So, what does a 38 year old woman carry her books in on her first day of college?

…a backpack or a stylish tote?

This is the question that has been plaguing my mind for weeks now.

It’s a welcome reprieve from all the stuff I’m dealing with as of late. A messy divorce, custody issues, staring over, and the usual life struggles and tribulations.

Tonight is my fist class in college. I’m 38. It’s Pre-Algebra. If (or more likely, when) I begin to struggle with it, my 15 year old son can tutor me. How pathetic is THAT?!? But it is what it is, and it’s one step closer to my goal of World Domination. So there’s that.

But back to the bag thing.

If I put my books in a backpack, does that make me look like I’m pretending to be young, and hip and cool? Or that I am trying too hard? Or is it just the right thing to do, except for my back which might curse me in time?

If I use a tote, does that make me look like I am old and decrepit? Like I waited too long to start achieving my goals? My shoulder will mutiny in time, because the books are heavy. But I have many totes, so this isn’t a problem.

I have a backpack too. It’s sitting by the door, ready to go to class if I want to use it.

I’m 38 years old.

Tonight is my first day of college classes.

I am a student, a mom, a single parent.

I am ready for this next chapter of my life.

Let’s do this.