Alarming news:  The price of Hershey’s™ Chocolate is going up.  http://www.pragmaticpricing.com/2011/04/chocolate-rising-price-increase-at-hersheys/

Reading this today, not to mention the accompanying photo of delectable and beautifully wrapped Kisses™ sent my heart a pitter-patting.  I’m a woman of my time, so no, I didn’t swoon.  I did the modern day equivalent though and considered tossing my purse over my shoulder and heading to the corner 7-11.  They don’t sell Kisses™ but they do sell pure, unadulterated rich, smooth, melt-in-your mouth, Hershey’s Chocolate bars. 

I always reach for the one towards the back of the box, ensuring that it hasn’t overheated from the sun streaming in.  It’s important that all the little squares are intact as well.  If I’m going to engage in this one-sided affair, I get to call all the shots.

Back in the car, I will un-wrap it lovingly, peeling the wrapper top to bottom.  I’ll take out the first half, turning it over so I can see the Hershey’s imprint.  One by one I’ll snap off each little square, releasing the aromatic, always sensual smell of chocolate bliss. 

I pop each section in my mouth, savoring every morsel.  Occasionally I’ll think that I’ve eaten all twelve squares, only to find one tiny square still tucked in the corner of the wrapper, coy lover that he is.  Mmmmm…

Is my love affair with chocolate an unhealthy obsession?  Probably.  Is it time to ask for help?  NO!  It’s time to stock up on chocolate bars before the prices go up.