I'm Coming Out

Hi. My name is Polka Dot, and I'm addicted to liquorice allsorts.

I can tell you when it started. When I was still pregnant, I had a horrid pregnancy. Anything I could eat, I would, because I was eating so little that any nourishment was good (seriously. I lost 35 pounds in 6 weeks cause I wasn't able to eat, or if I could, it would make a return visit. I was sick every day of my pregnancy, starting the day after taking the test til the morning I gave birth.)

One night, along about 8 months, I looked at the partner and said "Honey. I need liquorice." The local newsagent (24 hours, bless!) was out of liquorice, so he bought me Sambuca. I did two shots, and it curbed the need. But it didn't go away. The next day, he bought me a bag of allsorts.

I had never had such a delicacy. Oh my. They were quite good. So good, that 7 months later, I still have 'em. And not in a good way...I mean at least a bag every 2 days. Oh yes. Oh heavens. They are SO good.

So I'm coming out of the (candy) closet. Just sayin'.

Natural?

Okay, around the table a few days ago, we mentioned the jellies that were put out for the kids (and what little the adults left for the kids). They were from the Natural Confectionery Company, which I realized is quite interesting. Why, in our little circle of school and other friends, do we all serve up these jellies to our kids, compared to, say, the Haribo line? Cause they're *natural*? It's still freaking sugar and glucose syrup and flavoring. It's still crap! But in our little world, the natural part is the one we cling to, maybe to make ourselves feel better about buying candy for the kids?

There's just something funny about it, to me. We're the generation that is supposed to save the world. Are we starting with jellies and bring-your-own-bag shopping?