Trading spaces at the supermarket

By Donna

Sundays are the busiest at the supermarket. I catch a glimpse of the smartly-dressed young woman standing behind me in the checkout line, scowling at my overflowing cart. Just wait until I pull out my fistful of coupons, I think.

I glance at the contents of her basket: a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers and some Altoids. I would let her go ahead of me, except I've been waiting a long time and there are three other people with light loads behind her. Better to pretend I don't notice.

She's young and probably single; I imagine she's late for a barbecue. She's probably annoyed that the market is so crowded.

I pick at the stain on the front of my T-shirt. I'm not sure how it got there and I'm irritated that it won't come off no matter how many laundry products I throw at it. I bet Young Single Career Gal collects designer shoes instead of detergent additives.

I remember when I was that woman. I used to feel a smidgen of pity for those poor washed-out housewives at the supermarket who had obviously let themselves go after marriage. I was certain that would never happen to me. After all, how much effort does it take to look nice before you leave the house? And how difficult can it be to lose weight after having a baby? All the women featured in People magazine seem to do it just fine.

I stifle a chuckle as I remember my 25-year-old self. It's easy to keep your weight down when your only supermarket purchases are yogurt and Lean Cuisine -- and it gets lonely eating those in front of the television night after night after night. I longed to find the right man and settle down and have a family -- like the one I have now.

The checker has finished running my items through the scanner. Predictably, the woman behind me rolls her eyes when I hand over my coupons. The checker informs me I've saved $124. These days, saving money on groceries gives me a bigger thrill than a pair of Manolos ever could (besides, I don't have the time to deal with uncomfortable shoes).

As I wheel my cart out of the store, I pass an elderly lady struggling with a cart that's stuck. Someday, I will be her. I help her liberate the cart and go on my way.

Donna is a San Fernando Valley wife and mother.

Comments

[Lin Ilsley]

Really a good one, Donna. Thanks for resharing.

[Jen]

Beautifully done! :)

[Laurie]

I've been there and back again. I again stock my cart with Lean Cuisine, yogurt and a six-pack of some adult beverage after years of cereal and soft drinks and Hot Pockets (my now 25 year-old son's then favorites). I guess you could say I've looked at life from both sides now.

[cheryl]

Said perfectly!! I sometimes feel like wearing a picture of the former me around my neck.. but then I think, who would I be trying to impress? The ones who count are already impressed..

[Jennifer]

I love this post!