A couple of months ago I decided to break down and start coloring my hair again. I know it's not a super healthy option, and it's rather pricey, but I can't help it. I just feel better about myself when my hair's not drab grey mixed in with mousey brown. I much prefer cougar brown with streaks of take in your arms blonde. That's just the way it is. I had my hair done this morning, and I was feeling pretty sassy, so I decided to venture up to the closest health food store. I have been wanting to check it out, and today the sun was shining both in the sky and in my hair. Besides, I had a list.
I checked the map on my phone, and with great anticipation headed off to the store. I forgot that most of the streets downtown are one way. I missed the corner that the GPS didn't clearly mark, and she forgot to yell at me about. Never mind that I turned my radio waaaay up because Josh Grobin just demands loud! Regardless, I managed to make it to the store without going more than a few dozen blocks out of the way. What's a few minutes more when you're on an adventure?
The store was billed as the biggest health food store in the state of Texas. Hmmm.....maybe I shouldn't believe everything I read. That being said, it looked like a nice one so I grabbed a cart. There were lots of them very neatly placed at the front of the store. I should have looked around at the parking lot and accessed my options. Full parking lot......lots of carts. The carts are about 3 feet wide, and the aisles are....oh....about 3 feet 1 in wide. Did I mention there were lots of people there? They all had those little basket things slung over their arms. I think I must have stood out as a novice because I heard, "May I help you find something?" shortly after my arrival. I really wanted to just take my time and browse around, but I could tell she just really wanted me to move on. I asked if they had any grapeseed oil. It was on the list, and I really had browsed for it. Yep...there it was in a gigantic, not to be missed bottle! At least it was on the bottom shelf and not at eye level. OK....moving on now.
The main reason for my visit was to find some things to use in an upcoming experiment in my lab (aka: the kitchen). I'll let you know later how it turns out. Anyway, I needed some citric acid. I was told where to find it and headed off in that direction. They sell it in bulk. There is a neat little display with little plastic zippy bags, spoons, and a pen. I measured out what I needed, marked what it was, then weighed it, and marked the price. I found some aftershave lotion Hubby might like to try, and a really great looking pumpkin and cranberry muffin. After a little more browsing, I found myself next to the clerk who had helped me with the grapeseed oil. "Is there something else?" Well....yes...do you have SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate)? "Um...I don't think so. We only sell things that are healthy, and that stuff isn't that good for you!" Imagine the wrath of God in those eyes. Gee, all I wanted was a few bubbles. ***sigh**
At that point I was ready to assess my purchases. I had grabbed a couple of bottles of Peace Soap. It smells great, and cleans just about everything. It's made from by a group called Kiss My Face, and supports Seeds of Peace. They teach conflict resolution to kids. It's a good cause. I picked it up partly because we are going to celebrate Chinese New Year with friends and as part of that, having a Chinese gift exchange. I think it'll make a great gift for this group. One bottle for me...one bottle for the exchange. BUT then I noctice...it has acai in it. Acai is everywhere these days. I am reluctant however, because the news has recently reported about the slave labor used to harvest it. I'm torn. Slavery vs. Peace making. Seems like an unfair choice. I put one bottle back.
I was ready to check out as fast as I could. Turns out that wasn't going to happen. I put my items on the checkout counter (with three people behind me waiting). "I have my own bag." I announced. She grabbed the little plastic (PLASTIC! Really?) bag of citric acid, and told me that I needed to write down more information for her. Feeling like such a loser, I told her to clear out my order so she could take care of the people behind me while I ran to get what she needed. As I picked up the bag, my citric acid covered the counter, my shoes, and the floor like snow. I tried to help, but she said she would take care of it while I was gone, and she'd just keep the motor running on the cash register. Oh, and by the way, you might want to add a little more citric acid to the bag. Like I hadn't noticed! Thankfully the aisle I needed was just behind me, so I those waiting in line behind me (one in a wheelchair) didn't need an overnight bag for the wait. Fortunately, when I got back the mess had been cleaned up, and the patrons where smiling. I didn't even have to offer to pay for everyone's groceries.
Somewhat traumatized, I headed for Starbucks. I really needed some coffee to go with that muffin. Maybe I'll be able to snag the Peace Soap in the gift exchange too. The day was a little more adventuresome than I planned, but hey, there was a yummy ending!
Gratitude for:
- Great hair color
- Good coffee
- It's Friday! (I'm pretty sure.)
you write sooo well!
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