Back-to-School Shopping

By the time all is said and done, the Chiquita will have managed to go back-to-school shopping four times for this year. Crazy!

The first trip was arguably the least productive (supplies-wise at least) yet the most important. She went with some friends from the MoS summer photography class. Since this summer we have been developing her ability to get around on public transportation by herself, this was a huge independence milestone. The girls got there by themselves, got lunch, did some shopping and then each went home to their respective locations within the timeframe they had let their parental units know about. She came back glowing and self-confident.

The second trip was with me on Friday. This was sort of back-to-school shopping for both of us, as I am starting a more management-type position with the undergraduates and needed more professional stuff. I had front loaded my work-week, so I was able to take a half day with her. She delighted in the idea of lunch out in the city and shopping. We had lunch in Chinatown and then walked over to Downtown Crossing.

I teased her that she had run through all of my shopping energy after the first store, in which she made us do 3 separate trips each to the dressing rooms. She scoffed and suggested espresso. We managed to get through a couple more stores and to collect a good set of staple items each, and then we split up for different directions on the subway. It still seems a little odd that I can do that!

Saturday jasra took her out for what Chiquita described as "girl time." In addition to shopping, they got their nails done, which she delighted in showing me. She was also quite pleased with her shopping finds, including (not to be discussed with boys clearly) undergarments. She was very pleased with this since her last trip was to be with her dad, and she was not going to go with him for that under any circumstances. In fact she may have done a horrified gasp and overly loud whispered warning when bras were even mentioned when her dad was in the house (not even the room).

So as mentioned, the final trip is going to be with her dad early this week. Between him having some weird ideas* about getting clothes for her and her self-consciousness, she will likely get most office supplies and maybe a few shirts and pairs of pants.

Fortunately she is quite happy with all the shopping opportunities. I am just grateful to have them spread around. I am not into the shopping thing. jasra may be a saint to have managed four hours.

*Last year he decided that she had to get pants that were a several sizes too big so that she would grow into them. This is not a terrible idea at first, but at this point she is just about my height and unlike when she was in child sizes, the number value doesn't really tell you much about length. So despite her trying to explain to him, he bought her several pairs of pants she still can't wear. And given she may be just about done with growing, will be unlikely to be able to wear unless she suddenly gains a bunch of weight and hems them (where it is necessary and possible).

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