Two things that I’m not particularly fond of are 1) grocery shopping WITH my children AND 2) grocery shopping at W@lmart. I know perfectly nice people (like me) shop at W@lmart, but there are definitely quite a few odd ducks that shop there, too. I’d just much rather shop at a grocery store, where odd duck encounters are few and far between. In fact, I currently live in a grocery store mecca. Within five miles of me, there are four different gourmet-ish (I made up that word) grocery stores. These stores are GORGEOUS! and NEW! and they serve coffee! and have a sushi bar! and expensive cheese! and sadly they are brutal budget killers.
Thusly, I shop at W@lmart.
Yesterday while moping through W@lmart, nervously keeping my eyes on my son, and trying to navigate around swarms of people, we happened upon an elderly woman. She looked kind and sweet, and frankly out of place in a store like W@lmart. She smiled warmly at me, as I tried to push my cart out of her way.
“Carson,” I said, “stand over here by Mommy so the lady can get by.”
The elderly women pushed her cart passed us, then bent down to say something to Carson, pointing an arthritic finger in his face while her faced suddenly changed expressions.
“Carson,” she nearly cackled, “You better stay by your mommy or…,” she paused dramatically, “the WICKED WITCH WILL GET YOU.”
Carson and I stared at her in disbelief. I was struck dumb and couldn’t think of any equally as hostile retort, other than, “come on Carson, let’s go this way.”
I still can’t wrap my brain around someone saying that to a little kid! Was this something acceptable when she was raising kids in the Middle Ages?
I dare say, this would only happen at W@lmart. (And certainly not at my estranged boyfriend’s place, Meijer.)
(On a side note, have you seen this W@lmart Bingo card? SO FUNNY!)
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You should have dumped some water on the witch.
I hate people at W@lmart.
Karly´s lastest post..The Time I Tried To Kill Myself. Really.
Ooooh, I like Karly’s suggestion.
patois´s lastest post..A Displeasure to Meet You
How come as soon as you start trying to have a baby, people think they can say anything? Once you’re pregnant, then when you have the baby, then when you have a kid. It’s so weird. Now I’m totally going to look at mommy cards, because I want some…
Rachael´s lastest post..Oh, hai, ku you want to know what’s up here?
Walmarts are a breed of their own. We stopped at one in Portage IN last weekend and the people ranged from couples in matching Carhart camo to normal people in jeans to a fashionista couple from Japan. Where else would you see all that and perfectly blend in with your bi-racial family?
And yes, the woman’s comment was slightly odd, but I’ve heard worse to my kids.
Jennifer A´s lastest post..I think we’ll rename her Houdini
My mom does stuff like that to children. But only kids that are like..8 or 9 year olds. Certainly not small ones. It is hilarious to say such a thing to an 8 or 9 year old kid. But not one Carson’s age.
Shamelessly Sassy´s lastest post..Deodorant Emergencies and other reasons I’m going insane
EWWW! Reminds me of a similar experience we had at Olive Garden a few years ago. Creeped me out and totally freaked my Daughter out. She probably cried for 20 minutes. What exactly are people thinking when they do stuff like this?
Kristin´s lastest post..Hula Girl
Hi~ I just wanted to comment on your decision to go back to work, but postings were closed from the previous post~congratulations!
I work full time, always have since I had kids, no choice here. I gripe about it often, but truly, I find it’s a good balance for me. I would probably be a sucky SHM even though I wish for it so often.
It’s a huge transition, but you will probably enjoy your time with grown ups!
amy´s lastest post..Patty and I Walked in the JDRF 5K!
Oh..my…god Who would say that to a little boy? Especially an older lady! This is why I don’t like Walmart either. When I was little I was almost kidnapped because I lost my mother and other times guys would hit on me, Ugh. Thats why I shop at Target or somewhere else. Alot of coocoos there at Walmart
Aimee´s lastest post..Updates
What a psycho! After a comment like that I’d be sorely tempted to knock the old lady down, step on her neck and loudly proclaim,”Oh yeah sister? Well I AM the Wicked Witch!” Upon which witchery I would be promptly escorted from the store.
I think this is why my husband encourages me to shop online.
Condo Blues´s lastest post..Three Easy, Natural, and Free Fall Centerpieces
I, too, hate shopping at Walmart for all the reasons you described, and then some. But my budget has pretty much forced me to, for some things. I am just glad I no longer have to take kids with me when I shop. I would NEVER have said that to someone else’s child….geez, he got out of the way…she should have minded her own business. And said thank you!
seriously, people at walmart are of a different breed…
designhermomma´s lastest post..Did I miss something?