Confessions of an OCD Grocery Shopper and Becoming Like My Mother

Tonight was one of those rare evening where I enjoyed a trip to WalMart sans the children. As much as I adore my babies, I do not love taking them to the grocery store. I always leave exhausted and embarrassed by one or more scenes they cause while there.

So I took my time (nearly 2 hours) and gathered all items (plus a few) on my list. As I approach the check out I am reviewing my list to make sure I didn't forget anything, which I usually do. Everything was checked off and I began to walk toward my usual self check out line. Many people do not like to self check out, but its all I have done for nearly 7 years now. Please let me explain:

When my darling husband and I were engaged, he so responsibly created our budget. At the time, I was so impressed!! I mean, he was so smart.... he created our budget on Excel. Of course as a young bride-to-be I was very impressed at this knowledge and knew this was a wonderful idea. Well, if you know us at all, you know about the budget. It became the source of many jokes because of how detailed and exact it is. He can't help it y'all....an engineer's mind is very technical! Everything is divided into different categories and requires a receipt to be entered under each specific category. Needless to say, I had adjust the way I purchase things. For example: a typical Wal Mart check out is divided into 2-3 purchases. One check out for the grocery receipts, one for all personal care and household items, and heaven forbid we have a birthday party because that is another receipt!! I know, I know...its crazy right? But it works for us and that is how I roll at Walmart!

So back to the story.....
As I approach the self check out a cashier comes around the corner and says "I can take you over here hon'. I'm real slow tonight." I froze. I really didn't want her to check me out (3 times) but I also didn't want to be rude. So I wheel my cart over to her lane. I literally started to get nervous because I never do this unless I have a couple items and there is a line at self check out. Also, I love to organize my groceries and bag them so that the unload at home is easier. I realize this is ridiculous, okay?
I politely ask her to not scan my groceries until I get them organized. Se looked at me a little funny. Then the nervous and unnecessary explanation comes (this is where I'm becoming a little Laura) about how and why I like to organize my groceries. Why am I such a dork?
She begins to scan a bit prematurely and I don't even have my milk at the front of the conveyor belt! Then she proceeded to bag the groceries all wrong. I am biting my tongue from telling her to stop and just let me do it myself. Before she finishes my first round of items, another customer gets in line behind me, of course. Another reason I Self Check is to avoid other anxious shoppers and having to apologize for the multiple check outs. Then I felt the need to say sorry too many times to the cashier and the guy behind me (also a little Laura...I love you momma)!

Finally, I finish the 3 check outs and head to the car. Little Laura comes out again as I'm sure to make good eye contact with all the people in the parking lot to avoid a potentially dangerous situation late at night. I think she learned this on Oprah about 15 years ago and it stuck. I'm not even sure how that would protect me.

I put all my groceries and other items in the truck and thought about what had just occurred on lane #9. Why was that a big deal and why was my stomach in a knot? It was just WalMart for crying out loud! I never thought of myself as OCD or even a very particular type person like my mom. She is not OCD but she very much does things her own certain and correct way. I have been in denial about how much I am becoming like her. My sister, Rachel, loves to point out any time I'm being a "Little Laura" as she calls me.

Well there you have it friends. I'm a "Fruit Loop" (another Lauraism) and I'm my mothers child! But lest you think ill of my sweet momma, let me tell you that I would not want to be like anyone else in the world!! Although she may have a few funny quirks, she has so many wonderful things that I HOPE and PRAY to be just like. She was and is the best Momma (and Maw Maw Precious) you could ever want. She always took the time to teach us things and I love that she is doing the same with my children as well. She loves the Lord and has a servants heart for everyone she meets. I think she is beautiful on the inside and out. She has always set a Godly example for her family and taken the best care of us. She takes care of her home and my daddy and hr parents next door! She is also able to minister to her patients and their familes and takes the time to just love on people. I love her for so many reasons and I'm so thankful for her! (143, Momma)

One last word to the wise...If you see me in line at Walmart (Ahem...Kerry) , you should choose another line. I may be there a while!