20 or Less

Yesterday was a busy day. I had groceries to get and it was 3:30. We were supposed to leave at 4:45 to go to a super bowl party. I decided Wal-Mart would be quicker than the local store, and since I needed several other things besides groceries,I wouldn't have to make multiple stops.

As I pull into the parking lot, I panicked. It was FULL! Busier than before Christmas, or so it looked. I drove straight to my secret spots. Full, so then I see a lady loading up her car. She's got the first spot and it's not handicapped! I race down the aisle, cut through and race back up. She's done! I put on my blinker and patiently wait. She slowly gets in the car and after about 2.4 minutes decides she can go. I pull into the spot! Score Wal-Mart-0 Becky-1. I can beat him at his own game!

I grab a cart and head to my first spot-health and beauty. I've got it all in like 2 seconds. I remembered the stuff that wasn't on the list. Score: Wal-Mart-0 Becky-2.

I head over to the make-up to get face wash. The shelves are empty. I scour them while trying not to push people out of my way. No luck. Score: Wal-Mart-1 Becky-2.

It's time, I put on my game face and head to the grocery section. Beer, first. I have envisions that they're out. But no, they're not. Check off 1. Head to yogurt, slim pickings but my needs are met. Start making my way down the aisles. It might get hairy here. People are literally in front of every item I need. Don't they know I'm on a time constraint. Score: Wal-Mart-2 Becky-2

I get to the only empty aisle. I see an elderly lady lose her footing, but catch her self. She needs soup off the top shelf. I grab it for her and head on. I feel like I forgot something in that aisle. I get to frozen. I did forget something. Do I leave the cart and take the purse or push my way through the whole aisle. It's packed now. People and carts on both sides. I brave it through with the cart. It takes FOREVER. Score: Wal-Mart-3 Becky-2

I get back to frozen. They've price reduced my frozen meals and there is like 4 in the freezer. I see none that I like. Score: Wal-Mart-4 Becky-2

It's quickly going down hill. I need produce and bakery. I can still finish strong. Except they don't have any choices. The grapes aren't great, blueberries are out, lettuce is wilty, oranges are expensive. It looks like I may have to go to the local store later this week. Score: Wal-Mart-5 Becky-2

Time for check-out. I scan the grocery side check-out, I see all the lines 2-3 deep. Well sometimes the other side is faster and that's the side I'm parked on. Head on over there. Oooh, it's busy. I count my items. I see 22. I can go in 20 or less. I get in line. It's about 4 deep but moving quickly. I get to the register. The guy behind me is talking loudly. I feign some excuse about some things being buried to the cashier. As I'm unlaoding the guy come up and starts counting my things. He shakes his head in disgust. I don't care. I'm on a time crunch. She scans, I load, and avoid eye contact.

I get out alive and look at my receipt. 31 items. Oh, well. 6 of them were the same thing.

Wal-Mart may have won the battle, but rest assured the war is not over. I will conquer eventually.

Time to check-out. Every lane is packed.