On cookies and long term relationships...

It is a great thing I have the world's okayest metabolism because my longest relationship has been with cookies.  [Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut, anyone?]  It is often an unhealthy one -- and not just because of the butter and sugar.  Cookies for breakfast; cookies for lunch.  As long as you have a glass of milk it is a well-balanced meal.  Right?  Right.

After graduating college, I backpacked through Europe.  I had grand ideas of how I would come back so fit!  After all, I was going to be eating light and exercising often.  I saw no way that carrying 50lbs on my back and walking everywhere would allow me to gain anything but muscle and worldly experiences.  But then, I discovered Maryland cookies.  They are basically Chips Ahoy!... but not.  There is nothing special about them.  They are normal chocolate chip cookies.  What IS special is that I ate one sleeve per day [Plus beer.  Lots and lots of beer].  Every day.  For ten weeks.  Let's just say I gained the 'weight' of my worldly experiences.

I have a problem.

This weekend I was at Disneyland and I was too full from my two dinners and bucket-o-caramel corn to get my customary Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie** for breakfast the following morning.  I thought I would be okay.  I had plenty of sugar and couldn't fathom buying more.  I thought caramel corn would be enough.  It was not.  MISTAKES WERE MADE.

candy palace -- you saucy minx.

Sunday morning I got up, ate leftover popcorn in bed (don't ever doubt for one second that I'm not classy), took a nap and ran errands.  Then, it hit me.  I had to have a cookie.  I thought I could stop and just get one at Marcelline's in Downtown Disney.  That would be quicker than going in the park.  No tram!  No bag check!  In and out.  It would be so fast!  ....but they were out.  I had a decision to make.  Do I go into Disneyland?  Brave Main Street?  Enter the evil temptress that is the Candy Palace?  You bet.  I was committed.  I wasn't leaving Happiest Place on Earth until I was happy.  I power-walked through the crowd and bought my *two* cookies.  My craving turned into an hour excursion and a two and half mile walk.

Am I ashamed?  Nope.

Were my cookies delicious?  YEP.

I don't really see any reason why would ever break up with cookies.  Why would I?  Well, maybe diabetes.  Maybe.  Anyway, I'm off to nurture my beautiful life-long relationship.  Cookies, I love you.

**Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best cookies in the park.  None of the workers know they exist.  They can never find them in the case or the binder to ring them up.  Get one [or two].  They're delicious.