Ego Bruising in the Checkout Lane
As if I wasn’t feeling old enough this week. On Monday, I dropped off my “baby” for her first day of high school. It didn’t hit me how this landmark day would reflect back upon me until afterwards when I headed to the grocery store. You see, I was long overdue to make a donation to a couple of the food pantries in town and figured the first day of school was a good day to fulfill my obligation. One of the things the pantries most needed was diapers, and so I bought a lot of them. And just as I was chuckling to myself at the gossip I would start if somebody saw me checking out with all of those baby products, the cashier interrupted my humorous train of thought.
“So, do you run a day care center or something?,” she asked.
“No, actually, most of this is for a food pantry. They need diapers,” I replied.
“Oh, I was wondering if you had a day care center or if the grandkids were coming over today,” she continued.
I stopped. Speechless. Did she just say “grandkids”? Did she just tell me that I looked like a grandmother? I have friends with infants! HOW OLD DOES SHE THINK I AM???!!!
OK, I go to this grocery store a lot. I know this cashier and, not to be unkind, but she’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. Yes, she is younger than me, but not by a century or anything. This was the first time that someone had mistaken me for a grandmother. Aw, hell. I may as well send in my AARP application because it’s all going downhill from here.
Look, I know there are lots of grandmothers out there and I’m friends with many of them. Heck, I look forward to being a grandma. And I’d like to think that I’ll be a fun grandma. But not yet. My kids are 19, 18 and 14 and it’s going to take a lot for me to think of them as anything but kids.
I know one thing for sure, I’m not buying my diapers at that store ever again! Just call me Cleopatra, the Queen of Denial.
posted by Karen @ 1:51 PM
15 Comments:
First, I think AARP starts accepting applications at 35 or something ridiculous, so that means nothing.
Second, my dad couldn't wait to send in his AARP application -- now he keeps hounding me to switch car insurance plans and go to Carson's on Senior Citizen Discount Day -- which he became eligible for at 55.
And finally, you *could* be a grandma! OK, little juvenile law joke there.
Greetings from the South.
Karen, I think that cashier must have been tired or something. I'll bet you don't look like a grandmother (although I have known of some who were only 36). Consider the source - and put it out of your mind!
Michele sent me.
Michele sent me way up north to check out a red hot grandma!
Hi Karen. That was a hugely insensitive comment by the "dull tool" cashier. I'm sure it stung but I hope the irritation wears off soon. If you post some hot pictures here we could all try to pump up your flagging self esteem, Karen. ;-) As for denial, we all dip into those waters from time to time.
I'd let that comment roll right of your back. I've flubbed and called a Miss a Mr. and other such nonsense without thinking. Also seeing that your oldest is 19 its not immpossible that you could, in theory, be a grandparent. Michele says hello and I probably didn't make you feel a whole lot better with my comment.
cheers,
Paul S
You old hag you!
I was born in 68 & recently was at the pool chitchating with a man born in 60. I left the pool to run to the store and while I was gone he said that one of the kids had asked if he was my daughters grandfather! Haven't had it happen to me yet, but it is right around the corner.
Here via Michele's! Have a great Weekend!
My kids span the same age range. I'm not getting any younger--nor am I growing up much. I'm sure my grandkids, when it happens, will think of me as a kind of creepy cousin.
That must have really made your day! (lol). But you know, there are lots of very young grandmothers out there though I realize that cashier sounds like she isn't too swift!
I'm sure you don't look like a "grandmother" Karen...just tell that cashier to get a good pair of glasses!
Here from Michele today!
That's why we have netshopping!
Michele sent me.
A grandmother doesn't have to be all in dull clothes and a rocking chair. Be groovy!!
Michele sent me.
(Thanks for stopping by my blog today!)
How horrifying for you! That's one reason why we should be very careful to what we say to strangers!!!
here via Michele's :) Will be back though.
I guess she didn't graduate at the top of her cashier class. Common sense always dictates that we stay away from potentially touchy subjects when speaking with others. I guess common sense wasn't part of the training regimen.
When the time comes, you'll make a great grandma. Just like you're a great mom now. And it doesn't matter what a brain-addled store employee says!
Michele agrees with me, BTW. It's great to be home and chatting with my friends again, Karen. I've missed this over the past few days.
hope your wrist(s) are recovering - ahem, someone with your ID is cruising by Michelagnew.com and leaving love notes.....
LOL here again :) too funny.
Oh my, heck is right! Am here from Michele's, but I had meant to check in on you today anyway! I wouldn't worry too much about adolescent cashiers - they're a bit too self-obsessed to really properly perceive the rest of the world. I should now, since I was a cashier from 14-19... And you know, I am constantly called sir because I am tall, not because I look man-nish. At least, I hope not anyway!
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