the NYT Best Seller’s list. How many chocolate covered macadamia nut clusters ar you offering?
Just noticed that your heroine, Deidre McIntosh, has the same last name as my daughter’s maiden name. Steal her name and her publishing date. My God woman, have you no shame!
OMG! 😮
That’s it, Eileen’s Dad – the white gloves are coming off!
I’m just bluffing. I will raise Eileen’s dinner three chocolate-covered macadamia nuts PLUS a pound of 100% organic Kona coffee. Here is the link (Eileen’s Dad is buying a copy of GOOD THINGS now!) as I am sure you are anxious to pre-order a copy.
And, just so you know, we have the same release date and weird name thing because we are new best friends (although, come to think of it, she didn’t even mention the name thing before … hmmm, is it possible that she really isn’t my new best friend because she hasn’t even read my synopsis?! I am crushed!).
Eileen, for the record, your dad is a troublemaker. Don’t seat him next to me at your premiere or a popcorn fight will definitely ensue …
I persoanlly like the straight-up cacao bean with some gogi berries right before a fantastic yoga class. I really am looking forward to reading you book!!!
Mia
Your sales on Amazon just went up. I didn’t get as many as I did of Eileen’s book but then she is a relative. When are you coming to the Midwest for a signing tour to sign it?