Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Step away from the lunchboxes...

I have to go to Target this morning.  I'm trying to find a way to keep myself away from the school supplies....

because I am a school supply hoarder.  Fanatic.  Wacko.

Before school started, as the big day approached, each afternoon I'd search my mailbox for the letter from the school with tidbits of news and the object of my affection:  the supply list.  Of course, I realize that once in school, the teachers all have their individual requests, which will entail another trip.  And I don't mind that at all.

This year, when I went to buy the supplies, I was held in check by my big gun:  Mr W.  You see, if I need to go pick some stuff up, and don't want to stray from the list, he's my best defense.  Not only will he look at his watch 6,000 times as he patiently waits for me to get the stuff, subtly reminding me that it shouldn't take an hour to pick out a box of pencils; but he will hold the boys at bay, allowing me to grab one child at a time to get what they need from the list; as well as give me the "I can't believe you are hesitating about the color of scissors" look that reminds me I'm being ridiculous.  He uses that man-logic of "he wants that lunchbox, buy that lunchbox" drowning out my "but this one is on sale at Walmart, I'll get it there."  Real men don't drive around to save 2 bucks, I've discovered. 

Today, he won't be with me, and I'll be along with my nemesis:  the three year old who really wants to be a 'big girl' and go to school.  The same child who has her own lunchbox (two points if you can guess what kind) even though she's home all day.  Well, she does need some new markers....

All those pens, pencils, Sharpies, post-its, pristine notebooks...

Calculators, rulers, staplers....

Binders, folders, lunchboxes....

Crayons.  Ah, the sweet smell of the new box of crayons. 

I'm feeling a little giddy.

Some women collect shoes, or purses, or both.  I collect pens, markers, and notebooks.  I'm prepared for any classroom emergency, and then some.

Psst!  Got Sharpie?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the smell of a new box of crayons too and I am 54 yrs. old!!!!   Anne

Anonymous said...

Gluesticks! Gluesticks!  LOL, kidding.  *not really*

Imagine my DISMAY the other day when the new teachers letter came (grade 4) and she proclaimed we don't have to buy ANYTHING, she provides it all in the classroom and she doesn't want their desks to be cluttered!  That means my kid will have CRAPPY STUFF and she's no fun!!!  PLAIN folders???  GENERIC crayons????   pencils with no PATTERNS or COLORS!!!!???   the HORROR!!!!!!   whipped the fun right out of my shopping spree, thats for dang sure.

;P     can you believe the nerve of some teachers!?!??      lololol.

~phinney

Anonymous said...

Hello Kitty.

Where's my two points and what do they earn me? ;)

Denielle

Anonymous said...

My mom is the same way.  She had a school supply OD when I started my first semester in college.  She bought so much stuff that I'm taking the leftovers back this semester and it will be MORE than enough.

Anonymous said...

Ohh Man O Man
 
  Does't Target have JUST the best school supplies? I teach at an alternative school and I buy MY WHOLE CLASS supplies. lol   I guess I get my school supply fix in that way. Well at least I can justify it that is, now that my kids are all grown youngest is a Junior this year and he won't let me buy him his supplies, not the cool ones anyway.  
Julie

Anonymous said...

Hmm. Well my child is now 25, and I am sure I could send you several large boxes full of school supplies she left behind, lol, I feel your pain!

xoxo

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled upon your journal and I have to say it is a favroite, you just crack me up. I have three year old twin boys and I have made them a huge craft box full of schol supplies for them to play in, yes i must admit I am a fanatic too (espically when the tips of brand new markers get messed up -lol) By the way Wal-Mart has boxes of crayola markers for a buck this week!!!!!!!!! - You probaly already know that. :-)

Anonymous said...

This time of year always creeps up on me.  As the kids get older they need more supplies, too.  With all the tax dollars, it amazes me why schools can supply these things!  Oh well, it adds to their excitement!  

Anonymous said...

Didn't I do a post a while ago on my love of office supplies?  rofl - I'll have to go check now!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Anna, I know what you mean.  I don't have kids and I still comb the back-to-school aisles...  New school supplies were always my favorite.  

But there's a place for people like us...a  place where it's back-to-school year-round:  Office Depot.  Ooh, I luv the smell of an office supply store in the morning.  :D

~tara :)