Today I had a day off so Piper and I trudged off to find shoes (found a pair at Famous Footwear only to be disappointed, yet again, that my gigantic size 11 shoe size wasn’t available in the style I wanted). While browsing the aisles at Target (specifically the end-caps with all the clearance goodies), I remembered that I wanted to buy teaspoon/tablespoon measuring cups that you can see from standing.
Finding only the cup sizes and not smaller I asked a nice girl in red and khaki for help (if you wear that color at Target you’re GONNA get asked questions; luckily she’s an employee). She led me right to them (honestly, they were packaged in 3’s and hanging up instead of sitting next to all the other measuring cups – about 24″ in front of where I was; embarrassing).
As I walked away to glance at the George Foreman’s (I need to replace the one I threw in the garbage – it really is nice to cook with IF you have the removable grills that can go in the dishwasher), another lady asked the helper if they had microplaners. The helper girl, I swear, said they didn’t carry them and told her to buy one at a home improvement store like HOME DEPOT in the woodworking section. Seriously. I couldn’t stand it so I chimed in (because I can’t seem to help myself; I think I get that from my mother) that she could find them at Bed, Bath & Beyond, William-Sonoma, Sur la Table or Orson Gygi but to definitely find the one with the protective cover. She was thrilled I knew Orson Gygi and asked me more about the microplaner and what I use it for (lemons, limes, chocolate, ginger root, Parmesan and other hard cheeses). Then a friend of hers popped up next to us and said, “I can’t believe the people they let into this store!” as a joke and giggle, of course. We all chatted a little about the microplaner then she (the new lady, Laurie) asked us for our opinion on the purple bath rug and toilet seat cover she had in her arms, “I’m not really in love with these but my bathroom is purple and the white rug & cover are just too hard to keep bright. What do you think of these?” Known for my honest demeanor I told her they’re dumb (sometimes the words I chose aren’t the most intelligent) and I could sense why she didn’t like them either. “Try the looped-style instead,” I suggested. “I saw those but the color is a dusty purple, with a little gray undertone, not the same purple as my other bathroom things,” she replied. “Well, the texture would give you the look you want and you don’t have to be so matchy-matchy on the purple or it’ll be overkill in there,” I retorted (is that the right term?). Her eyes lit up, she headed off to the bath section and came back with my suggested rug & cover then reported proudly, “The rug is even on CLEARANCE! I’m so glad I ran into you and got an honest answer because I really didn’t like what I picked out before!” Then she introduced herself, I reciprocated, and we all went off happily ever after.
Then we went to Holy Cow (weekend boutique) and I commented to a gal walking out that I liked her purchase that was setting on top of her stroller; she smiled and did small chit-chat as we walked past each other. The man inside selling soup and dip seasoning packets chatted it up with me until I noticed and mentioned to him that the Scrumptious Spinach Dip was spelled on his display as “scrupmtious”; he said that signs been that way for 4 years and nobody’s said anything about it. Then I schooled a young girl (by young I mean about 20ish) on The Mod Bod shirts while the booth girl was busy with customers; she was glad because she found the exact one she wanted and it was ON SALE (in case you’re in the area… it’s the Holy Cow at the PG recreation center until this Saturday and The Mod Bod has about 6 colors in all styles on sale for $7.95). On our way back to the car I noticed a lady with an embroidered denim jacket on and said, “I love your embroidered jacket!” Once she realized I was talking to her (because her daughter, who was with her, bumped her and repeated what I said), she looked back confused-like and said thanks.
I talk to strangers – is that strange (because it seems to be, sometimes, to others)?
{ 6 comments }
Totally not strange. I picked up the same habit from my grandmother.And – HEY – a fellow size 11-er! Amen to the “it’s too hard to find cute and comfy shoes in the long sizes”. What is UP with that?
I talk to strangers too. Comes from my mom who used to do it all the time which was embarassing!
I’m actually very proud of you for being so honest with people. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
I met a total stranger at McDonald’s in Maine — an 80 year old woman — and she has been a dlightful friend!
Not so weird….I do it too, especially if I know where to get or find something.I also like it when elderly strangers compliment my children. I plan on doing that someday too (not just my children, children in general….you know.)
Ok, I just had to look up what a Microplane is. Cool. Too bad I don’t do any fancy-schmancy cooking/entertaining that I’d use it for. You are the best stranger-talker I’ve ever met. I’ve gotten better at it since meeting David because he talks to most everyone, being very helpful. I usually just compliment people. I also think people really appreciate it in the grocery store when I walk past them while they’re looking at the food and I say “excuse me”, since I’m blocking their view for a millisecond.
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