Paper or Plastic?

I officially hate grocery shopping.

I went this morning and I found myself moving rapidly from a calmly curable Stage 1 Adultitis (due to early morning grumpiness) to a severe case of Full-blown Adultitis. I think I would rather be sitting in a dentist chair. I know that’s a bold statement, but I have pretty ‘good’ teeth.

So, instead of dreading it every time our stomachs are growling, I am choosing to change my strategy a bit. How can I avoid the dark grumpy rain clouds that form over my head each time I am grabbing that cart? I looked online for some ideas only to be very disappointed. Either I am the only one who hates grocery shopping or I am the only one looking to do something about it.

Without further ado, here are my 8 ways to survive grocery shopping. I’d love to hear your ideas.

1. Dodge the crowds. If at all possible shop on a weekday either early in the morning or later in the evening. If you have to shop at peak times, try to hit the places that give free samples. For some reason getting that little piece of toaster oven baked frozen pizza helps the sting of the experience.
2. Reward yourself. Buy a ‘treat.’ How many times as a child did you beg your parents for that impulse buy at the check-out? Cut out the middle-man and appreciate one of the perks of being an adult. Get that Snickers bar for the ride home.
3. If possible, do online grocery shopping. There are lots of services out there now that will deliver your goodies to your front door. Most of the programs online even save your grocery lists from one month to the next.
4. Bring some tunes. I’m always envious of those teeny-boppers that are toting their iPods everywhere. Because they are going through puberty they are socially allowed to be anti-social by listening to music in public, but really who is being offended if wear a headset in aisle 5? Surely you know better than to keep your ear buds in during check-out. So, why not hum along with your favorite Christmas songs while you pick out your produce?
5. Avoid budget remorse. “They say” if you make a list and stick to it, you will have the best chance of staying within your budget. It’s bad enough that you have to carry the heavy grocery bags at the end. You don’t need the extra bonus of feeling bad about the amount you spent.
6. Schedule a date. Invite a friend to join you and make it an event. Maybe even pick up some warm overpriced coffee drinks on the way. Chat, laugh, and shop.
7. Adios kiddos. Let’s not fool ourselves, kids and grocery stores were never meant to mix. Swap kids with a friend during your shopping times or schedule shopping when your spouse or babysitter can help out. If you must bring them, keep them busy.
8. Find a fun hat, shirt, or shoes to wear only when you are shopping. You will find yourself looking forward to wearing that, no matter where you will be. I wore my fun winter hat with the tassels on top this morning. I always get a few smiles.

In my online search I found a very unique site done by a guy who is definitely Adultitis free. He collects grocery lists. You have to check it out. Maybe you’ll see a list of yours that you left in the cart a few years ago. He has over 1,000 lists posted since 1997, along with some other fun articles and thoughts about shopping, food, etc.