There’s something about the middle of August, whether you’re in school or not, that signals the beginning of things- or perhaps, depending on how you look at it, the end of things.
No matter how old I am, every time I’m at Walmart and see the aisles of school supplies go up, advertising sales on brightly colored folders, and fresh, crisp paper, I get a little nostalgic. A little bittersweet. Sad for the end of summer, but excited for what the fall has in store.
Today I had one of those “nostalgic” moments. My mom and sister bought me a lunch box. A 27-year-old grown woman. With a lunch box.
Actually, it’s more of a cute “bag,” but for the sake of this post let’s just call it a box.
It’s actually for work.
I’m the classy one that carries my food in a uber chic Walmart plastic bag, plonking my stuff right next to yours in the fridge. I always have that annoying rustling plastic sound about me as I walk to my desk each morning, and as I leave each night that fancy bag crunches and swishes beside me. Very classy.
Anyway, my mom and P decided it was time that I get a grown up bag.
Which made me laugh.
I guess what seems somewhat funny to me about the whole thing is that yesterday I found out that I’ll be heading back to school this fall (assuming everything works out… long story. There’s always a long story.).
Getting a new shiny lunchbox is one of those “back to school” things you did back in the day, and it’s perfect timing that the purchase of this fancy and warranted Thermos sack coiencides with the start of a whole new chapter in my life.
I sort of feel like my old self again, getting ready for the “big first day.” Packing my backpack and making sure all my arrangements were in order. Comisserating over the perfect thing to wear. Only this time I have small forehead wrinkles and have slept with a boy.
Good times.
I’m not sure it’s fully hit me that I’m going back to school. Willingly. Going back to school!
All that stuff I just said about how it hasn’t hit me is probably true- but I guess I’m exaggerating a little because it’s definitely hitting me right now.
So that’s my big news. Another chapter in my life begins. Here’s to lunch boxes and late nights and thumb drives.
Should I bring my teacher an apple?
