Sunday, February 15, 2009

I am Lauren, Fun Dip enthusiast

A few weeks ago, my friend Kristen, in an arbitrary yet curiously genuine manner, asked me, "Lauren, what's your favorite candy?" Her sincere, childlike question rendered what some might read as an equally child-like response. Normally, favoritism inquisitions are unnaturally difficult for a person like me, but I was surprised at how quickly I came up with an answer. "Fun Dip," I replied with an odd look on my face, for it had been years since I had even thought of this wildly under-appreciated treat. Her response surprised me even more than my answer... "FUN DIP?!?!?" She was flabbergasted!

What's wrong with Fun Dip, I ask? Apparently, cultured, well-traveled people with a taste for the finer things in life are not supposed to like the mass-produced sugary mess. Kristen expected my favorite candy to be some kind of exotic foreign delicacy, but no, it's Fun Dip, the stuff that turns your teeth blue.

Weeks later, I come home to find a mound of my very favorite candy neatly wrapped with a pink bow- the perfect Valentine's treat! What a pleasant surprise! (thanks K!) As I devour the Fun Dip, I am reminded of why I love it so much. The the mild, milky stick dunked in the colorful, tart powder results in one of the most interesting sensations that stimulates all the senses. The combination of colors, the juxtaposition of textures, the interaction of flavors, and the kinetic experience all contribute to the enjoyment of the fabulous (and especially fun) Fun Dip! Though I may not be your typical Fun Dip enthusiast, I do believe that my favorite candy reflects me as one who delights in often overlooked details and explosions of sensory experience.

I'd sincerely like to know, what is your favorite candy and how does it reflect your personality?