As children, teens and college students everywhere prepare to return to school, there are telltale signs that point to the inevitable. As buses load and campus quickly becomes the hot spot again, classes begin and the 2016-17 year will be underway. It is easy to spot the signs and I'm here to tell you all about them!
1. Swimming attire is on sale.
Hello! I literally bought a swimsuit at full price like two weeks ago! Actually, my mom just informed me it was closer to a month and a half ago. If you're planning any winter vacations to somewhere sunny and warm, you'd probably score some great deals on swimsuits.
2. School supplies are back.
I just don't understand how I could need so many mechanical pencils! However, I always find myself thanking Walmart for selling the huge packs because I lose them on a daily basis.
3. The sun sets earlier and earlier.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...except you keep disappearing so much earlier than the beginning of the summer!
4. You don't want to leave the A/C.
How is it possible to be so hot outside? Where is the breeze at when you need it? It's like you can't walk outside without sweating to death, and it's becoming a huge problem.
5. Halloween decorations have hit the stores.
Something wicked this way comes! From red, white and blue to orange and black, the decor in the seasonal aisle gives me chills just thinking about Halloween! It's time to plan horror movie nights with your friends, y'all.
6. School buses
Enough said! Where I'm from, school buses begin practicing their routes about three weeks before school starts, and it's that time. The big 'ole yellow bus has been by my house too many times to count thus far.
7. Tailgate aisles pop up.
You cannot deny back-to-school also means back-to-tailgating! The mini corn hole boards are lining the shelves along with plastic cups and coozies for all of your favorite tailgating beverages! The refreshing summertime snacks are replaced with chips and dips, and the pool noodles are replaced with gear for the nearest college sports teams!
8. The tan lines disappear.
I've been waiting for this day for three months! The awkward tan lines I've gained from wearing T-shirts all summer are finally blending in and going away. Take that, farmers tan!
9. The houses become quiet.
With the college students leaving home, parents are once more greeted with the silence that was once filled with constant chatter and noise.
10. Seasonal Starbucks returns.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes are once again advertised, and instead of ordering an iced beverage, the warm ones are greeted like an old friend.
11. You realize how poor you are.
After spending so much money buying books, school supplies, furnishings for an apartment or residence hall, or even new bedding, you can see how depleted your bank account became after an entire summer of spendings.
As the excitement of returning to the campus that I love so dearly comes again, the homesickness is inevitably beginning to sink back in too. As I miss my family and friends at home, I quickly remind myself of upcoming visits home, and how incredible it will be to live at home again when summer returns!
