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School Supplies

We're going to buy the rest of Mallory's school supplies this weekend -- some crayons, some index cards (?), a box of Ziploc bags (??). She's already picked out her backpack, a cheap-looking, garish Disney princess item which may not last the semester, much less the year. I thought about ordering her a really nice backpack from Land's End, but have held off due to the school supply ghosts in my own closet.

1. Third grade. I don't remember exactly why, whether I was feeling rushed or pressured while shopping, or whether there just were no other good options, but I wound up with a notebook (a binder, a Trapper Keeper, if you will) that I just hated. It had a picture of a cat on the front; and not only have I never been a cat person, but this particular cat had a weird marking, like a Hitler mustache, under his nose. He was Gestapo cat. I loathed that cat and I loathed that notebook and every year, each time I took it out of my desk or put it in my bookbag, I was filled with deep regret and resentment that THIS was my notebook. It was a hard year.

2. As a high school graduation present from somebody, I received a very nice backpack...with my name embroidered across the back in flowery, cursive pink. There was no reason not to use this backpack, as it had many fine features. But I hated having my name on the back. It embarrassed me; it made me feel about 10 years old. I carried the backpack dutifully all four years of college but I never liked it.

So I let Mallory get the cheap princess backpack...because if she comes to me in three months and says, Mom, I've decided I hate this backpack, I won't feel any qualms buying her another one.




Just finished reading:

Harry Potter, obviously
The Water's Lovely by Ruth Rendell
How the Light Gets In by M.J. Hyland

Comments

H Noble said…
I love school supplies and walk through the aisles each August savoring the looks and feels and smells that come along with them. I of course do not wish to return to school, and definitely do not want to be a teacher, but I miss the anticipation of those first few days of school.

Ah, I hope Mallory loves it too!
Holly
Anonymous said…
What do you think that kindergarten students are going to use index cards for? When I was teaching 11th grade English, I required them, but we did a research paper! Also, what are the plastic bags for? Let me know!!

Mom
aimee said…
We had to get plastic bags too. I want to say for organization purposes, but you never know.

As for backpacks, I have gone overboard with my kids. They expect a new one every year.

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