Grocery stores + Snowstorms
You think you’re calm and cool as a cucumber, right? Your social anxiety and love of society is in check, right? Well, I double dog dare you to go to a Wegmans (or your local super market) right before a SNOWSTORM. To add fuel to the fire – they are all out of baskets and small carts and you MUST gracefully use the large cart amongst throngs of people.
THE DREADED LARGE CART.
This. Just. Happened.
I am alive to tell the tale.
I went to the store because my dog is on a ketogenic diet and consumes a significant amount of meat and vegetables. Do I buy 3lbs of turkey for myself? No. For George? Of course.
Here I am with my large, squeaky cart navigating the aisles, dodging carts and small children right and left. I ALMOST RAN OVER SOMEONE. I must get George his meat!
I was about to have a legitimate panic attack near the dairy and lunchmeat section when I heard an old man laughing, “This shit is ridiculous, can you help me find some lunchables?” I helped him on his meat mission – and luckily lunchables are probably not the #1 item people are itching to buy prior to a snowstorm. If he was looking for eggs or white bread it might have been a different story. Although according to my roommate- the man made a wise food choice if the power goes out.
Either way, that interaction caught me off guard and grounded me amongst the chaos. It felt as though he was a secret angel, lunchmeat fairy, de-stressor guy (yes, that would be his actual title).
I now giggled as I pushed my hulk of a cart through the crowds. I got this. I got the power.
I took deep breaths, I smiled, and I patiently waited in line. A REALLY LONG LINE.
Will I purposely try to shop at the bewitching hour again?
No way.
Do I feel as though I’ve gained some insight into being better able to cope with the absurdity of life?
I think so.
Whatever crazy situation life throws at you, remember to find the lightness and the humor in it. Yes, sometimes it feels as though you’re navigating life with a giant metaphorical shopping cart – breathe deep, it will be okay. FIND THOSE LUNCHABLES!
Oh, and here is a picture of George with his meat. Success!
