(Google and I are thisclose.)
I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Internet.
I used to have a daily weekly blog crisis where I felt like maybe I should close up shop. I felt like the site was more of a burden than a blessing. I felt the need to hold the Internet up with my involvement. Because that was a completely rational thought.
Then I got my head on straight.
People come here if and when they want to. I can go to other sites when and if I want to. There are no expectations from either party. I said it before, and I will say it again. Blogging is about community and not about obligation.
Can I get an AMEN?
On that note, I have really come to appreciate all that the Internet has to offer. Not the crappy side, but the community side.
Case(s) in point:
1. The presents! In the mail!
I have joined a few Swaparoonis, had random gifts sent to me, won a contest, and purchased cute stuff from Blog Buddies off of Etsy. I have a Flickr set titled “Internet Love” (Hellooooo Google. Again. You just love me, I know.) which chronicles the spoiling.
2. Speaking of presents…
A few weeks ago, Whoorl did a post about the boat load box of Haribo Gummi Bears that she had purchased from Amazon. A tummy ache was her malady. Poor, sweet Whoorl! I wondered aloud (in her comments) if Amazon.ca (Canada’s version of Amazon) would deliver these special Gummi Bears to my doorstep. She emailed me pronto and offered to mail some Gummi Bears to me. Then she headed off to the Post Office, with the help of Wito.
OVER TWO WEEKS AGO.
THEY HAVE STILL NOT ARRIVED.
Harumph.
A big THANKS to the US/Canadian border. I think they should change the name from “border” to “barrier”.
(If this site explodes, blame it on the Customs dudes.)
3. The (recent) love
Hillary awarded me with an Excellence award this week. She is pretty excellent herself. Go and see.
Kim over at 180/360 created this photo which brought me all sorts of glee.
Did you see my kissy-face?
If you know any of the other bloggers featured, then you will fully appreciate the genius behind this photo.
4. Sharing the love!
That whole chocolate post the other day made me aware of the Canadian chocolates that are not are available everywhere. Some items are not even available across Canada! Like the Hedgehogs!
The comments! The Twitters! The emails!
Metalia and I were chatting on IM, and she offered a box of the fabled Thin Mints (she has a secret stash) in exchange for a package from me consisting of Smarties and Hedgehogs. It will be glorious, should our packages actually arrive before 2010.
I have promised some Canadian candy to Whoorl and Loralee, for being the stars that they are.
I headed out Wednesday morning to stock up on Smarties and Hedgehogs. At the mall. With three kids under the age of six.
Because I am awesome like that.
While perusing the candy aisle, I had a stellar idea!
I have the greatest, sweetest readers ever. I am uplifted by you all daily. I want to reward you guys for being so good to me.
Also! The traffic at this here site? Has increased. I know many people are shy to say “Hello”. I am the same when I stumble upon a new site. Not sure if I should even bother with the commenting.
So? I hear you.
But I have a bribe.
And no shame, apparently.
I will do a random draw this Sunday April 6th, based on comments received until midnight on Saturday April 5th. Your comment is an entry. If you link back to this post (not the site, the post), then you get an extra entry.
If I get over 150 comments (still a mere fraction of the daily traffic)?
I will make TWO draws.
For you linkers, this gives you FOUR chances to win.
To make it easy to comment, I have a question for you. Some people are not chocolate fans. They prefer sour/sugar candy or even a salty treat.
Which do you prefer: Chocolate, candy, or salt?
I will confess. I prefer them in this order: Salt (Doritos Sweet Chili Heat, I love thee. And popcorn. With salt.) Then candy (of the sour variety, like cherry blasters or sour keys), and then chocolate.
And you?
I definately LOVE chocolate…. all sorts… The mere thought of hedgehogs right now make me shake and grimace because I KNOW I am unable to get my grimey hands on them! I am in South Korea teaching English… so not only is there a SERIOUS lack in hedghogs and the such… but a serious lack in REAL tasting chocolate at all…. Sure they have ‘kitkats’ or what they SAY is…. but it truly does NOT taste like chocolate…. it has a fake sort of taste… It took me 4 months just to find ‘chocolate’ syrape for icecream….My amazing sister sent me some REAL chocolates for Christmas… and boy OH BOY was I in heaven… for two days
hehe
When I get back I think I will be going straight to the Cakebox Bakery for a Long John…. and Willow brook Lane for some of that FUDGE (I hope it’s still there! I have been gone for a while:P)
heheh
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Chocolate first. Then salt. Candy – I can take or leave that stuff!
