I’m fairly obsessed with gum.  I always have some with me and rarely run out.  This could be because my mom used to monitor my gum usage.  She’d keep it in a special drawer and I was allowed to take ONE PIECE of sugar-free cinnamon gum with me each morning before school.  A normal kid would have ripped it into pieces and spread it out through the day.  But I *had* to shove the whole thing in my mouth immediately.  And as an act of (passive) aggression, I always threw the wrapper in the drawer for Mom to find later.  Score 1 for me.  But I digress…

On my way home from a friend’s house today, I was frantically searching my purse for a piece of gum.  No luck.  I unsuccessfully checked every hiding place in the car.  Oh noes!  The whole world seemed out of balance.  I managed to calm myself through the withdrawal fits… then I suddenly smelled fresh gum.  Is it a mirage?  Is there a piece of gum hiding somewhere, taunting me?  Oh wait… I’m passing a Wrigley’s factory!  *Takes a big whiff*  Mmmmm… Juicy Fruit.

I drive by this factory 40-50 times a year and I have NEVER smelled gum.  Maybe the other gum flavors aren’t as aromatic.  Maybe I haven’t been going by at the right time.  Maybe my Spidey senses were tingling in my weakened state.  Regardless, I couldn’t believe how fragrant it was… and fresh… and delicious.  It was just enough of a buzz to get me home with a big smile on my face.  I love it when something so small can make my day.