Home >> the economics of a smile
February 15, 2008
I popped into Aldi today to pick up a few things. Every time I go there, I feel like I’m at a food pantry for the homeless getting a handout. It has to be the most dismal place to grocery shop! The air is dead, void of any life. And it does not matter if it’s the Aldi in Wheaton or the inner city of Chicago, never once have I been checked out by a happy person at the register. It must be part of Aldi’s training to teach their people not to smile. I like to get a deal, but it robs my joy to go to Aldi.
For only a few more pennies at Trader Joe’s (which is also a discount grocery) however, I’m greeted by a bounty of colorful flowers, fun pictures on the walls, happy cashiers who like to chat, a find-the-purple-monkey-game for Miika, a sample booth and an overall perky feeling. I always get a little lift at Trader Joe’s.
Since giving birth to Miika, I have a craving for softness, comfort and beauty. I refuse to be a slave to fashion that does not feel easy. I seek out mini moments to recuperate from motherhood’s demands. Simple things like a candle, some hot tea or a good grocery shopping experience do wonders for the spirit. I suppose it’s silly, but when you’re on a budget, it’s the little things of life that are valuable. I don’t need a big house, don’t even want one! The thought of a fancy vacation actually makes me anxious. I don’t want more stuff to take care of. In fact I’ve been making weekly trips to the thrift shop to unload the debris from our house. Yes, I go thrifting to find necessities, but it’s also been freeing to get rid of junk.
So, all that to say, a smile at the store is priceless for a stressed-out working mom, even if I have to pay a little more for it.
The workers at my two local Aldi’s are very nice.
Maybe it’s because we don’t have any Trader Joes around here. From what I’ve heard, I’d really like to go to one.
I totally identify with your experience, Liita. Here’s to the simple life — with a smile!