Back to School, Part II

Today my sister and I took our smallest nephews shopping. Cubs is nine, and Squeak is seven. They couldn't be more different. Cubs walks in, gets out his list, and starts tossing stuff into the cart without fanfare. His only requirement? Nothing in the color green.

Now Squeak, on the other hand, took his shopping very seriously. He also had a list, but for each item he studied all his choices before making a selection and placing it carefully in the cart. He organized his finds, making sure not to pile things too high. As each item was decided, he carefully crossed it off the list.

Me? Well of course I had a list. I bought myself a rockin' raspberry handbag and a lip gloss. I had to start carrying a bag again after my surgery. If I put my cell phone and keys into my pants pocket, the pants fall down. Lovely.

After shopping we treated the boys to pizza slices before we headed for home. Our tradition is one I look forward to every year, but I have to wonder how long the boys will be willing to hang out with their old aunties. Cubs is already showing signs of becoming a 'tween. I don't think it will be too long before we're ousted in favor of shopping alone while mom browses in another part of the store where no one will see her.

Back to School

It's amazing how small my world has gotten. I don't think I've been farther than a mile or two from home for the last few weeks. I see the mailman, the USP guy, and some people who share my last name. I take walks around the block. I spend a few minutes here and there in the garden. Once in a while I spend a few minutes chatting with a neighbor. I used to think it would be great to work from home. Now I'm not so sure. I think I could easily get lost in my own little world.





My mom and I took Diva shopping for back to school. It was a little early, IMO, but we had time and coupons, so what the heck. I can't believe Diva's in second grade already. Sometimes I expect to turn around and see a chubby toddler standing there. She's growing up sooooo fast.

I used to love back to school time. We always got new outfits - even shoes! - and fresh desk supplies. New boxes of crayons and bright pink erasers.....when I got older, I discovered Seventeen magazine. My oldest sister and I would read it together, in the back yard, while we baked in the sun. I actually believed I could ace the school year if I just followed Seventeen's tips. For years after I graduated, I still picked up a Seventeen every August. Just to reminisce.