Sometimes it's the little things

James has been begging me to do the TCBY quart challenge for a year now.  "Pah-leaze mom, I will not barf.  It will be so cool to have my photo on the wall." I told him to try the banana split, get a malt, anything buck a big bucket of ice cream.  For some reason, I caved yesterday.  I offered it up to the fact he has jus gotten over the stomach flu and has been in a better mood the past day- what better time, right?

 

Well, he finished and declared yesterday, "The best day of my life."  The look of pure glee on his face as the bottom of the cup was cleared was boggling. He erupted with giggles and skipped down the block hugging me every few steps- sugar high be damned this kid was on cloud nine and it was infectious.  We spent a lot of one on one time together at the table on the patio- cheersing each other and taking photos.  Many people came and went, wishing him luck in his endeavor- Jams- always the politician- made sure everyone in ear shot knew he was tackling this monster of headache inducing, stomach gurgling feat. A 7 year-old "live and in color" advertisement for TCBY.  But then part if me realized that I had not seen James that happy in a very long time. Part of me wondered when the last time I had been that happy was. Maybe it is part of reaching a goal- at 7 our goals look different than they do at 30-ish.  But goals are goals and that feeling James was experiencing should be felt more often.   

I have an obsession and it's name is Starbucks.  Yes, I know I am a late arrival on this train. Below you will see that I have recently come into some new paraphernalia declaring my love.  Many of my students know it has become a stomping ground, so I get gift cards and reusable cups like my favorites below.  It was through a student that you can register your cards, collect stars and get free drinks.  I've added the ap to my phone and can keep photos of past cards.  Imagine my surprise when I found that I can make this overpriced deliciousness at home.  Walmart has started carrying my favorite- Passion tea and Chi tea ingredients. My countertop has absorbed 2 of their syrup liters- Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce and Vanilla. 

I'm wondering if I can get a Starbucks Bike Kit- nah that may be taking this too far! 

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