Interrupted

My Life Thus Far
2015-08-28 06:41:44 (UTC)

Hemorrhaging Money

I should be asleep already (6am comes early), but my body doesn't work that way. I'll probably be up even later than usual simply because I know I need to go to sleep soon (actually two hours ago, for 8 hours). I'm excited about tomorrow. I had such a great time with Snookums on our trip to Cape Flattery, I'm looking forward to doing it again, but with the kids this time.

Today was devoted to school shopping, and the little ones' open house. I would have rather gone to the farmer's market than open house, but priorities. I want nothing more than to be a good mom, and good mom's don't skip out on open house night simply because they'd rather do something else... but I considered it.

This year had to be the most expensive year on record for back to school shopping. I spent around $200 on supplies and Kiki and Keenan's shoes at Target, $137 on uniforms at Old Navy, another $101 on backpacks, $148 on clothes for Annie, $70 on a pair of high top Converse and some socks. It felt like I was hemorrhaging money. Usually I do most of the shopping on my own or with Snookums, not the kids. They give me a wish list and I try to fulfill it as fiscally responsibly as possible. When they're with me, they pick out what they want, not necessarily what's the best value. I'm not upset about it, though. Jason's mom is sending some money to help out with back to school stuff, and we get paid again in a few days.

It's getting ridiculous the amount of stuff that's appearing on the supply list every year. It's getting to the point were I'm having to pick and choose what to buy (instead of just getting everything), or I'll have to get less of what they ask for. One item on the list cost $14! A refill pack of scotch tape. I bought 16 glue sticks and 8 DOZEN pencils. The government should be ashamed of itself for not even funding schools as well as they used to. When I was a kid, my parents didn't spend $200 on my supplies. I also didn't have to share what they bought me with the entire class. There was nothing on Keenan's list that he got to keep for his own use. Only 5 things on Kiki's list were for her personal use. Everything else goes into a communal class pot. It's a flawed system, for sure. I'm just grateful I can provide for my children. It must be an awful feeling not being able to afford supplies. Frivolous or not.




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