The "Joy" of Shopping

Yep. I still don't like it. Yesterday, the Chairman asked if I would go to such-and-such mall in the area to check the sale racks for some items he likes. Today wasn't a jam-packed full day so I thought I'd oblige. Most wives would say, 'Wow! He WANTS me to go to the mall!!!'. I look at it about as exciting as needing to go to the dentist. And so I went. And made some quiet observations about the mall and the people inside of it. Lots of moms and babies and ladies ready to have babies. I remember feeling (more) sad when we were wanting kids and being there. Some good parenting. Some awful parenting. And some in between. I'm not sure where this comes into play, but there was this (slightly ditzy) mom in a store in front of me bragging loudly that her nearly 2-year old son wants to wear a certain type of hat so he looks like Michael Jackson. Really? He wanted it? Or did you??? And so... mall behavior. I pass a lot of stores. Why? Because no one is in them. I don't like going into a store if no one else is there. Too much pressure. People watching. What is she looking at? She's heading directly to the sale rack. Cheap lady. I wonder why her hair is like that? She must be older than she looks with that gray hair. And so... the shy-side of me (yes! there is one) doesn't go in. Unless someone else is there. And then when you do go in, 'Hi! How are you today?'. Do you really want to know? I have a slight ache on my left foot. I think it came after my walk yesterday. You see Lisi and I were racing around the pond and I was over a ditch and didn't know it and my foot came down hard on a rock. Other than that, I'm pretty good. Glad you asked!'. Why do they ask? Just say hi if nothing else. Don't make me respond with the obligatory, 'fine... and you?'. I know the one lady that asked me only did it so she can keep her job. She was about 22, bottle-bleached hair, dark lipstick, funky clothes, and thinking that I was an old has-been just trotting through. So then as they ring up the purchases for the Chairman... 'didn't you see the fleece? It's 50% off right now. Did you happen to see anything you like?'. No thank you. Today we're running a special! Could I interest you in a water bottle? It's 50% off with every purchase! Um. Do I look thirsty? Did you know I have a shelf at home with about 10 water bottles of various sizes, shapes, colors. I don't want a water bottle. Thank you. (Just ring up my purchases and let me leave!!!) I do think that some people like the banter. Those people could probably be described as friendly folks. I must not be. Friendly. But I think I am. It just comes off as kinda fake when they're trying to get another dollar or two out of your pocket.

And so... I'm off. With a new purchase adorning my body. You see I found these awesome fleece-lined wind pants for winter walking. And they were on sale for a brag price. So it was worth it. Kinda-sorta. But when it's 15 degrees with a stiff 10-15 mph wind out of the northwest, it'll feel good to have something on the hinder.

So... joy of joys. I'm done shopping!

ed. note: the Chairman isn't a demanding guy. I actually went at a mere suggestion, not him telling me to go. He often tells me I should be getting stuff for myself (how good is that?). And... I think he likes shopping for clothes just a little less than I do.