Friday Confession: Supply Addiction

Hello, my name is Maria and

I have a school supply addiction

I grew up in the era of Lisa Frank, Trapper Keepers, Yikes! pencils, and plastic lunchboxes with coordinating thermos.

Anybody else remember those?

I loved back-to-school shopping.  Really, I loved school.  And getting bright, new, shiny supplies to begin each year just added to the thrill.

When I graduated and moved on to college, I majored in elementary education.  My addiction continued.  Not only did I always have art supplies at the ready, but I still enjoyed organizing my notebooks for each class, gathering new pens, and yes, even buying the textbooks (though the paying for the textbooks part was a little rough).  As I began taking some of my more senior courses, I was even required to buy new BOOKS…picture books, middle grades, young adult… for my lit classes.

Then I went on to accept a teaching position, and I got to buy supplies with other people’s money.  Win!  After a few years, I went back to school for my library science degree, and once again, it was new notebooks, binders, textbooks, and tradebooks.

And then I stopped teaching.  And I finished my degree. And I stopped my school supply runs each fall.

Now, every Augustl, I get a little bit giddy walking through the stores.  I have to resist the temptation to buy the ridiculously  marked down items off the shelf and bring them home with me.

Thankfully, there are many backpack drives going on that help those with my condition.  We can satisfy our need without becoming hoarders.

I’m fully aware that in a few years, when I’m buying all these items for my children, the thrill may wear off.  Maybe.

On the other hand… Lisa Frank, people.  That never gets old, right?