Watch Me Burn

Woman Shops Like A Man

I am a woman, and I hate to shop.  I know I’m in the minority on this, and my habits certainly resemble those of my male counterparts.  I research what I need and purchase it from a reliable source, usually online, skipping the touching, feeling part of the process.  Perhaps when I’m not trying to feed and clothe five people, or when our income level has reached a high level, maybe then shopping ‘might’ be more fun.  Alas, for now, it’s NOT my thing.

Gearing up for the new school year, my biggest challenge is buying a wheeled backpack for DD8.  The price for one seems outrageous to me, which has me considering buying one from Land’s End where I feel the quality will make it last as long as I feel it should given the price point.

Last year I was able to buy DS7 a backpack for what I consider to be a good price.  He didn’t request a wheeled backpack, nor did he need one.  DD8 always has a large load of books, and I understand her wanting said backpack.  Last year there were many times when I picked it up and shook my head at the sheer weight of it.

This year DS7 just might be bringing home a backpack weighing much more than I feel it should, and next year I might be on the hunt for a second wheeled backpack.  We’ll see how this year’s search turns out and go from there.

Which wheeled backpack has worked out for you or your children?  Any tips, tricks, or helpful hints on how to make them last or work better?

June Bug

This month has been far busier than I had anticipated.  The end of the school year demands kept us super busy.  I say us because I am fortunate enough to have a hands-on hubby who helps at the school for big events, and thankfully, the business owner he works for has children and understands that attending their events is a high priority.

For DD8’s reading group party, I made a chocolate cake.  Of course that sent a ripple through the household because they know once the weather turns warm, I don’t turn the oven on very often. 

We enjoyed DS7’s baseball themed end of the school year party.  I helped with the corn hole game.  We got to have a nice little picnic outside then we brought DS7 home early.

DD8’s end of the year event was a Greek Olympics.  Thankfully, we had this first thing in the morning before we got too hot!  It was hot and muggy that week.  DD8 got second place in two events.  She was delighted!

DS17 graduated from high school this year.  My parents and DH’s mom came into town for the festivities.  That was fun.  :-)   It was warm out, but we managed to get some photos taken under a tree before heading to Carrabba’s for his graduation dinner.  Yummy choice!  DS17’s good friend, my parents, and the five of us enjoyed an early meal.  The waiter was excellent, took a fancy to DD8 and made sure her every whim was taken care of.

Five days later DS17 turned 18.  Kind of odd knowing he’s now legally an adult.  He has a bright future.  It’s good to know that he wants to own his own business, so I think he’ll be prepared for both, working for someone else in his nuclear physics/astrophysics career as well as for himself in his computer graphics business.  He’s good with people and has never met a stranger. 

DS7 had outpatient surgery.  He was very brave going in to surgery and has done extremely well.  Here’s hoping his follow-up check-up goes well and this will all be behind us.  :-)

Summer is here, lightening bugs are out, and I’ll be buying school supplies before long.  Summer break goes by quickly!  Most folks like summer; can’t say I’m a fan.  The older I get, the less I tolerate humidity.  I’ll stay hibernating, counting the days til fall.  :-)