here comes the sun

open starter / location: jack in a box (@merrock​) 

erin needed some decorations for their christmas tree, is currently looking a little sad sat in the corner of their living room. they thought jack in a box would be a great place to start looking, she’d been wandering around for ages until they came to the decorations bit. now came her next issue, she couldn’t actually choose between the decorations, they wanted to take them all home. 

“which do you think i should get?” they say holding up two decorations towards the other, one was a festive looking sprout and the other was a santa mouse, “i don’t want to leave either of them behind, that’d be sad. maybe i should get both”. 

Christmastime was hands down, Grace’s favorite time of the year. Both she and her mom went all out when it came to baking and decorating the house to show their Christmas spirit. They had just gotten the tree up a few days ago, but there was always room for a few new ornaments and decorations. As Grace was browsing through a display, her attention turned toward the person asking her for her opinion. She surveyed both ornament options before answering. “I’m personally a fan of Santa mouse. But you have a very good point about getting both. Both is always a fantastic choice,” she spoke with a widening smile. 

Know that not everyone celebrates Christmas but I’ve been debating the past few weeks whether or not I’m going to get a real Christmas tree or set up my artificial tree I’ve used the last few years. The more I’ve thought about it, and trust me, I’ve missed the whole going and picking out a beautiful tree, the more I’m leaning towards using my artificial tree once again this season because all I can picture is every time I turn around for two seconds I’m going to turn back to find my daughter pulling of all the pine needles as if it’s some kind of game how fast can I make the tree not look like a tree. She’s been in this habit of loving destroying things so while I love the idea that Christmas morning her ripping open presents I’m not ready to have to replace a tree half way through the season or twice. Does anyone else have to worry about this or had to worry about this? @merrock​

Real trees are too much trouble if you ask me. Especially if you have a mischievous little one running around that will wreak havoc upon it. I’ve had real trees in the past, and while they smell amazing, you’re constantly cleaning up the shedding pine needles, and you have to ensure it stays watered. Not to mention, they’re more of a fire hazard. Artificial trees are just as nice, don’t shed as much, and they even make scented sticks to hang on the branches to give it the real tree smell. 

It was too cute! I loved it! I am! I am all packed up and excited for the getaway! It will be a nice break between holidays. 

I’m not ready to go home and get back to reality. I’d much rather stay lounging on the beach with a good book. Though I am excited about Thanksgiving, but still.

You know what would be great, if someone builds a towel or contraption of sorts that will remove sand from our body. If that happens, I don’t mind going to the beach all the time. Vacuuming your car is already a problem. I tend to get sand on the cracks where even a vacuum won’t help. 

You’d think there would already be a beach towel invented like that. Though I have seen a hack where people take a fitted sheet and hold the corners up with their beach bags and stuff. Then they bring a bucket to wash the sand off their feet before stepping into it. Of course I learned this way too late and I have no fitted sheet on me to try it out on the beach here.

Well, that also makes sense. Those kid cereals are like, all sugar. It’s kind of funny how now people judge us for having those sugary cereal as kids but those were all that were there! Now there’s actual healthy cereal out there. Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a good one. And no, I didn’t. It was really disappointing. Hoping to make up for it with some good food in Costa Rica thought to hide my feelings of sadness.

Kids are always into the sugary stuff, at least I know I was as a kid. Even if we did have healthy cereals around, it’s not like we would have eaten them. Honey Nut Cheerios was considered the healthy cereal back then and I absolutely hated it, and I still do. Have you found a lot of tasty food here to make up for that terrible Spam monstrosity? 

I had a little bit left, but honestly it’s because I started skimping with the kids at the end. I can’t trust a teenage boy to share his candy with me, so I had to take matters in my own hands. Whatever you end up packing should be fine. At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself.

I always end up overpacking, which I guess isn’t a bad thing. It just means I have more options for outfits. Though I have bought some things at various shops around here, so let’s hope I can fit everything into my suitcase without any issues. You been enjoying the trip?

OPEN STARTER

Ahh… This is so much nicer than getting sand everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, I love hanging out at the beach, but what I hate is tracking sand. And they seemed to be there for days too. 

@merrock​

I’m right there with you when it comes to the sand. I love a good beach day, but I hate how the sand sticks to everything for weeks, and it’s impossible to get rid of. It’s even worse when you track it into your car and the only solution is to vacuum the entire interior. 

I miss it! That was a pretty good cereal. I should look for some at the store. I think it’s the same as regular Spam, just you know, with the whole pumpkin spice flavoring going on. So stir fry it in a pan, add it to a sandwich or rice. I feel like it might be missing something, though.

I picked up a box and I have to say, I remember it tasting much better when I was a kid. It’s probably my adult taste buds revolting against me, but it’s not a bad cereal. Just not my favorite. That’s reserved for Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Did you enjoy your pumpkin spice Spam sandwich then?

They are- and honestly as an artist for me it’s about someone appreciating my skill than what  they want. It was so fun seeing everyone, I’m always jealous of their creativity. I had a lot of fun, but tonight I’m just hoping I have candy left.

It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed seeing everyone in their costumes! Did you end up having any candy left by the end of the night? I’m now onto trying to figure out what I need to pack for this trip to Costa Rica.

All top quality picks! You are the best! I have actually been having a much better time than I expected! Last night was a blast. How did you enjoy the party? 

The party was a blast and I had the best time showing off my 13 Going On 30 costume. Definitely a highlight of my entire life since I’ve been obsessed with that outfit since I was a kid. Are you gearing up for the Costa Rica trip now? 

It’s the little things that really matter, you know? Exactly! If only I could make them a bejeweled collar with different names on the front. So it’s easier to just have them all share a name. I know so many people feel ashamed for their little quirks or whatever makes them different, but it’s good to stand out.

A bejeweled collar would be pretty cool, not gonna lie. But with them being worms I imagine they’d just squirm right out of it. Maybe instead you can just bejewel the outside of their habitat as a compromise. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s to never be ashamed of all your little quirks because they make you, you.

I’m pretty sure we can get others in town to join us. Maybe a few? Well, Jayla works at the library! I can check in with her too. So if anyone else comes to mind, just recruit them and tell them it’ll be loads of fun. That’s exactly it! That’s a cute little idea. I like the idea of sharing and switching off books, also makes for a good conversation starter! Oohh, maybe we can brainstorm some ideas!

Jayla and I also talk about books pretty often, so it only makes sense for her to join us! That is, if she’s interested. I think it could be fun! We could have monthly meetings where we can discuss whatever book we’re reading and then choose the next one to read. I love the idea of sharing books too. I have a habit of buying way too many and it’s not like I re-read a lot of them very often. Unless it’s one of my favorites that I just have to read again. Pinterest probably has all the answers for how to build your own mini library. It’s never let me down before!

I’m from the state of peaches, so Georgia! I love the story so much, and I’m so excited for the movie that supposed to happen. Really? I’m sure you’re not that bad! Glinda is pretty amazing too. I’ve always wanted to be Kristin Chenoweth. Honestly, musicals have my heart.

I’ve never been to Georgia before, though I have heard nothing but amazing things about Georgia peaches. I’m also excited for the movie too! Especially since I never had the chance to see the show while it was on Broadway. Those tickets are always so expensive and hard to get. So a movie is more up my alley since I can just head to the theater or even watch in the comfort of my own home.