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by Lauraine Alberetti Lombara

As I age I am noticing how often I lose track of names, numbers, messages and many other necessary (or not) items.  Many times I don’t ‘lose’ the aforementioned for any length of time - after a few minutes, hours or days, the thought I lost appears out of the blue.  While speaking with a friend or one of my children, I come out with some non sequitur, as in,”her name was Priscilla”...as if they know what I’m talking about. I know it is the name I was at such a loss to remember a few hours earlier. They may raise an eyebrow.  I tell them, “another brain freeze” if they are near my age or, “just you wait” if young.

Anyone who knows me knows my former love of shopping: food, furniture and clothing. I had energy galore and was able to accomplish many errands in record time. Now, heaven forbid, after making the lists, remembering to collect the coupons, my glasses, smart phone, keys, water bottle and, oh yes, a sweater or jacket (some stores are as cold as meat lockers), I manage to get out, and on my way within 15-20 minutes.

I arrive at the grocery store, head in and remember that I left my reusable sacks in the car - too bad, next time! Onto the fray. I retrieve my list from my purse and search for the coupons which also remain in the car. Uh oh, never mind, next time!  My list is front and center as I start at the non-perishables. Store items get moved, prices are invisible and help is non-existent. I find some bread and take another look at my list. Oh no, where is the list?  In the carriage?  In my pocket or purse? On the floor below me? It’s gone. I retrace my steps, my head bent, searching the market floor and shelves, all the while cursing under my breath.  Oh  goodness me, I never should have had that extra cup of coffee! Time for a bathroom break .As I return to my carriage (if I can find it), I decide I will cruise the aisles quickly (ha!) and grab what I remember from the list. I praise myself and soldier on...no time for self pity since grocery shopping is not genius work.

A few friendly hints:

• Always try to maintain your composure while shopping.
• Avoid holiday weeks, busy times before a major storm and super sale days.  
• Calmly explain to the customer service employee that you were overcharged, or that the items on sale are not available and it is the first day of said sale, or you would really appreciate talking to the manager.
• No one likes to see a youngster or an oldster having a tantrum especially while the canned music is blaring and the aisles are jammed with customers and stock is piled high waiting to be shelved or to come toppling down upon somebody.

Extra note: There is no title for this story until I remember the great one I had!