Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Should I be on restriction from grocery shopping (or any shopping?)

I've scared myself again. Those of you who are close to me know that my life has been changing lately. I keep saying that "this is just silly" or "it's just annoying" and "it's not life threatening" and then laugh and go on and talk about something or someone else.
But seriously. I had my detailed store list, as well as a list of errands to run. Just a few. Pharmacy - drop off for me, then return and pick up for me and one other family member after doing other errands. TJs to pick up some groceries and some flowers (the flowers were the ones that Jeff's mom is giving my mom tomorrow at dinner). Gottschalks to return a pair of shoes- did not really need them, and can use the money to buy some books to send to the Lewis family in Cambodia. Grove Grille to pick up Banana Cream Pie that I ordered when I read an e-mail a couple of days ago about the great pies that were going to be there. -- Okay. Not such a long list of errands. I even had the list of groceries in hand because I tend to be forgetful these days.

Dropped off the prescription. Shopped at TraderJoes. When the clerk said the total was $238 and some change, I was very surprised and said so to the friendly guy totaling things up. Like, almost- falling- down- we've-never-spent-over-about-120-if -we- are- feeding- the- entire- clan- how- could- the- total- be- twice- what-I-thought-it-would-be" surprised. He remarked that I had sure purchased a whole bunch of duplicates of things. And he's right. Look at the picture. These are just some of the things that I felt I needed more than one of.

Everyone does need three bags of premade pizza dough, right? Or how about 3 boxes of pumpkin baking mix, 2 -3 pack strips of yeast......

I called Jeff at his work when I was loading things into the car to tell him. He was a little puzzled (that is much more than we've ever spent at that store..... twice the amount. On a month that we have friends and kids and no worries). He asked if I meant to buy duplicates and triplicates. The thing is, I do not know. He did not get mad. He just reminded me that I have not been feeling well, and am forgetful sometimes, and that we can always give the extras away. He also reminded me that a good friend raided our refrigerator for another friend who needed food a few days ago, so maybe that will happen again so we'll have plenty to give away. I'm blessed to have Jeff.

But I don't want to be a crazy old lady. I had always pictured myself growing old gracefully, with a certain air of decorum about me. Not having people worrying and hovering. This is also taking a toll on my self confidence. I came home. I guess I need to venture out to finish out the list before the traffic gets too bad. Perhaps I'll head up the hill for the pie first. Repeat after me, we only need one pie.

5 comments:

rachel said...

hahaha.

oh man.
i laughed out loud.

but im not laughing at you im laughing with you.

by the way im still at school. i woke up at 2. and now im just doind random stuff around the cottage.

GinnyBerry said...

Don't be to hard on yourself. Grocery prices have gone up a lot, and they will continue to rise due to transportation costs. You need to develop new strategies when shopping.

1. Always shop with a list. No exceptions. (lol, this has gotten me into trouble also.)
2. Inventory your refrigerator and plan menus for a week at a time.


Those cranberries can be popped into the freezer. I know that's what you planned to do if you have extra.

Shop around for the best prices. Trader Joe's is good but is not the least expensive place for everything.

Try no to let anything at all get wasted.

It is great that you were able to use the stuff in your fridge and pantry to help others. Try to stock up on things when they are one sale. I think that most coupons these days aren't worth the effort because they are not for the basics.

Remember when were used to get things from the food coop at U.C.R.? Times have changed.

Ginny

GinnyBerry said...

The strips of yeast could be purchased elsewhere for less. Buy jars.
The best prices on most staples,,,
yeast, bread, flour, eggs, etc. are at Costco.

I bought a jar of yeast and found that you can get twice the amount for the same price at costco. And it does last if you keep it in the refrigerator

Anonymous said...

YOU BETTER WORRY....I ALWAYS BUY @ OR MORE I WORRY I WILL RUN OUT OR SOMEONE WILL NEED IT!
STAY FAR AWAY FROM THE STORES
I THINK I HAVE A DISEASE FROM DAD OR SOMETHING I REMEMBER HOW HE SHOPPED BUT THEN AGAIN THERE WERE EIGHT OF US!

TheAlmondTreeGrl said...

awe i'm sorry Yvonne! thats gotta be rough! hopefully it will pass, and not get worse. if it makes you feel better i think you're aging gracefully!

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