Yesterday I was at Target comparing brands of facial cleanser. I am super-cheap about this kind of stuff. A woman said "Excuse me." She was in her thirties, I would guess, a woman of olive complexion and dark hair, with an infant strapped onto her chest. She said, "I ask you in the name of … [Read more...] about Targeted at Target: Wearing a Cross
A Conversation with Strangers at the Hair Salon
While I waited for my hair appointment, I chatted with two women over the magazines. They mentioned they were sisters, so I said, "How nice to make your hair a family affair." "It is nice, but it's not for a nice reason. Our mother died the other day." I felt surprised at this, and glanced at … [Read more...] about A Conversation with Strangers at the Hair Salon
Hold Up. Really.
Here's another reason to do all your banking online. Just now I went to the bank to deposit a few checks -- at the PNC on Hwy 7 in Sterling -- and came home with the chore undone. As I approached the bank I glimpsed some flashing blue lights in the front, so I took a shortcut and went around … [Read more...] about Hold Up. Really.
Evolution and a Box of Rocks
"I'll give it to you for $2," the mom said. "I am not carrying that home." My husband was holding a box of rocks. We were in the parking lot of our local high school, at a Yard Sale to benefit Project Graduation. "But did you see this?" he said, holding up a hunk of petrified wood. "It's a … [Read more...] about Evolution and a Box of Rocks
Is Shopping on Black Friday a Terrible Thing to Do?
I went shopping on so-called "Black Friday." Aren't I brave? My daughter and I went to a Kohls store that's two miles from home -- where I frequently shop -- and took advantage of a good price on winter coats for both of us. Last week I shopped at the same Kohls and asked the salesclerk: Are you … [Read more...] about Is Shopping on Black Friday a Terrible Thing to Do?
Being Happy for a Stranger
The grocery clerk was swiping my last few items. A man dressed in a beautiful French blue shirt with white collar and cuffs, probably in his late forties, arrived behind me, rather breathless, and plopped a package of pork chops on the conveyor belt. "Hello!" he said, as if he knew me. "I just … [Read more...] about Being Happy for a Stranger
Overheard at Chick-Fil-A: Yes, a Tale of Homophobia
This morning I took myself out to Chick-Fil-A for breakfast, clutching my coupon for a free breakfast entree. Yes, I'm like that. The coffee was delicious. The Chicken Minis were much too mini. The counter guy was an extremely happy human being. The place was immaculate. The piped-in music was … [Read more...] about Overheard at Chick-Fil-A: Yes, a Tale of Homophobia
Body Combat-ive, a gym encounter
I did a Body Combat class last night, which is a mix of martial arts moves orchestrated to music, lots of kicks and punches. It's a great aerobic workout, but I usually avoid it because the classes are so full. Yesterday I had an opening in my evening and the gym didn't offer my usual classes. I was … [Read more...] about Body Combat-ive, a gym encounter
In the Produce Dept with Dad: Conversations with Strangers
I went to the Customer Service desk at Meijers (a Michigan superstore) to return some bad lettuce for my mother. You know how sometimes it's the idea more than the money? I went along with my dad so he wouldn't have to walk so far, he's 86 and has some arthritis. The Customer Service clerk was a … [Read more...] about In the Produce Dept with Dad: Conversations with Strangers
A Conversation at the Checkout Counter
Lobster tails were on sale for Valentine's Day, so I bought a package. As she swiped them, the grocery clerk commented: "Lobster tails, huh, I thought about getting me some." "But you didn't?" "We're having Cornish Game Hen instead." "It's been ages since I had Cornish Game Hen," I replied, silently … [Read more...] about A Conversation at the Checkout Counter
Strangers on a Plane: Divulging a Secret
The plane is a turboprop with a body so narrow that one side of the aisle has single seats. Unfortunately, I'm on the other side, with a seat mate. He smiled jerkily as he came down the aisle, and I wondered: stroke? MS? Now seated he makes erratic hand movements, but otherwise is still. He leans … [Read more...] about Strangers on a Plane: Divulging a Secret
KOA: Domestic Violence in a Kampground
At our recent family reunion we spent a couple of nights camping at a KOA since the house was full. My inlaws live in Sandusky, Ohio, home of Cedar Point Amusement Park, so the campground was full of families ready to ride some roller coasters. The campsites are about the size of a postage stamp so … [Read more...] about KOA: Domestic Violence in a Kampground