Peace, Love, and Chocolate Milk

It was a beautiful day outside, so we took to the backyard for some necessary energy expenditure. Typically Lainey hits the playhouse first, just to check and make sure her soggy bits of sidewalk chalk are still lined up on the shelf where she left them.

Today was different though, today she torpedoed herself towards the slide as fast as her little legs could carry her. She climbed up to the top platform and looked at me triumphantly, as if she had just conquered the Little Tikes version of Mt. Everest. She raised both arms in the air and proclaimed loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear, "Chocolate milk for EVERYONE!"

Here I thought I was just raising an artistic, out-of-the-box, singer songwriter type, and she goes and throws out the activist card too. I worry about a lot of things - global warming, the BP oil spill, the socks that go missing in my dryer. Chocolate milk has never really been on the top of my list. Or heck, it's never even been ON my list.

But my little politician was so emphatic that I couldn't help but think that maybe she was right. Maybe chocolate milk IS the answer? Milk itself is just ho-hum, but mix in a bit of that Hershey's deliciousness and you have yourself a little glass of happiness. So what if everyone could have some chocolate milk? I'll tell you what - the world would be a better place.

Kids would be happier, that's for sure. Their grades would go up, which would lead to a smarter and more peaceful generation. PMSing women everywhere would rejoice, for that touch of chocolate is just what they needed to keep from ripping some guy's head off. The elderly would sing out in praise, for finally there was a chocolate treat they could enjoy even without teeth. People everywhere would come together, people of all colors, ages, religions, and cultures, and in every language they would declare their love of this sweet and creamy drink. Even the lactose intolerant could pour themselves a glass of soy whateveritscalled and toast to a better life.

Yes, I think chocolate milk is the answer. Thank you, Lainey, for bringing your unique vision to the world. Peace, love, and chocolate milk for everyone - that's my new motto.