I dislike shopping. Every now and then I get in the mood to shop for clothing or shoes, but that is rare. And as for grocery shopping, I consider it a chore on my to-do list. Lately I've noticed that if I need to get groceries I find myself dreading the task so much that it sours my mood for the entire day.
Yesterday was no exception. Our fridge and cupboards looked like they belonged to Old Mother Hubbard. It was my husband's day off and he had some errands to run. I was very tempted to have him get the groceries while he was out and about (and he would have done it) but I decided not to dump that on him. Using a trendy phrase which basically means quit whining, I gave a giant sigh and grumbled, "Okay. I'll put on my big girl panties and get the chore done."
Throughout the morning as I contemplated my distaste for grocery shopping, I wondered why it seems worse over the past years. I couldn't recall having such strong dread of it years ago. Finally I realized... it's because I used to reward myself with a treat at every store! If I went to three different stores, I got three different goodies (candy bar, donut, giant cookie). If I stopped for gas, I bought a treat there too.
I wondered if I needed to find some type of healthy treat to "reward" myself for my grocery shopping now. Perhaps some raw nuts, dried fruit, or a Larabar? But I decided it was best not to use food for rewards. Just knuckle down and tackle the task.
After getting the groceries, my husband asked, "Well, did you put on your big panties?"
I laughed, "That's big girl panties. Not big panties. There's a difference!"
And thankfully, because I stopped treating myself to sweet rewards years ago, those big girl panties are not as big as they used to be.
Funny!! Oh how I hate shopping too. I've started asking my retired husband to do it. He doesn't mind as long as I have a list for him. I get pretty specific with what I want, like (4) red peppers, (4) cucumbers, (2) yogurts, etc.
ReplyDeleteI have to go out and buy a couple of gifts tomorrow. I can't tell you how much I don't want to go but I've decided to go just one place and get everything at one time. I plan to eat a good breakfast before I go because I find myself eating bad food when I'm out and about without a meal under my belt.
Maybe you should reward yourself with some pretty, new, feminine, big girl panties!
ReplyDeleteTo Susan: order early on Amazon; have the joy of packages delivered, and save a little in the process. That's my new Christmas strategy. Last year I had everything shipped to my kids' homes and sent a little money for wrapping. More fun than gift cards and almost as easy.
You have the patience of Job, girlfriend. The fact that Kurt is still alive sometimes just amazes me! I come from a family of shopping addicts and I will never understand!
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