Snacks for the Super Bowl
It is no secret that I simply hate to go grocery shopping. This is a task that my husband always does. If it were left to me, my cupboards would be bare. At one point, I even had HomeGrocer deliver the groceries at an exorbitant cost. There is something about pushing a cart around a crowded store and deliberating about which type of bread to buy that makes me crazy.
This weekend, we had company coming for the super bowl. Gerry’s work schedule did not allow him to do his usual shop. Therefore, it was up to me. I created a handwritten list. (Gerry usually uses the Fred Meyer app for his) and off I went. How hard could this be?
Our local Fred Meyer
It was no surprise that the store was extremely crowded. It was Saturday afternoon the day before the big game. For me, this shop was not about purchasing food. It was about interacting with three very different people.
First, the aisle was extremely crowded as I pushed my cart through. In front of me was an elderly man using his cart as a walker. He was limping while slowly navigating his way down the aisle. Naturally, I stopped. The man’s cart behind me nudged my back.
I heard him mutter “ Hurry up old man, I’ve got things to do.”
Just as I was going to turn around and give him a piece of my mind, the line started to move. Whatever happened to kindness and empathy for others? I guess Mr. Grumpy Pants was too much in a hurry to give this any thought.
Next, I turned towards the baked goods. Suddenly, Anna Speedster driving a scooter whirled around the corner. I had to stop suddenly or I would have rammed into her. She gave me a dirty look and went on her way. Whatever happened to manners? A simple, I’m sorry I didn’t see you would have done it.
Finally, I finished up my shopping in the produce department. There was a man standing in front of the green peppers.
“Excuse me. ” I said. “ Can I reach over you? “
“Certainly,” he answered. “We all need to eat.”
He had a twinkle in his eyes and a big smile. He followed me around. I got mushrooms. He got mushrooms. I picked out apples. He picked out apples.
After this went on for a while he laughed and said,“ We both must be using the identical shopping list. Enjoy the rest of your day”
He walked towards the checkout with a spring in his step.
Mr. Produce always had a kind word.
This shopping trip is a reminder that your behavior and actions do have an effect on others. My encounter, with Mr. Grumpy Pants and Anna Speedster, were less than positive. However, the best part of my grocery shopping was interacting with the produce guy. It was obvious that he loves to laugh and enjoys life. There was a sense of decency about him.
Behavior and actions are always a choice. Thank you, Mr. Produce Guy, for making my day.
