 These dresses for little P set me back a whole $5.00 each (by Healthtex) Thanks, Wally World! I was armed and dangerous. And by that I mean I had on my very best walking shoes, my antibacterial wipes, and my wallet tucked safely in my purse with said purse hanging safely over my shoulder. Upon entering I actually found a cart that did not squeak, did not have something yucky stuck on it, and did not pull to the left when I wanted to go to the right. I absolutely despise going to Wal-mart. And in case you're thinking I absolutely despise Wal-mart, there is indeed a difference. I like Wal-mart; I think Wal-mart has decent products and even better prices. I just hate the "going-there" process. The hubs and I have shopped at Wal-mart since pretty much day 1. Now, you might not remember a world without Wal-mart, but I do. Before Wal-mart there was K-mart. K-mart was our "go-to" discount store on Friday night back in the early nineties. We loaded up the family, ate dinner out at Long John Silver's fish restaurant and headed to K-mart where we spent the whole $65 we had allotted from that paycheck to purchase household items such as cleaners, personal items, paper products and the like. K-marts are almost extinct today as are Long John Silver's, but I remember those Friday nights fondly. It's funny what things are remembered fondly when your kids are all grown-up and you're thinking back. I also remember the very first time I heard the word "Wal-mart." What was this strange new store my sister-in-law spoke of? She thought Wal-mart was the answer to all the world's problems and still to this day loves Wal-mart. I guess I do too if I had to choose between love and hate for that magical place. I just hate the process of going there. Why? So glad you asked. First of all, I have to psyche myself up for Wal-mart. Wal-mart is not like Publix where shopping is always a pleasure and there is help around every turn. Publix is always well-staffed with people who truly care and who not only are willing to help, but actually desire to help. I never have to wait too long in line. And I betcha if I remembered something I forgot while checking out, one of their employees would hop on over to that aisle and nab it for me. They insist on taking my bags to the car for me and refuse to accept a tip. Wal-mart is also not like Target. Target is a cut-above I would say in the products they offer and it's the kind of place you can go late at night and literally get lost in there looking at all the pretties. But when I go to Wal-mart I have to wrap my head around it. No such thing as me just "hopping by" Wal-mart in the late evening on the way home. Nope, not me; ain't gonna happen. I wait in the car while hubby runs in and usually returns in no less than 30 minutes, because there is no such thing as "running in" Wal-mart. So here's the thing. Most of the Wal-marts around where I live are the super Wal-marts that span several acres, and I am notorious for starting on one end of the store and working my way to the other, only to realize I forgot something I needed and have to return to exactly where I started in the first place. So I have to prepare my mind and body for the possibility that this may happen and be prepared to endure the miles walked (thus, my best walking shoes). Another thing I have to be prepared for when I shop at this neighborhood store is the strange sights that might possibly be seen and the strange noises that might possibly be heard. I've seen and heard strange things in Wal-mart stores and parking lots, and you simply cannot be offended by those things. I also have to be prepared to stay on budget because, although it may sound like a contradiction, I actually do find products I love there at great prices. So if you're willing to walk several miles, willing to face the strange sights and sounds, and willing to either check yourself out or wait in line sometimes way too long for another to check you out, then a trip to Wal-mart could be considered part of a really good day. So today a visit to Wally World as we lovingly call it was indeed a part of a really good day. I made sure I had time to just leisurely peruse the aisles, weaving in and out as I crossed the store slowly enough that I didn't have to backtrack. That in and of itself is a victory. I picked up items that I knew were better prices than I could get anywhere else in town so I helped to protect the family budget. And, last but not least, I stocked up on the super cute toddler dresses in the picture you see, and isn't that really all that matters? When you are a crazy Nana like me, you have to find deals for your grandchildren; otherwise you'd end up spending the grocery money on them every time. Oh, sorry, I didn't get many groceries, honey, but I got some adorable clothes for little P. Not something the hubs wants to hear. Some other products I find exceptional at Wal-mart that are worth a trek over? The new dishes and serve ware by The Pioneer Woman. Super-colorful, well-priced, and cute patterns and pieces. The Better Homes & Gardens home decor line is worth a look too. Also, you simply cannot beat Wal-mart for clothes and toys for the kidd-os. Ditto for hair products, bath products, and pretty much all grocery items. But walk away from the meat. I do NOT like Wal-mart beef and refuse to buy it. Sorry, guys, but I'm picky about my meat. Literally all week I've been trying to psyche myself up to do the Wal-mart thing. And every day until today, I've talked myself out of it. But today I woke up strong. Today I woke up determined. Today I woke up with the mentality that whatever came my way, I would face Wal-mart with a positive mind and a strong body. I determined that I would conquer Wally World, and I certainly did. After two hours that turned out to be pleasurably engaging and pretty much void of strange sights and sounds, I emerged victorious with some great deals, my sanity intact, and my feet ready to conquer another mile or two. I even had a little cash left in my wallet. Cha-ching!
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