Hannah’s last blog post..On turning 30
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Salt, chocolate, rarely candy!
Boulder potato chips, Goldfish crackers, dark chocolate…
Ann from Montana’s last blog post..Do it anyway
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I’m partial to a good gummy lollie (candy) and jelly beans
(do they do jelly beans in Canada?) but also like chocolate and mmmm salty fatty foods too. It’s interesting since going on the ‘lose the wobbly bits’ fad I’ve almost completely eliminated salty stuff, occasionally have chocolate but still can’t give up my jelly beans.
Beverley Warwick’s last blog post..I’ve made a start.
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Hi from the really dutchie! So I am from The Netherlands. We do have Smarties over here! And also Aero, but we call it Bros. It is from Nestlé as well.
Hmmm, salt, candy or chocolate? Not always the same. With tea I prefer chocolate (plain Belgian milkchocolate from Cote d’Or), with alcohol I like salt (Bolognese chips from Lays) and with lemonade I like candy (everything from Haribo).
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My order is: Sweets, then sweets, then more sweets. I love Candy, it’s a wonder I have any of my own teeth. It’s been a while since I had sour keys and I live about 10 minutes from the Allan candy factory. I need to get over to the store.
No need to include me in the draw though as you know I’m in Ontario and can get these candies. It would be interesting to hear someone from another country describe the joy of eating your chocolaty prize if they win. I think that should be a requirement of the winner.
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I am a Canadian in the UK. Getting used to the chocolate here has not been bad, although I miss many other things like Clamato juice for Caesars, Swiss Chalet, and KD!
I have never had a hedgehog before though and I lived in Ontario. Rea Thompson Mint Smoothies are to die for!
Dairy Milk here is unreal – with Crunchie chocolate bar bits, Easter creme egg filling, shortbread bites and so much more. Oh and they have Smarties dots!
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I am a southerner, reading in Georgia. I love candy, sometimes eat chocolate, and occasionally will go for a salty treat. Now that I have four little gals following me around and wanting what ever I’ve got, I try to save my sweets indulgences for naps and bedtime.
MaryBeth’s last blog post..From Aspiring Jokester to Sick Kiddo
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I confess that the sweet and salty granola bars are pleasing to one who cannot make up her mind. Chocolate must be dark in my world, and I can only eat a bit at a time. A friend once told me when you eat so much chocolate that the sweetness makes you feel ill, that you can eat a few potato chips and be good to go. I actually tried that and she was right. I have no shame apparently.
witchypoo’s last blog post..Gone Yesterday, Hair Today
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I’m a salty snack girl myself. Whole grain Cheerios snacks and Zesty Doritos. Mmmmmmmmm.
Karla’s last blog post..United, We Grieve
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Salt, candy, chocolate. Always. I rarely crave chocolate. Maybe once a year?
The Lisa Show’s last blog post..The Random Overfloweth
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Chocolate first, candy second, and salt third!
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Salt, chocolate, and then candy. I tried these potato chips that were dipped in chocolate and I could not get enough. It wasn’t gross at all!
kirida’s last blog post..the men in my life
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HAH – I see my Cdn living in the UK sister up there yapping… lol…
Top of my chocolate loving list? Caramilk, Dairy Milk, Twix and yep, those Rheo Thompson Mint Smoothies…. oh baby! I do enjoy chips and popcorn and sour candies as well but I’m not a fan of pretzels. Bleck. Dry.
Holly’s last blog post..Idol Recap: Dolly Week
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This one I’m totally entering. Salt normally wins over chocolate, except while pregnant and breastfeeding. Sugar comes way down the list in third place… .
I am drooling over the coffee crisp and the hedgehog. C’s cousin brought us hedgehogs when she visited last summer but I haven’t had a coffee crisp in ages. I might beg my mother to send me some!!! Aero and Smarties are available here in the UK – so no drool necessary…
trish’s last blog post..going round and round
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Well, you know I love Aeros. But honestly, I am more of a cherry sours girl than anything. Salty stuff and chocolate I probably like in about the same proportion.
bethany actually’s last blog post..All in a day’s work
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I’m a chocolate with peanut butter girl all the way. However, I must confess that if there are Doritos in the house, I will eat the entire Family Size bag as my breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tressa’s last blog post..Ouch.
