February 5, 2024 ~ Monday night (cold, late, dark)
It’s funny when you get a look – however brief it may be – into another’s life. Even if you don’t know that person. So many things run through your head – well, at least, my head.
I stopped into my local Safeway today around lunchtime – an unexpected stopover as my scheduled appointment had been canceled – unbeknownst to me. Lovely. Anyway, I was near the store and thought I’d pop in for some fried chicken (I do love fried chicken – gas station or otherwise!) and an apple. And maybe dog food/kibble, if I could find the kind that I like for the dogs. I left with six other items along with the chicken and apple – but no dog food.
Funny how that goes.
Along with the said chicken and apple, I came home with … puff pastry, a can of white/sliced potatoes, a huge container of blueberries, half of a watermelon, two celery sticks, and a package of romaine lettuce. I wonder what that tells of my diet?
When I checked out, I grabbed the receipt as it was spat out at me from the self-checkout machine. I got home and realized I got someone else’s receipt … apparently it was the shopper’s that used the scanner before me. I didn’t see who checked out ahead of me … but it certainly made me wonder.
Diet Mountain Dew, sushi, and Pepto Bismol.
They spent $1.04 less than I did. I’m pretty sure I got the better deal. But it made me wonder about them … male or female (or fluid)? Young, middle-aged, or older? Introvert/extrovert? Maybe if they didn’t eat the sushi and/or the soda, they wouldn’t need the Pepto! Hmmm.
My puzzling mind started reeling. Certainly (in my mind) it wasn’t a young mother or someone struggling financially. No one would spend nearly $10 on sushi, if so. I pictured someone in the work force with a good amount of disposable income (who could afford $10 sushi for lunch). I was inclined to think it was a guy … but the sushi was a veggie combo and aren’t sushi portions on the lighter side? I would think a male would need more than a few rolls of sushi – but what do I know? I thought of the Mountain Dew … I don’t know many women who drink soda or Mountain Dew, for that matter. But, do guys drink diet soda? And the Pepto … well, it made me think of someone older than 40. How many under that age need an antacid?
Good thing I’m not a detective!
I could have been way off base … and the purchaser could have been a 22-year-old female … grabbing a quick lunch, eating in her car, getting a caffeine spike to finish off her day or be ready for an afternoon presentation … and downing a swig of Pepto to calm her stomach. Who knows?
I’m just going to make sure I grab my receipt next time I’m shopping when buying Cheetos and snack cakes. I don’t need anyone judging my purchases except myself!