Diary Entry August 11, 2025

“Post-Camping Culture Shock”

Dear Diary,

First full day back home and everything feels… weird. The floor isn’t dirt, my soap doesn’t have pine needles in it, and the raccoon that’s been freeloading off me for four days is gone (probably plotting revenge).

Today’s “reacclimation process” looked like this:

🧼 Took another bubble bath, just to make sure I removed all traces of campfire smell. The water turned gray. I have no regrets.

🍌 Tried to store snacks in the couch cushions because “that’s how Steve the squirrel did it.” Joyce says I’m not allowed to squirrel-proof the living room.

🎒 Unpacked my camping gear… except for the log. It’s now my new soap photography prop.

🧺 Did laundry. Accidentally washed a tin of beard balm. It’s now super waterproof.

🛍️ Went “grocery shopping” and somehow came home with three new silicone molds, a glitter spray bottle, and zero actual groceries.

📦 Packed up some orders to ship out. Fell into the postal box. It was dark and cozy, so I took a nap. 

I miss the campfire, but it’s nice being able to make beard balm without worrying about raccoons stealing my ingredients. Still, the woods will call me back eventually… and I will answer.

Freshly scented and slightly civilized,
Melinda 🐒💜