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I’m a first class chip lover. Doritos is my #1 and then I go by brand…..they have to be Humpty Dumpty. My other love besides the salt would have to be McIntosh toffee. It’s the best.
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Chocolate! No question! I’d love to sample some canadian chocolate, as I’ve never blessed my tastebuds with ANY of the items in the above box. A link is in the future as well…:) Hope you get tons of comment love:)
Erin’s last blog post..Spring fever
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Chocolate…drool…
Wait? Were there other choices? Doesn’t matter. Chocolate….
Indygirl’s last blog post..(Almost) Wordless Wednesday – Spring Break Spoilage
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Chocolate first … definitely FIRST! I need chocolate after every meal or I go nuts and can’t stop thinking about how I need chocolate (except for breakfast, but I could eat chocolate if offered
Salt is a close second. Its more a craving then a NEED though.
Candy is not my favorite. I rarely eat it unless I’m bored.
Good question! I’m so curious about these Canadian candies!
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i’d definitely choose something salty over something sweet…but i love the sweet sweet stuff too!! i’m not crazy about PLAIN chocolate…i like it when it’s mixed with lovely things like peanut butter…or cookies….or caramel….mmmmmmmm….and i love me some smarties! love.
ali’s last blog post..this post is about glasses, wallets and make-up?it sure makes me sound fashionable, doesn’t it??! ha!
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this is my second comment…but I got to thinking about the start of your post – specifically “community”.
I live rurally – by choice, and like a lot of solitude… I have been an independent consultant (database programmer) working out of my home for nearly 23 years. Although my solitude is important and comfortable, I LOVE the community of the “blogosphere”. It has enabled me to “meet” people who do what I do – in the comfort and time that works for me.
I love being part of other blogs – via reading and commenting and I love hearing from people on my own blog. And…it is interesting to ponder on how things will continue to evolve in this internet communicating.
Great observation Dutch Blitz!
Ann from Montana’s last blog post..Do it anyway
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It’s a toss up but I do like chocolate. I do enjoy my chocolate with something salty though. Chocolate covered pretzels anyone?
K’s last blog post..Tangy Mess
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I think I’d take candy, then salty, then chocolate. Although, one time I ate a bowl of popcorn and a bar of chocolate, alternating bites of each.
Also, I love those Smarties! Our secretary brought some last time she went home (to Toronto) and they are awesome bits of heaven.
claire’s last blog post..On the road again
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YAY for you being so popular! YOu do deserve every bit of traffic you get.
As for me: Salt, Chocolate, candy.
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Ketchup chips! Don’t forget the (for Canadians only) ketchup chips! I happen to HATE them, but I’m still smug that only we can have them
I’m a BC resident myself and can get all of those chocolates right around the corner, so count me out of any draws. I couldn’t help commenting though!
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Pingback: Chocolate dipped Canadian love « Crooked Halo
Hmmmm – I think I’d have to say:
Chocolate
Salt
Candy
But! I have recently made a discovery that combines my first two into a bliss I can’t describe adequately. I was returning Candy (a $12 bag of Jelly Bellies – a little over the top, no?) to World Market and spied among the many bars of chocolate in the checkout lane (they know us impulse shoppers so well) a bar of “Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt” chocolate bar. I love, love, love it!
Heartfull’s last blog post..Slowing Down
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My order of preference would have to be: chocolate, salt, candy
(But I’ve always had a soft spot for Skittles and Jelly Belly candies).
180/360′s peep pic is brilliance, I agree. It makes me smile every time I see it!
I think the cross-country swapping that you and Metalia have worked out is brilliant! I would love to sample stuff from other countries! But if anyone sent me Vegemite, I may have to cry… Trying that stuff once was ample enough for a lifetime!
Jill – GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..4 Things: Today is Good
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Chocolate is number one. Definately. I just ate a chocolate now. And its 8:00am. Have you ever tried Riesen’s? Oh my goodness….seriously, its love at first bite. I do love my salty movie theatre popcorn too though…
Shelly’s last blog post..Friends Forever…..
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Salt (french fries and other bar foods), chocolate, then sour stuff. But, hell, I love the three of them to ridiculous extremes so ranking them was tough.
You’re so kind, Angella! You have the best readers but YOU’RE the common denominator.
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..Things I Learned While Watching The Bachelor, Part Two
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Salt!!! Doritos, Fritos, Cheetos, Sour Cream and Onion!
