Summer is one of the best times of the year. Particularly favored by children.

But every kid knows that school is soon to come. The orientation is on our heels and Mattson is calling our names. But other than the dread, nervousness, and excitement that emulsifies in my mind, there’s that one great thing about the summer’s end. That one great thing is the sales, sales, and more sales! The time to tackle this is now.

So yes, going to the mall is on my to do list. I recently went shopping with my grandma, and we drove up to the overly crowded Westfield Mall. Well, the most crowded place wasn’t even in the mall. It was the Old Navy near the mall! I wonder why — maybe its because literally everything there was under $10! The result of this was 45 minutes in the dressing room. When we left there, I think my grandma was as exhausted as me!

Now it was time to go into the mall. Besides the people walking all different directions on the aisles, you had to look out for some of those kiosks. They’d suck you in like a tractor beam. One time a few years back when I was again shopping with my grandma, this young man at a kiosk got her attention. He influenced her to try this nail product. She didn’t really want to buy it but he sure wouldn’t take no for an answer! He was literally holding her arm so we wouldn’t walk away. She actually bought the nail stuff just so we could leave. Then, he enticed her to try a face mask that would make her look younger! All that did was leave a white crust on her face! We agreed not to walk over there again. But of course, with our luck, a man at the same type of kiosk started talking to us, and my grandma replied with a “Not you guys again! I’m not falling for any of that again!” Slap in the face dude!

Anyway, we went to a few of the girls stores like Aeropostale and Delia’s, and I always teased my grandma when we passed Hollister or Abrecrombie and Fitch. The loud music and darkness with bright spotlights drive her crazy. And we didn’t go in there, either. But we did go into a few of the women’s store for grandma. After that I accomplished my mission. I got some really cute clothes and along the way I think we both had a really good time together.

I got most of the essentials plus an adorable dress for my uncle’s and soon-to-be aunt’s wedding! I’ll say that’s a day. The most fun part was the ride home. I love the fact that my grandma was singing along to “Blurred Lines” with me. You almost can’t resist grooving along. I just think that like me, she was glad to be out of that mall. You’d never think you could feel so claustrophobic in such a large building!

Of course, after I said thank you and goodbye to my grandma, I runway modeled all my clothes to my parents. I had to show off my stuff! So after a new pair of shoes or two and a few more shirts, I will be completely stocked for seventh grade.

Annie Livengood of Covington is an aspiring journalist and will be a seventh grader at Mattson Middle School in the fall.