Back To School Supplies

Every year I look forward to back to school shopping.  And not just because it means sending the offspring to school and having a full quiet hours to fill each day.  There's more to it than the anticipation of mommy time.  It's the new school supplies.

What is it about new school supplies? 

The spiral notebooks, and packs of new notebook filler paper seem to already hold the promise of anything and everything that might end up there.  Notes to be taken, and reports to be written.  Blank pages whisper with anticipation of the words to fill them in the coming months. 

Each pen and pencil eager to meet page.  To pour forth the wisdom , knowledge, and new skills to be learned this year.  New poems, short stories, and creative writing essays are there in your hand, ready to come to life. 

Colored pencils, markers, crayons, and glue sticks are there too.  Prepared to take part in the artistic expressions of students.   Standing ready for whatever educational project may be assigned. 

Oh... the new box of crayons.  I could go on for days about the simple joy of opening the box for the first time and seeing all those perfectly formed points peering back at you.  The distinctive waxy smell that only comes from this particular source and once smelled brings forth a flood of memories of new coloring books or the first day of kindergarten.  New crayons and I have a very special relationship. 

I think if we look deep down inside, many of us still wish someone would take us by the hand every August and lead us to the store to buy us a whole new supply of fresh school supplies.  Which is probably why I can never resist the urge to buy myself a new notebook or a fresh pack of pens when I purchase the items on the teacher's list of needed supplies for the year.

And yes, sometimes I even sneak in a fresh new box of crayons too. 

Thankful Thursday - August 23

This week I am thankful for gentle reminders (or not so gentle ones).  I sat and stared at the blank page that was to be this post for so long this morning.  Struggling to find what to write.  This afternoon I got news that a dear friend has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer - and suddenly I was reminded of all I have to be grateful for.

My friend:  We met through work - first she was a client, and later became a co-worker.  She's funny.  And so encouraging and supportive.  She somehow always manages to see so perky and positive; no matter what seemed to be going on in her life.  Even as she gave me the news of her diagnosis and treatment status.  I feel badly that I have been so slack about staying in touch since I left work.  I keep thinking I need to call or email her, but somehow never do.

My health:  Nothing reminds you how blessed you are to be healthy like the health issues of someone close.  I got my reminder letter about my yearly mammogram this week.  You can believe I will calling to schedule THAT appointment asap!

The School Website:  In past years when the Princess was in high school, I was always frustrated with having to wait for the first day of school to get the list of needed supplies.  Today I was able to check out the individual page for each of The Little Man's teachers and get the list of supplies ahead of time.  Also found a few gems like the homework schedule and calendar of quizzes and tests for a couple of classes - which will come in handy when he comes home claiming he has no home work!