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
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
Ah, I hope Mallory loves it too!
Holly
Mom
As for backpacks, I have gone overboard with my kids. They expect a new one every year.