Although I occasionally lament living in a city, I have at times appreciated the relative anonymity that can come with it. It seems, however, that our very own sweet baby Afton has put the kibosh on that. Case in point...
Afton and I went grocery shopping last week at our usual store just a few blocks from our house. As we went to the self-check-out area, the cashier (a total stranger) came up and started talking to Afton. A little off that day, Afton refused to smile. The cashier said, "Oh I know you can smile. I've seen you smile so many times." I thought, really? Then she continued, "Except that one time you were pretty mad." I cringed -- could it be the time that she tried to climb out of the cart and on to the check-out conveyor belt and got pretty peeved when I kept pulling her back? Determined to get Afton to smile, the cashier went over to the floral department and returned with a big yellow balloon. Afton was in HEAVEN. We said thank you and goodbye to our new friend.
Once at home, Afton trapsed around with the ballon for quite a while.
In fact, she went everywhere with that balloon for the rest of the night.
She found it (half-deflated) first thing the next morning.
And held on to it as long as she could. (Doesn't Tony look nice with short hair?)
I'm all for people liking my kid, but it has given me pause about my no-longer anonymous Saturday morning trips to the grocery store. Should I do my hair more? think about wearing a little make up? avoid a jaunt there in my "exercise" clothes (meaning, random sweats that may make it look like my disheveled appearance is due to some sort of athletic endeavor rather than my laziness about getting dressed and lingering attachment to the elastic waistbands I came to love while pregnant)? In all reality, I probably won't change much, but I'll feel guilty more. Tony's going to love that. :)
At any rate, here's to our little people magnet! Despite the added attention, she's a good little shopping buddy. (And a big fan of the meat isle -- it has mirrors and she can see herself.) I love her.
7 comments:
hmmm. anonymity. not a luxury we enjoy around here. it doesn't stop me from going anywhere in my sweats. however, it seems that almost half the town runs errands in their sweats. Just another joy in small town life. I actually have started literally "running" my errands, so I jog right into the store with my stroller- sweat and all!
As long as there are a few other people in sweats, you're o.k. Wish I could run errands in sweats~ to hot here for that!
Yes, little people are magnets--that's one reason you have to watch them so closely in this day and age!! LaGrande is a great place to be a slob! Sweat shirts and Jeans are the best!
I even saw a lady in pink curlers the other day. I didn't know that they still made them or that anyone still used them. As for Afton, she would be a magnet anywhere. I love that the balloon cheered her up.
Love Grandma Debbie
I totally understand your sudden lack of anonymity. I also like this about city living. I can actually go in the store and not have to talk to anyone! Makes shopping much quicker (though I'll admit, less informative). However, I also have a people magnet and since I've been carrying him around, I have yet to just go shopping and not be stopped by someone. Oh well, I wouldn't trade him for all the anonymity in the world. I'm slowly getting used to it. And, I still wear my sweats if I want to (though I try to avoid big holes if possible).
I guess I shouldn't have children...I don't like unwanted attention (especially from strangers).
Anonymity. Hmm. We live on the mountain, which is reclusive. We haven't been anonymous FOREVER! Try shopping in Utah with our last name. Grr.
As for you, Jordan, give it up! Your Mom needs your contributions to the grandbaby pool. (After you find someone willing to marry you, for real) It's actually a small tradeoff.
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