Project Sunshine: Doublemint Gum

For the past couple months, I've been making an attempt to surprise people who mean a lot to me with little gifts or notes.  It's just my way of saying that I care and appreciate someone in my life.  So far I've sent cards, a mug or two, a movie night surprise, a toy and halloween decorations.  I'm calling my efforts "Project Sunshine", and my goal is to be frugal, yet thoughtful with little gifts and letters that may have a positive impact on someone's day.  (Read my original Project Sunshine post here for more information.)

Here is my latest Sunshine Surprise:

Last week, while using up some Walgreens Rewards, I came across this tin of Doublemint Gum that has 20 packs of gum inside.  It was $2.99, but I used rewards from all the free stuff I got on Thanksgiving Day, so I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket for the gum tin making it a nice fit for our budget this month:).  I am so excited about this tin.  Doublemint Gum just makes me smile...it's one of those things that brings me back to a 'magical time' from my younger years.

(Side Note: If you don't read Amber Dusick's blog: Parenting.  Illustrated with Crappy Pictures and you have young children, I highly recommend it.  Her post about Magical Moment Memories is so sweet.  Tami, please read this post about public restroom use.  It's hilarious x 100.  Thank you, Kiki, for sharing the blog with me.)

Back to the gum.  Doublemint Gum has a special place in my heart, and here's why:  It takes me back to high school.  I don't think I would say I loved high school.  It was okay.  The coursework was challenging and sports were fun.  All the social dramas and hierarchies were something I could have done without.  Generally speaking, high school was a stressful and uncertain time in my life.  I was always working hard to get good grades, to get into the right college, and to do well in extra-curriculars.  There was one thing that made it easier for me:  my Dad's office.  He was the assistant principal at my high school, and while I'm sure that most kids would have hated that situation, I loved it!  My dad is an enthusiastic and outgoing fellow who always has my best interest in mind, and his office was ALWAYS fully stocked with a jar of Hershey Kisses and a Sam's Club sized box of Doublemint Gum.  I definitely made regular visits to stock up on some goodies.  Doublemint Gum and Hershey Kisses always remind me of my Dad.

It's funny to think back now, because in reality I'm not the biggest fan of chocolate and never have been.  Also, Doublemint Gum is okay, but is not my personal favorite either.  I wonder if my Pa knows that even though I said I was just stopping by to get some chocolate or gum,  I really just wanted to say 'hi' to him and chat for a bit.  I treasure the memories of stopping by his office mid-day to touch base.  I really love that guy.  I know he passed his work ethic and core values on to me, and I'm forever grateful for that.  I'm so proud to be his daughter, and I'm so happy my kids have such a great Opa (Grandpa)!

So this Doublemint Tin is en route to Florida.  I hope my Pa enjoys the gum and then finds a fun use for the tin...maybe it will end up on his new desk in his man cave.  Maybe he'll even save a pack for me next time I go to visit:)!  Regardless, I'm really glad I stumbled across this silly gum tin!  I love you, Dad!