A co-worker pointed out to me the other day that I was quickly approaching the time when I’d have to start packing lunch everyday for the Goblin. While it was a simple declarative statement, I realized I was crossing over into a new phase in my life. Sure, it’s just packing lunch. But, gone are the days of hurrying out the door at the last moment, periodically forgetting a stuffed animal, or my sunglasses, or an iPod, etc. I now have to make sure that everything is taken care of the night before, ready for us as we load up the car and depart to our respective days.

It’s an emotional response, really. It’s the immediacy; I can’t pretend that I am still fancy-free [Not that I really ever did, but I could have if I wanted to. Maybe.] I’m just adjusting to a deeper “settling.” The transition isn’t a bad thing; I kind of welcome it.

So this weekend I embraced it; And Goblin & I went shopping for lunch boxes and back packs. [Side Note: Am I the only one who finds the amount of Camouflage back packs slightly alarming given the current "climate" re: violence in schools]. Wading through the chaos of frenzied back-to-school shopping, she INSTANTLY knew which back pack she wanted. And I sure it come as no surprise to those of you who know here she chose this :

Also pictured is the matching insulated lunch bag she subsequently found. Much to my dismay, and despite my efforts to encourage her to “diversify” her choices, she didn’t chose this one :

Look close, it’s got faux safety-pins through the logo. She didn’t understand the intricacies of the fun of punk rock chic. Oh well.

So wish me luck. She start’s Kindergarten in 10 days and we both enter a new phase in our lives [despite accessory differences. Oh well :)]

Technorati Tags: settling, lunch boxes, School, Growing Up