I was in a big box store the other day, and marveled at the volume of school supplies. Paper, pens, crayons, folders – row after row of items just waiting for parents to hit aisles with their specific lists of what to buy – the annual scavenger hunt known as “back-to-school shopping.” They march into crowded stores armed with supply lists that somehow include 14 glue sticks, two folders with pockets, two without, very specific “wide-ruled only” notebooks, markers of different sizes, tissues and hand sanitizer, and so much more. As I think back to when the girls were in school, I’m pretty sure Jackie spent a small fortune on school supplies every year (of course the backpacks had to be a certain size and theme). Now, in full disclosure – Jackie is a way better shopper than me, so of course I let her do it!  I am a firm believer in the philosophy that if 2 items are required, then you must have 3 (backup), or if BOGO is available must have 4! And, after nailing the list, most parents are back shopping by Halloween, as half the items mysteriously disappear by October. (Somewhere I think there is a secret parallel universe filled entirely with lost pens and pencils, lonely Trapper Keepers, and missing calculator covers). It’s funny how little some of these items have changed over the decades. A yellow No. 2 pencil from 1975 looks remarkably similar to one bought today, and like the original. Pens, erasers, notebook paper, rulers, and protractors have survived; computers, tablets, and smartphones remain on the list. Somehow, a fresh notebook, some lined paper, and a perfectly sharpened pencil still feel like the beginning of possibility. Here’s some fun info and trivia I think you’ll enjoy. Kudos to all the Moms (and some Dads!) out there gearing up for the dreaded trip – good luck!!  (And good luck putting your kid’s name on each of those 64-box crayons and 24-count colored pencils.

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