Bad Grocery Juju

Why, oh why do I stray from the norm? Seriously, Meg: stick to Hannaford, the occasional Aldi stop, and go nuts with farmers' market trips.

I was in the need of a handful of stuff. You know. Not a "stock the cupboards" type of trip; more of a "just the necessities that we're out of" thing. So, I thought naively, why not give the new local Price Chopper a go? And bring the guys along?

Ugh. So. Dumb. *points to self*

Mistake #1: Assuming that this new, snazzy Price Chopper was going to be equal in options to, say, the same branch about half and hour away, or even (goodness forbid) our local Hannaford. *buzzer*

Totally different. Not much room to maneuver, especially the areas we needed (namely produce). And HARDLY ANY NATURAL/ORGANIC OPTIONS!!! Hannaford wins, hands-down, in that department just be, um, HAVING "that department." I walked through a ton of aisles just to see what options they had mixed on the shelves. ONE organic cereal, and it was Kashi (which we don't buy thanks to some unsavory practices...say, being owned by Kellogg).

Lesson: Stick to what you know. Locally, Hannaford is our best bet. It just is. Prices were generally comparable, there are occasional sales at both places on the organic produce so it's hit-or-miss, and there's just SUCH a selection at Hannaford, hands-down. 

Mistake #2: Assuming that bringing the guys along would be a pleasant experience for all involved. I should've known better on this one, honestly. It's completely my fault.

Considering I had seen in advance on their new flyers that an ex from college is apparently in management at the place...that created one awkward environment. I can't be the only person to whom this type of ridiculousness happens, right? Normally, I'm cool talking to people from my past, but this guy clearly wasn't over...well, anything. Just...awkward and stupid.

Lesson: Shouldn't I know better by now? Don't subject family to potentially awkward situations if at all possible. (smacks forehead)

Then, the "toddler itch" kicked in. Oh, yes. The grab items (a non-organic Granny Smith apple which he proceeded to chomp down on...eh, at least it kept him quiet for awhile. "Go ahead, sweetie. Eat the sticker."), squirming to get down, fine-poor-daddy-will-walk-you-all-over-the-store itch. We later figured out that the little guy's teething up a storm, so I feel a tad less upset about this whole part. Not to mention it was a very big "I told you so" moment since Dave has a crystal ball and realized the place wouldn't be as well-stocked as Price Chopper. :-\ Eh. He's right, what can I say? When the man's right, he's right.

Lesson: Well...I kinda wish Dave had voiced his concern beforehand, but I'm stubborn and not sure I would've listened. However, I have already learned that a) a shopping trip with Dave and Hadley along always has a different level of "excitement" (and takes longer). I should've just gone on my own and been done with it. Not to mention, Hadley wouldn't nap when we got him home, so that made for a crazy visit at my parents' later in the evening.

FINAL THOUGHTS (I'm Jerry Springer!): If you aren't looking for natural options, this new Price Chopper would be a fine choice. If you're not dragging a brood along (seriously, it's tough to maneuver those aisles!), it's a fine choice. If you haven't dated any of their employees who have clearly not yet dealt with their issues, it's a fine choice.

If you WANT good organic and natural choices, if you WANT everything on your shopping list, if you WANT a pleasant environment, if you WANT to have a fun grocery shopping trip with your entire family...maybe not the best choice.
By the way, your situation may be completely different, and this could be an isolated thing. It's entirely possible.