Why, hello, internets!
How are you?
I’ve missed you terribly.
And even though I haven’t written a post because I knew lots of you were visiting the houses on the Tour of Homes and I didn’t want to interrupt the festivities, all of the boring information that rattles around my feeble mind has reached some sort of critical mass, and unfortunately, I have to post again or else my head will explode.
I’m sure you understand.
So today I snuck off while Alex was resting and went to the grocery store.
(Do not worry. I did not leave him home alone. His daddy was here. We are not planning to leave him by himself until he’s at least five. We are quite protective.)
We have all manner of family and friends coming to visit over the holidays, and one of the greatest joys in my life is figuring out what to cook for big, festive occasions and making a list of all the necessary ingredients and then organizing the list and then typing the list and then taking my list to the store and crossing off every single item (WITH A BLACK SHARPIE! IT MUST BE CROSSED OFF WITH A BLACK SHARPIE OR CHRISTMAS IS RUINED!) as I put it in the cart.
It’s a very loose, flexible process for me, as you can clearly tell.
Today I actually went into the store with my list ON A CLIPBOARD, and before you think I’ve lost my mind, I have to tell you that a clipboard? In the grocery store? IT IS HANDY. I really feel like I was able to take my grocery shopping game up to the next level, and if you’re thinking to yourself, “Um, missy? I didn’t know that grocery shopping was a contest,” then let me just assure you that OH, IT TOTALLY IS.
(And today? I was surrounded by amateurs. But that is another tale for another time.)
Anyway, when I was finally in the checkout line and unloading my cart, I heard the woman behind me say “WOW!” And when I turned around to see what was going on, do you know what she was doing, y’all? Do you know?
She was looking at my grocery list! With a look of awe on her face!
Or perhaps it was horror. But still. We’ll pretend like it was FOR SURE a look of awe. Because that is a much more pleasing scenario.
And I confess right here before the whole wide world interweb that it tickled me to death.
I think that I might have some grocery list pride issues.
But, I mean, LOOK. IT’S BEAUTIFUL.
Or at the very least the Methodist side. The Methodists will do just fine in a pinch, but the Episcopalians, well, they are professionals.
OH, I DO KID.
I’m actually going to the liquor store tomorrow. I’ll be wearing large, dark sunglasses and a t-shirt that says, “HELLO, I’M NOT BAPTIST.”
OH, I DO KID. AGAIN! I AM A KIDDER!
And in a surprising development, I only had three blocks of cream cheese on my list. I for one feel that this demonstrates remarkable restraint on my part.
Also – because you know that I have to share grocery bargains when I run across a particularly good one – you can buy a carton of Land O Lakes butter for two dollars in Walmart right now.
Which means that there are currently sixteen sticks of butter in my refrigerator.
In addition to a few other items that had to be put away.
And I don’t know if you realize this, but all those groceries? HAVE TO BE COOKED AND STUFF.
So we’re going to be spending the next few days getting everything ready for our company. I’m going to start on a few things for Christmas dinner and bake this cake and listen to James Taylor and wrap presents and pretty much just soak up the season.
I really do adore this time of year.
Make it merry, y’all.
*It’s Pioneer Woman’s recipe. And it is very delicious. You should try it.
Boo…you just make me laugh so hard! I’m happy to supply you with your rum needs…being the strong Methodist girl that I am….and I really did love the disguise that you’ve got going on. Would you really do that for us….pleeeeaaaase….and then post us a picture??!!!
We love ya~
Stay FAR FAR away from the Vestavia Publix. I am about to go purchase SERIOUS quanities of food, and I am the disorganized shopper that would give you nightmares. I like to leave the children at home (w/my husband!) and aimlessly wander the aisles. I would be more than happy to purchase any alcoholic beverages for you though. I’m methodist. :) We will be serving the Boucan dip this week. My bottles were delivered yesterday. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!
I don’t know about you, but when I finally wag all that stuff home (and, yes, your list is a work of art :)), I just want to go out to dinner and forget about the whole cooking and baking thing. Doesn’t help that all the other holiday revelers are in MY stores at MY appointed time. Oh, I like to pretend I’m not as entitled as all that, but right now…too tired. Got groceries to put away…
Ok Boo quit eating the chek mix and step away from the rum!! Just goshin….
You put me in the Christmas spirit definately!! I am going to go and get some of the butter definately I have alot of baking to do this weekend and a dinner party On Saturday night. My grocery list is about as long except I am not typing out a list cause it is all right there in my head.
Merry Christmas Boo, I am listening to my all time favorite Manhiem steamrollers
I myself am a pretty amzing list maker. But I have never, ever done it on a clip board and I am completely impressed and thinking it is a GREAT IDEA. It is my new goal in life to have someone look at my list in awe. And to keep my mama from ever seeing it because … really … she thinks that writing anything down on a piece of paper means I need psychological help.
I can’t even come close to describing what I just read (or is that reading the books of comments). You all crack me up. I was a little like you but now have a retired hubby who “does it his way” now, including the grocery shopping… and I am so grateful!
I so did the same thing today, sans the clipboard. I only have one dinner to cook so my list was much smaller. I put it on landscape for 3 columns: To do, To Buy, Menu/Guest list. And I checked off every single item at the store. I even had to write down and item I’d forgotten until I saw it at the store and put it in my cart just so I could have the pleasure of checking it off. I think I share your sickness. = )
I have a master grocery list – everything I might need, in the order I come to them in the store (3 different stores) – and then I print it out, hi-light the things I need this trip, and then cross it off in the store! Oh, and I totally do what you did, write it in and then cross it off because it just feels more right to have it on the list if I’m buying it!
But a clipboard? Now you’re talking!
Merry Christmas Boo Mama!!
I love your list.
I’m a list maker too.
But, I’ve not taken a clipboard to Wal-mart with me.
I may try it.
First I have to pretty my OLD SCHOOL clipboard up before I take it out in public.
Maybe some of those fancy ribbons will make me look special….
You are too funny! I am new to this whole “other bloggers” thing but this is great. I just love your funny posts! I really thought you were Baptist I swear I was sold. lol
Do you read all these comments?
I love reading your posts. You are just so funny.
Thanks for the great recipe.
This grocery store list thing, it’s a sickness. And, I have it. My grocery list is typed and arranged by aisle. Oh yes it is. So, as we run out of things, I just check them off on my pre-printed list that is kept in my kitchen. There are also empty lines for those items I don’t buy on a regular basis.
My husband thinks I need meds for OCD. But he loves how organized our home is!
My husband has a site on Cafepress with some weird Baptist t-shirt designs. I don’t believe he has a “Hello, I’m not Baptist” shirt, but you might get a kick out of some of the designs.
The address is:
https://www.cafepress.com/~originalbaptist
Merry Christmas!
even the comments are fun to read, i’m getting bug eyed after halfway down though, thank you for reading them all the way to the bottom, so you can read mine. :)