My life is Not Like a Box of Chocolates

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

We've all heard Forest speak those words and we've all repeated that line time and time again. The first time I heard it, I thought it was amazing ...and well, it still is.

The thing is, I don't really believe it.

I believe life is actually like a bag of Oreos: fabulous, sweet and messy (especially if you hold them in the milk long enough)! Peel back that easy open pull tab and you get exactly what you expected....Oreos!

Sometimes I open the bag only to discover that the Oreos are broken...and that can be disappointing. It sure makes it hard to dunk them in the milk without having to fish around for the broken pieces! That can be messy, but it sure is worth the effort. They taste a bit better when I have to work for them.

Sometimes I discover that someone has taken all but one of the Oreos. That is frustrating...I suppose I can't always have what I want. But you know what, it beats an empty bag any day!

The truly devastating moment is when you look up on top of the fridge and see NOTHING! I had my palette set! I already had a glass of milk poured and ready for dunking! Now what? I guess some things are just not meant to be. Perhaps I'm meant to choose another option.

Now, I could ignore Oreos altogether...just leave the bag sitting there, unopened and never experience the joy of consuming such treats! That's just sad and well, it's Oreo abuse!

I choose to grab that bag, rip it open and chow down! Bring on the flavor and the mess! I've got napkins...a paper towel?....okay, I do have a sleeve! The mess will not deter me from the experience!

Eating Oreos is a very personal experience:

• Eat them right out of the bag.
• Twist off the top, eat the frosting and throw away the cookie.
• Twist off the top, eat the frosting and then eat the cookie.
• Twist off the top, eat the top, eat the frosting and then eat the other cookie.
• Dunk the cookie quickly into the milk and eat while still crisp.
• ...okay, I think you get the picture.

My personal Oreo experience includes a very cold short glass of milk, a few Oreos and a napkin.

1. Dunk the entire Oreo in the milk.
2. Hold the Oreo in the milk until the bubbles stop.
3. Put the entire Oreo in my mouth and let the cookie melt and enjoy the chocolaty Double Stuf!
4. Repeat as necessary!

Life is like a bag of Oreos...fabulous, sweet, and messy! Are you going to ignore the bag or rip back that easy open pull tab and enjoy?

Today's silver lining: Double Stuf!