InSanity~Normalize, Don't Stigmatize Mentall Illness.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Chocolate Scare!


   The writer's conference that I've referenced in earlier posts spoiled me with an inexplicably gorgeous venue along the cliffs of Big Sur; hot mineral baths, in which I could luxuriate under the sun and stars; newly renovated, cozy, heated lodging with plush beds and a bathroom shared with only a few others; incredibly entertaining and informative workshops; and divine food. 
   There were locally harvested fruits and vegetables, homemade breads offered alongside a multitude of fresh berry spreads; raspberry-lemon iced tea; approximately sixteen flavors of soothing herbal and caffeinated teas; coffee, organic honey, fresh lemon, and much more.
   All of the staff and fellow attendees had been exceptionally nice thus far.
   "Excuse me, do you have hot chocolate?" I asked one of the kitchen staff, on my first morning there. 
   "No!" the man grunted, then abruptly turned away.
   Say what? Rude-ass! No chocolate? Am I being punked? How will I survive?  
   Somehow, I did. I suppose the Paradisial setting eased my five-day withdrawal.

    While driving home, my head started to flop slowly sideways, and I labored to keep my eyes open. So I decided to stay at a hotel. It was July 4th, and I didn't want to be in crazed traffic anyway.
   The young, cute hotel clerk said, "There's a party here too. Just for you! You can see fireworks from there." He pointed towards the outdoor patio to my right.
   A decent hotel room? A party? For me? Young, cute hotel clerk? View of fireworks? This place has it all!
   Incidentally, the party and fireworks were just alright. I was happy to watch a few bursts of color in the sky, dance a bit amongst college kids, and turn in early.
   The next morning, I was pleased with a variety of appealing breakfast options: corn puffs, corn pops, and frosted flakes; bacon; sausage; scrambled eggs; fresh apples and bananas; do-it-yourself waffles; yogurt; coffee, and Lipton tea.     
   "Excuse me, do you have hot chocolate?" I asked a hotel assistant, as she re-filled the milk dispenser. The woman looked at me, eyebrows slightly raised, as if curious as to why I'd ask. I admired her almond colored pupils, long curled black lashes, and generally compassionate demeanor. "No," she said. "No hot chocolate."
   No hot chocolate? Has the cocoa plant gone extinct? Is there a chocolate famine? Did I miss an important memo? Must I redefine my entire existence?
   
   Thankfully, I found chunks of sweet, dark goodness upon my return.
  oops, wrong photo. Here we go.
Have a sweet new week!

41 comments:

  1. Well the 'oops' photo can be eye candy. Hope you had a great time at the conference!

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  2. NO hot chocolate??!!! What is the world coming too. Chocolate is a necessity.
    I am glad that you survived the deprivation, and admire your fortitude.

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  3. Now you have learned to bring some with you next time you travel.
    Marshmallows are optional. ;-)

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  4. Ooh, those are lovely gooey cakes, Robyn! I bet you got chocolate all over your face when you ate them! But bacon for breakfast? Last rabbi I spoke to told me that wasn't kosher!

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  5. That's a hunk of dark chocolate all right lol...

    Pity it didn't turn up a bit earlier, might have seen some more fireworks!

    x

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  6. HAHAHAA I love it! Hot chox is a little hard to find in the summer. Who was the cocoa dream boy? Sorta looked like Shemar Moore from Criminal Minds.

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  7. You need to carry a stash with you for those kinds of emergencies. No hot chocolate? That is just weird...

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  8. lol you are going to have to pack a bag just for chocolate the next time

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  9. I don't drink coffee, only hot chocolate and it's rare that I find it when I'm away from home. What about us poor chocolate lovers?? SO unfair.

    How kind of them to have a party just for you, complete with fireworks. I always knew you were special. =)

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  10. LOL! Since I don't eat it, I'll send you my portion of chocolate.

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  11. What's the world coming to?! Haha! Glad you had a "home, sweet, home." :-)

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  12. Odd, I consider myself a chocoholic but I don't enjoy hot chocolate. No idea why. However, I feel sorry for your deprivation.

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  13. I should add even our bowling alley has hot chocolate.

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  14. yes trust me, no matter what you put the work in. Like Stephanie, I don't outline so revisions can take me months. Love ISWG!

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  15. Maybe the hot chocolate was only served in winter, but surely they would have a spare packet somewhere. Oh well. Sometimes, there's "no place like home" with the best chocolate.

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  16. Thanks, my dears. I still can't get over it. You mean, some people only drink hot chocolate during the winter? Why? Don't people add hot chocolate to their coffee, like I do?

    Excellent advice to carry a stash every where I go. I believe I learned my lesson.

