The time has come.
I can smell it in the air,taste it on my palate, hear it in the depths of my soul. It's time for the...
END OF LENT CHOC HAUL.
Right, I'll briefly set the scene...
Every year, without fail, my family and I give up chocolate for lent.
Perhaps that sounds normal/ uninspiring/ simple to you? If so, you need to shut down this page and leave. 
Anyone pathetic enough to doubt the overwhelming grasp chocolate has on life , anyone who doesn't appreciate the chocolaty embrace that cuddles and soothes us in today's hectic world, anyone who feels the absence of the compassionate confectionery wouldn't be detrimental to humanity- needs to go far,far away and get themselves sorted.
Chocolate is magical.
Chocolate is healing.
Chocolate is a reason to live.
Maybe you've had an awful break up , you're stressed, hurting and shaken-
Who dotingly heals and soothes the pain?
Perhaps you're at a dull meeting, it's unproductive,awkward and stuffy-
-Who coats biscuits, travels into your body and sparks ideas into life, stirs creativity and induces smiles ?
What about an important race that you don't think you can withstand/stomach-
-Who boosts your moral,charges you with energy and spurs you on to surge to that victory?
Yeah that's right- we're all forgetting just how helpful our CHOC chum is. I think we all need to have a little think about our neglectful behaviour. We need to start showing our appreciation.
So next time you tear open a soft and crumbling choc bar, or pop open a tub of creamy, rich choc ice cream or settle down to a scrumptious hot chocolaty dessert- I urge you say thank you. No don't you snort or laugh at the absurdity- I'm being deadly serious.
I urge you to lean down and whisper tenderly to your sweet treat ''Thank-you''. And say it with meaning.
The road has been long...
So, to return after my chocolate tangent there- Lent has been tough this year. Yes it's a season of sacrifice, reconciliation and key for spiritual nourishment- but there's no denying life without choc is excruciating. Worst of all, is that you realize just.how.much of it there is cuddling our daily life. It's inescapable...
. You realize just how many people have chocolate for lunch with the constant offering from mates in the canteen/classrooms.
.. Sensuous and mouthwatering telly adverts for ice creams/chocolate bars are nestled between all the shows.
.. Beautiful celebrities take attractive bites of choc treats as they glow and pose before you.. .Supermarkets boast reductions on sweet treats...sharing excessive close ups on all the shiny,luxurious packaging.
.. Billboards line up along my bus route to and from school, teasing me with the newest dazzling and delicious treats on the market..Even the litter on the road decides to kick and harass me. Chocolate wrappers smother the pavements to remind me what I'm missing at every step, empty packets dancing deviously in the breeze across my eye line- tempting me, snickering at me.
.Most of the desserts on restaurant menus have me jaw agape with luxurious ,lavish descriptions of all things chocolaty... then slap me in the face by offering a 'fruit salad platter' right at the end. Mmm, nothing says splendour and indulgence like some cold fruit chunks.
But all is rewarded...
However, despite this incessant abuse and painfully isolated period of time- it all becomes worthwhile.
Because nothing, absolutely nothing, comes close to the REUNION. Every Easter Saturday we head out to the supermarket and spend ridiculous amounts on pure, unadulterated chocolate.
The cashiers face is priceless.
Then we lay all our goodies on the table and as the clock strikes midnight-
the feast begins.
Again we curl up in that chocolaty caress we have missed so very much.
Now as that clock hits 12, something within my soul erupts. My fingers tingle as I unravel the smooth jewel from the first wrapper tenderly. My heart pounds vigorously.My taste buds throb impatiently. Then as I slip it between my straining lips and onto my waiting tongue-IT BEGINS. Explosive yet gentle, loud yet serene - my body sparks to life, embracing the friend it has so dearly missed. The flavours familiarize and the swirling blend of creamy joy butters my spirits and passionately kisses my soul.
This moment alone , is a reason for living.
So, my reason for this post?
Well today will see us embark on the 2011 CHOC HAUL. I don't know how much we'll get, or where we'll get it from but I do know one thing for sure...It's going to be delicious.
(Left: CHOC HAUL 2009)
(Below: CHOC HAUL 2010) 
