Article by Wendy McCance
Friday after the kids got out of school, I went up to the market. I was planning out dinner and was missing a few items. The market I went to was one of those small markets that is just around the corner. Small and convenient but somehow has everything you could possibly want.
I went in and picked up a fresh loaf of bread and dessert from the bakery. I got turkey from the deli, an avocado and two bottles of wine. Strange combination of food for sure. The kids had plans with friends and my husband and I decided on soup and sandwiches, some wine and a good movie to entertain ourselves while the kids were out.
As I approached the check out lane, I happened to look around and noticed a few other people in lines. I have always been fascinated with the items people choose to put into their basket. The market is the best place to people watch unlike a big conventional grocery store. The items people choose at a corner market is usually only the most important items that they need.
I saw one woman in a business suit with a can of frosting. I imagined that she was heading home to spend some time with her kids and baking was on the agenda. I saw a guy with a package wrapped in white paper from the meat counter and a couple other items I couldn’t make out. Was he getting ready to cook for a girlfriend perhaps?
There was a woman after my own heart with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and a trashy magazine. I could just see her going home, getting into some comfy clothes and having a very chill evening relaxing after a hectic week.
Just as I began to unload my groceries onto the conveyor, I saw a woman get in line with a bouquet of flowers. That’s all she had. She didn’t look sad, just rushed. I hoped the flowers were for someone she hadn’t seen in a while or maybe for the in-laws. I hoped she wasn’t buying flowers for someone who was sick.
I love the quick trips to the market. It’s fun to play the game where you try and figure out what someone’s life is like just based on what is in their basket. I know there have been some strange occasions where what I have picked up looked a bit peculiar. I’m sure the cashier must have wondered a few times as to some of my choices.
I usually get stuck as I am walking out the door with requests from the family. It usually begins like this: Oldest daughter, “Hey mom, can you pick me up some coconut water while you are out?” My second daughter, “Mom we are out of Nutella again and I need you to pick some up so I can have it on my toast in the mornings. ” My husband will generally request a 6-pack of beer to drink while he is working on his latest house project. His latest project was repainting the house. Hell, I’ll get him a keg for doing that type of work. My son is easy. When he hears that I am going to the market, he will usually ask if he can go. While shopping he will casually ask if we could possibly pick up some ice cream. He is a sweetheart though and will spend time trying to figure out what flavor ice cream his sisters would like best before making a final decision.
The funny thing is, these are supposed to be quick shopping trips. Honestly, I only needed a squash to make some soup, but by the time I am at the checkout counter, I have at least two bags of food to pay for.
Wendy McCance
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Funny, how it works out that way, Wendy. Just when we thought we only needed a couple of things we end up hauling out a couple of bags full of groceries. Thankfully, hubby does all our shopping and is a pro whipping around the aisles. He knows where everything is and I only slow him down when I go along.
It is a mixture of untold stories in people watching at the store just imagining what they’re about and doing. I like this. 🙂
Funny, my husband is better too. I just tend to daydream my way through shops. I end up staying longer than needed and get more things than what was required. 🙂
Haha, me too, Wendy, daydreaming about other places I’d rather be. I’m one that doesn’t like to shop. Usually, things have to be on their last legs before I shop for another and, then, just in and out for that item. 🙂
Can you imagine the two of us shopping together? We would never get home. 🙂
🙂 LOL - I’m picturing it — wandering around in the mall. Ugh. Then, trying to find my car?! Hopeless. Guess you wouldn’t want to send us out to shop too often.
Oh g-d, I didn’t even think about the car. yep, we would be doomed.
Yep - yep - yep — doomed! LOL Have a great weekend, my friend, and hope this little exchange spreads a little sunshine your way. It was fun. 🙂
You too!! It definitely boosted my mood and made me smile. 🙂
🙂
I am one of those people who sometimes can walk into the supermarket pick up the one item I need and leave but I will be honest and say that doesn’t happen very often it is so hard to walk in and not think of half a dozen other things one needs
I completely agree.
I do some of the same things at times. Being that I am into Natural Health, both as a business and a way of life, what I notice most is the type of food that people have in their carts. It seems that those who are the most over weight or have noticeable health issues are the same ones who have a cart filled with Soda, Processed Foods, etc, and NO fresh fruits, vegetables or meats. Many of these people are many years or decades younger than I am, so I always wonder what they will be when they reach my age, late 60’s. or if they will even be alive. Conversely I see those who have healthy foods in their carts, seem to be the ones who regardless of their age seem to healthy…