    JoJo, oops, I forgot my dream boy's name. Truthfully, I never asked for it. ;-)

    GB, I do indulge in turkey bacon. But pork bacon? I didn't eat any. Well, that depends upon your definition of "eat." I ONLY INHALED.

    Thanks, Elsie. I thought they were very thoughtful, until I sought hot cocoa. We should start a (nonviolent) revolt.

    Jo, I'm used to places like the bowling alley serving hot chocolate. Hotels and conference centers - it's a given. Or so I thought.

    Keep a smile.
    xoRobyn

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  17. I do believe that you just learned a valuable lesson. If you want hot chocolate, you better bring it with you. The idea of a chocolate famine gives me hives. Not really, but serious anxiety.

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  18. Perhaps you should carry packets of Swiss Miss with you. I know it's not the same as the good stuff, but perhaps it would do in a pinch.

    Love,
    Janie

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  19. I am mortified that these hotels have no hot chocolate. Do they not understand the desperate measures we women will go to for chocolate? Do they have no soul? I simply can not understand there blank looks at you as I would be giving them the same blank look. Can they not go into their kitchen and find a chocolate mint at least? This is cruel...:) I dream about chocolate which is often better than sex

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  20. Oh my. No chocolate on a retreat does not sound good. I guess that will have to be something to pack next time.

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  21. Wow. But that first "hunk" of chocolate looks more like milk chocolate to me! You really should come to Spain. Hot chocolate is a standard everywhere!

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  22. Wait wait wait, let me get this straight. You add hot chocolate to your coffee? This is a thing?

    Why have I never been informed of this? That sounds AWESOME.

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  23. Love it! Like you, I also love chocolate. Is life really worth living without it? For me though, very small doses is what's in order. Sounds like you had a fun adventure and even more fun upon your return.

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  24. I would have thought that you of all people would never leave home without a chocolatey emergency stash.

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  25. Birgit, it's true, girlfriend. Chocolate is often better than sex. I dream of trying both at once. ;-)

    Mitchell, I'm on my way.

    BnB, I learned it from a young client. Then I realized a little chain called Starbuck's had figured it out long ago. Mix coffee and hot chocolate, add whipped cream and a pretty swirl of chocolate or caramel atop, give it a fancy name like caarmel latte mocha freddo blended with ice and soy instead of milk or cream, grande, charge 6.95, and there you go!

    Stephanie, thank you. Welcome!

    Stephen, oh no. You've made me realize something I chose to deny. I did bring a huge stash of emergency chocolate, and I ate it all on the way down (within the first hour or so).

    xoRobyn

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  26. Just reading this post is making me want to wander into my kitchen where I believe I have an open bag of chocolate chips ready to go...

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  27. The nerve of those service folk, not having hot chocolate. You should have screamed "Do You Know Who I Am?" and maybe one of them would have hauled ass to find you some hot chocolate. You'll have to start putting some of those hot chocolate packets in your purse when you travel so you will never have to be without again.

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  28. Say it isn't so! Was there at least booze?

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  29. Holy shit! I would totally devour that plate of chocolate you're holding for supper.

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  30. I probably would've wreaked havoc on the vending machine until a chocolate bar popped out, or settled for a glass of chocolate milk. Wait a minute, why couldn't they heat up some chocolate milk for you? I'm sure they had it on the kids menu. My mom and I used to order chocolate skim milk on vacation. I'm glad you made it home safely under these circumstances.

    Julie

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  31. That does sound like a lovely conference! I'm glad you found your chocolate in the end. :)

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  32. I love hot chocolate:)
    Is absolutely necessary in any time Ithink lol

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  33. first my sister was the chocoholic in my family. then when i had my daughter she became the next one. now i am. i love chocolate. and i am afraid of those who dont indulge because in my mind - who doesnt like chocolate. something is WRONG with them - imho. great post funny lady. cheers!!

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  34. That's almost as bad as no cheese. I'm glad you survived, but whew! Next time pack your own, eh? Just in case. ;)

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  35. I was going to say the retreat sounded perfect and that I wanted to live there...but no hot chocolate?! No way, not gonna happen. And the hotel didn't have any?? Good grief, what is wrong with the world?? I'm glad you finally were able to satiate your appetite. :) I would definitely pack my own next time!!

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  36. Yep, I learned my lesson. The world doesn't revolve around my addiction. I'm shocked, humbled, and keeping an emergency stash (Yeah, right - as if chocolate could stay intact for any length of time around here)!

    Be well, friends.
    xoRobyn

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  37. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate should be everywhere. What year is this?

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  38. You should always carry essential supplies in the trunk of your car Robyn. Thank god you survived the deprivation....

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