I like to use a pen when the surface is softer, like a few sheets of paper, pencil is good when you are writing on a hard surface, but I mainly use a a pen.
I don't have unbelievable experiences like Orp and Opa, but my bedroom caught fire when I was probably around 5 years, and it was my pillow I rescued, and my sister locked me in a trunk of a car for hours once.
Some stores offer only plastic, some only paper, and some both. I do make use of them again at home for various things. The plastic ones are perfect for my bathroom trash can. I have bags to take to the store with me, but forget them a lot.
Years ago, your paper bag was stapled shut before you left the cashier, you were not allowed to bring bags into stores.
Then stores could no longer staple the bags shut, because people would get hurt by the staples trying to open the bags at home. If you brought a bag into a store, you had to 'check' it.
Then they started giving you a nickle if you brought a paper bag in to reuse.
Then came the years when you were suppose to 'save a tree' and use plastic bags.
Then you were offered a choice, paper or plastic.
Now, the plastic bags take too long to decompose, and they are flying around everywhere, so it is recommended you choose paper or bring your own bag made out of some type of material so that it lasts for years and years.
If you have a huge purse or something, you can just put your items in your purse, or your pockets, carry them out as is, etc.
hmmmm, what will be next?