I Love Office Supplies!

I'm not sure how many of you can relate, but I squeal a little inside walking through the office supply aisle at Target. I love the smell of Scotch tape, the feel of a new pen, and the joy of opening the package. I love writing my name with each of the new pens to find my favorite.

I spent quite a few years exploring my emotional reaction to new office supplies and it seems to stem from my love of new school supplies as a kid. It was the one time each year I would get a brand new pack of loose leaf paper, new crayons, a new Trapper Keeper, and new clothes. It was a joyful time.  I didn't have to worry back then about how much it costs or was it practical.  My mom carried that burden and for that I'm very thankful.

My mom and I would hit the store (Kmart, JCPenney, or a store in the mall and fill our buggy with things we liked. I'd try on a bunch and decide which ones to keep and which ones to put back. Once we got the pile down to a manageable size we began to decide, this or that. Mom had done the math. I just knew to whittle down my choices until she said ok.

If we went to the mall we'd have egg rolls and/or big pretzels. No matter where we shopped for clothes, we always ended up at the Kmart school supply section. I loved having a new ruler, new mechanical pencils, a new backpack, and new dictionary.  We always tried to go late so most of the people had gone and we could have the aisle to ourselves.

It was the one time of year I didn't feel guilt over buying things. It took me years of self-help books to convince myself I could spend $10 on myself. I still feel guilt over any haircut over $30. I love Coach handbags but I'll carry them 3 years before buying another. I still have a lot of work to do on me but every day above ground is a good day.

My latest obsessions are teal green and gold office supplies. I may have to start carrying kwerky office supplies to keep me from buying them all personally. :-)