hard times, rising prices

We had to go to Kroger this morning. It was an ill-timed trip, too close to Reese's nap, and I needed too many things that were not "usual" shopping items. I set us up for failure.

Let me confess; I love to go to the grocery. I organize my list by aisle and I shop in an organized manner- once a week. Lofton and I are having Rich and Ashley over tomorrow, so to save myself from having to go back to the store on Monday, I decided to do all my shopping this morning. Huge mistake.

I had to buy stuff for next week, stuff for tomorrow, and I'm making crock-pot Mongolian Beef for dinner with homemade egg rolls. Bottom line: I needed LOTS of stuff.

If you know me, you know I like to grocery shop early in the mornings so I can avoid seeing anyone I know. I don't like idle chit chat when I'm trying to get stuff done. I am easily annoyed.

Obstacle number one this morning occurs as I'm trying to buy some rolls. A few men are re-arranging the display and discussing when school starts this year. August 8th? 6th? They aren't sure. One of the men catches my eye. I smile politely and he jumps right on in to my business.

Aren't you a teacher at Northside? My daughter went there. When does school start?

{Great I think. Do I know you? Have you heard bad things about me?} Yes sir, I am. I believe school starts on the 10th of August this year.

He then wants to tell me about his daughter that was in fifth grade last year, who really struggled in school, and now wants to be home schooled. He hates the middle school and thinks 8th graders should be kept far, far away from 6th graders.

Okay. I just want some rolls. Not a convo on the state of Opelika City Schools.

Incident number two was major. We have been in the store for almost an hour. Reese is rubbing his eyes and growling at me around his pacifier. Classic signs that he is T-I-R-E-D. There is ONE check out line open, the line is at least six people deep.

We wait patiently, me making the best funny faces and noises I can muster to keep Reese entertained. Finally, it's our turn! Normally, I am vigilant about watching the groceries being scanned. You'd be surprised at how many mistakes people make. Today, I was a little occupied with my sleepy son.

Imagine my surprise when the lady told me me total was $240. WHAT?!?!?!? I quickly scanned the receipt and realized she had charged me for 71 bunches of celery at a cost of $132. Even worse, she didn't know how to fix her mistake. It took another ten minutes of number punching, calling for managers, and rescanning my card.

Unbelievable. And totally something that would only happen to me.

Happy Friday!