With so many things on my “to do” list, I feel as though I’m a gerbil running around and around in one of those little wheels. Trying to get last-minute things done before my in-laws arrive this week means the wheel is spinning so fast it’s a blur, and I’m a gerbil in a full sweat.
It was time to make a trip to my local grocer, HEB. I enjoy doing the grocery shopping as it gives me time to clear my mind and I truly enjoy reading labels, looking at new food items, etc. In typical Janie fashion, I left the house in a hurry, but was so delighted to find that I had been organized enough to throw my grocery list in my purse.
I like doing my grocery shopping on a Saturday evening. It’s quiet, and to all my single friends out there, or those of you without kids, I hear you snickering at me. Grocery shopping on a Saturday night? You’ll be there soon enough. Trust me when I say you’ll want to do the grocery shopping and leave the kids at home with your hubby every now and then!
I completed my grocery shopping in record time–about 40 minutes. I watched as the tired checker scanned all my groceries, and I handed him my coupons as I ran through my mental grocery list making sure I had remembered everything. Candy canes requested by Isaac?–check. Wipes for Emma Grace?–check. Orange juice for Todd?–check. Baking supplies?–check.
The cashier gave me my total, and I reached into my purse with great pride to pull out my wallet. Another task done on my list. My hand began to move frantically in my purse. To my horror, my walled was not there! Here we go. I dug my iPhone out and buzzed my husband–my freckled cheeks on fire. “Is my wallet there”, I asked? “Yes”, he whispered trying not to wake up sleeping children–I hung up on him in mid sentence.
I explained to the weary checker what had happened, and he informed me that he could “suspend” my order. Further escalating the situation, a manager was summoned to my checkout lane and he told me that my groceries would be parked in the dairy vault, and that if I wasn’t back by 11 PM, they would add insult to injury and restock the groceries that I spent 40 minutes gleaning from their aisles.
The dairy vault–is that where shoplifters go? It sounded so serious [I wanted to take a picture of said dairy vault but I don’t think they would have let me in…..] I assured the nice manager that I’d be back in 5 minutes–game on, buddy!
I hopped in my minivan and headed home. How fast could I get there? I pulled in the driveway, barely put the van in park, and as it bounced up and down from the impact, I jumped out and raced into the house to grab my wallet. I was greeted by my hubby and our 3 year old who was proclaiming that he was going to stay up ALL night. Ha! Funny, little guy! All night….”not possible” I say. Doesn’t he know I don’t have time for chit chat? “Your candy canes are about to be restocked, mister”, I think as I bid Isaac and his father a goodbye. Six minutes. That’s all the longer it took me to get to my house and back. I beat the clock. My buggy was pulled from the safety of the dairy vault, I paid for my groceries, and wheeled out of there as fast as my sneakers could take me.
A friend made the following comment on Facebook! when I recounted the events:
