I normally dread going to the store

14 years ago

Looks like a long cold trip out there, doesn't it???

Grocery shopping is one of my least favorite things to do. But with the storm moving in I decided it'd be wise to head to the store and pick up a few things since I won't likely be getting out for a couple days at least short of a near-miracle. I needed to mail a letter too so I mailed it made another stop and headed to the store. Not unexpectedly it was very busy even though it was in the morning. I went in, got a motorized cart and started shopping. Got a few things. Lots of people. Everyone's getting in each others' way, but I take a deep breath and remind myself that I don't need that much - take your time, get yer stuff and git out!. Then the cart lost its charge in the middle of the store. Light said it was fully charged. Yeah right. Preview of coming attractions? Well it wasn't.

I thought I could say forget it altogether, or go to a different store but thought that I was here, let's git-er-dun. So I went back and there was another cart plugged it. Showed full charge so off I went for round two. But this time I was more relaxed and while looking around I noticed something. Most of the people were in reasonably good moods. Perhaps concern about the pending storm? Holiday jitters? Santa gave them a warning?

So I got myself and thought this wasn't a bad trip to the store at all. I even stalled a bit to think if there was anything I might have forgotten. Couldn't think of anything so I headed to the checkout. They had ample lines open. I got in line and had absolutely the NICEST lady checking me out. She was talkative and commented how good that pecan pie looked. I told her I had been craving one for a while. Then she said "You should go try the ones at Thriftway!" LOL Then she mentioned that her neice worked there and she had applied there but was uncomfortable with the interview. Unusual conversation but enjoyable. Asked if I needed any help bagging or getting to my car too. Boy does that make me feel OLD! I thanked her, wished her a Merry Christmas, packed up my groceries and headed out. As I was heading out the door she came walking toward me returning to her station - she had been to the service desk. She got a huge smile and said to have a great day. It was so pleasant. THe nicest trip to the store I've had for along time. Then after I transferred my bags to a regular cart to head to my van, there was a younger gal ringing the bell for the "kettle". Just as I came out there were a number of people around and suddenly she yells at the top of her lungs "WATCH OUT FOR THE REINNNNDEEEEER!". I couldn't help but laugh.

I had a pleasant drive home. And an enjoyable afternoon too. I'm looking at the snow pile up. Watching the accidents and ditchings on the traffic cams. And glad that I'm inside and I'm not leaving. There's showing about 20+ accidents on the traffic map. And it's only 7:26 am. No way I'm going out into that mess.

Yuletide felicitations everyone.

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Comments (11)

liz
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I love your pic at the top Cynic!! I had to do that till I was at least 8 years old...and if it was dark...Mom was going with me...no matter what!!

I've had an unusually amount of Holiday Cheer in my outings too...it really warms my heart...I firmly believe you get what you give...

Stay warm and snuggly and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Marilyn Sue McClintock
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Liz only 8! I was over 18 before I had to stop making that trip out back! Oh, and Mom never went with me. Loved your nice story about your trip to the store Cynic. I found everyone to be pleasant when I shopped this week too. Have a good one all.

Sue
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Mystical Manns
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What a beautiful story!

It has been different this year ... I've noticed it too. People are nicer, they're friendlier ... It's wonderful!

Merry Christmas!
cynic
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Could it be with all the tough years we've had and people having to make do with less, perhaps more have learned to enjoy the simpler things? Or enjoy the smaller benefits? I don't know. I just know that I appreciate what I have and hope everyone enjoys what they have too.

Oh, and remember to watch out for the reindeer!
socks
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sometimes it's good to get out among 'em. Your checker probably has no idea how much she brightened your day. What a sweet person. Take care, stay warm.
phyllis__mn
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Glad you had such a happy experience, Cynic. It does give you a warm feeling, doesn't it?
des_arc_ya_ya
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sounds like a very good last minute shopping trip to me! Had a similar one when I bought groceries last night at WalMart. I went in, took a deep breath and it really didn't hurt at all! LOL (Well except when the total showed on the register....LOL)

Liz, my cousin and I used to hide behind the lumber pile and scare my grandma as she walked to the toilet. (I think after a couple of times she just became a realllly good actress! LOL)
wildchild
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I think when you stop and relax you see the "goodness" around you. When you are stressed and tense you only see the "badness."

On my worst days if I force myself to "just breath" I find my patience grows and I notice the nicer things.

Merry Christmas
patti43
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I see I'm not the only one who noticed that people seem to be so much happier this year than I've seen in the past. In the grocery, Lowes and the license bureau everyone was chatty and happy. Now that is truly Christmas spirit and I wish we could all have it the whole year long.
caroline94535
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Merry Christmas, Cynic. Your story brighted my evening (morning?), too.
joyfulguy
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Glad you had a good trip to the store, buddy.

I figure that one of the best stress-relievers around ...

... is a bit of humour, here and there (as long as it isn't aimed at somebody's ribs)!!

Doesn't cost a penny - but it often brings a smile to someone's face, softens the whole face a bit ... and, just maybe, may make their day (or a part of it, at least).

I find that, when I make some rather humourous comment to someone in a store or elsewhere in public (e.g. sometimes when I see someone checking out the candy counter ... or carrying a cup of coffee, I ask whether it may be true that that stuff is addictive - it usually beings a smile and an expression of agreement) usually they respond in kind, and seldom do I find someone make a grumpy response.

I think that if I shared my home with someone, I'd be less inclined to talk to strangers when out and about.

Have a blessed Christmas, everyone.

ole joyful

I normally dread going to the store

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liz

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I normally dread going to the store

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