There is very little in this world I love more than back-to-school shopping. I loved it when my daughter, Josie, was little. I went into Walmart and found the list her teacher had carefully prepared for her students. Upping the ante, I love college dorm shopping even more!
Josie is a girl of simple tastes. I admit, I do try to push some of the bougie stuff I would want on her. She will have none of it. I generally calm my shit and give in to her preferences.
When she was little all I wanted to buy her was sparkly pencils and notebooks. She wanted something plain that would not attract attention. I caved. I think we only bought black and blue stuff. Alas, my child is not one for frills. God forbid anything was pink!
I remember when she once conceded to a pencil case that sported sloths. I was overjoyed. That was in middle school and she still carries that pencil case today. Speaking of pencils, I will only buy Ticonderoga. These pencils are the bomb. All others are inferior. Trust me on this one, people.
In elementary and middle school, I also bought a shit-ton of supplies for the teachers. If it was on their “wish list,” I bought it. I know how hard those teachers work for little pay. I didn’t want them spending their money to wipe my kid’s snotty nose. That is horse shit.
As we did dorm room shopping this year, I was particularly excited. We’ve done this before since she finished high school at a college, but this was still dorm room shopping. Sheets, a comforter, decorative items, oh my! It was all a delight.
I was able to talk her up to a fancier chenille comforter. She shot me down on matching throw pillows to go with it though. “Mom, those are so unnecessary.” Ugh.
We purchased a wide variety of command adhesive strips, but she couldn’t settle on any wall art. I found two amazing Japanese-style posters. She liked them but balked in the end. She can be a bit indecisive. She is also a minimalist. I am not. I like to feel cozy and at home. I want that for her. Plus, college is the best years of your life. Live it up!
We got a rug, tons of toiletry items and cleaning supplies. However, I question how much the cleaning stuff gets used. She also already has a bookshelf she loves. So, I think she is basically good to go.
All I know is, if Target was a thing when I went to college, I might still be paying that bill off. Seriously, is there anything Target does not have? Also, here’s a pro tip: college students get 20 percent off at Target with their app. For reals, y’all! This saved us almost 100 bucks!
I just love everything about school supplies. The smell, the newness, the dreams of things to come! School supplies are a fucking joy!
I’m pretty sure when Josie is out of school, I may be the creepy old woman who hangs out at Target and just buys random kids’ school stuff. There certainly are worse ways to spend my time. Now, if you will pardon me, I have some new Sharpies to sniff.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