(Don’t enter me in the contest, since you are already awesome for sending some my way. I just felt the need to proclaim my love for SALT.)
whoorl’s last blog post..Make Love Not War, Bitches
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Hey long time no seek…it’s been awhile Dutch. Things are doin good for me in life regarding work, a new apartment and my romantic relationship with Natalie. I’m glad your family is doin’ good and your baby girl is over a year old already (wow).
About junk food…I mean chocolates can’t be bad for you if they taste good. It’s the best thing the Dutch and Belgians brought to the world. (yeah, I was the one entry who told ya my father is French from the Nord/Pas du Calais region facing Belgium). Anyways time to go and talk to u later. +
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Candy would be my favorite, salt and then chocolate. Unless, of course, the chocolate is a Reese’s peanut butter cup or peanut butter M&M’s, then all bets are called off! I have a real weakness for anything Reese’s!
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I crave the perfect combination of chocolate and salt. Like chocolate-covered pretzels (or chocolate covered bacon)! I have no idea what a hedgehog is, but he looks delicious.
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Me? Chocolate, salt, candy. But I don’t really like “candy” if chocolate is not involved.
This is a great idea! I love sending mail to people.
Also? Um, I just noticed I am one of the peeps! I’m all studious and stuff! Awesome.
sizzle’s last blog post..No Means No
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Candy! Mmmmm!
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CHOCOLATE!!!!!!
A very low second is salt and candy, I could literally do without.
Kami’s last blog post..Forsaken
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Chocolate ! Lots of chocolate !
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My order is the exact same as yours! It’s almost like I need a sweet chaser of something after I eat the chips….vicious cycle. Vicious.
THANK YOU for putting those photos on Etsy. I can’t wait to get them!
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..The Ghosts of April Fools Past
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Thanks for the peeps shout out!
I like chocolate, salt and then candy.
180/360′s last blog post..The Capper
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Oh, I’m gonna have to go with chocolate first, then candy, then salty. For chocolate, I prefer either just plain milk or dark chocolate or Cadbury eggs (yes, the ones with cream!). For candy, I’m also a fan of the sour stuff — just stumbled across sour Jolly Ranchers which are nothing like the texture of regular Jolly Ranchers and ohhhh, I heart them! For saltiness, I’m gonna have to go with some good ole Salt & Vinegar chips — preferably the variety that you purchase at Schlotzsky’s Deli. Oh my mouth is just watering now!
Brea’s last blog post..The Big Day
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That’s a tough one. I love both of them. However, if you were to offer me Sour Patch kids or a Hershey’s bar, I would have to go with the Sour Patch Kids. I Luv them! Do you have Sour Patch Kids? They are kinda like a gummy but have this sour stuff on them. YUM!
SouthernBelle’s last blog post..Hair Appointment
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I’m a huge sours fan first and foremost. Then I’d choose chocolate (of the caramel or peanut butter variety). Then salt of the (McDonalds fries variety).
Sinful, yes… but oh so good.
reddirtroad’s last blog post..Heartfelt Thanks
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I need a separate entry for baked goods: cinnamon buns, fresh-baked homemade cookies, brownies, cupcakes. They will always be a delightfully carbalicious #1 in my books. Then chocolate, then salt, then candies.
Amanda Brown’s last blog post..What’s Up, Shortstuff?
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Salt, salt, salt and more salt
Rhi’s last blog post..Bad Luck Barbie: Continued
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Is it nerdy of me to admit that I hyperventilated a little when I saw my blog linked from your blog? Yes? Ok, forget I said anything.
Salt and chocolate are tied in my books. Give me salt WITH chocolate and I’m yours forever (hello chocolate dipped pretzels!)
hills’s last blog post..‘Cause I’ve Been First And Last And Look At How The Time Goes Past
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No need to include me in the draw, but I had to give my 2 cents.
Salt barely edges over chocolate for the win. I love salty, flavourful things. Chocolate is pretty darn fantastic too. Candy wouldn’t even factor on the list at all. I’ve always hated it, even when I was a child. There’s something about all that sugar that just grosses me out.
Sharon’s last blog post..Help with posting photos needed!
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I like it all. But I think I prefer candy the best. Like, Sour Patch Kids. I also adore Tootsie Roll Pops.
LVGurl’s last blog post..One post, many obsolete titles
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