After a few bad experiences at our local grocery store, including one in which the cashier (who I have been careful never to go to again) chastised me for not understanding when she asked for exact change, I just got back from a really nice visit today. I stood in line for a lady who I vaguely recalled having been semi-pleasant in the past, and she greeted me with, "bonjour, ma belle," which was just lovely. Then, when a spice that I wanted to buy wouldn't ring up, she asked me if I knew how much it was, and I understood and didn't panic and (I think) successfully responded with "2.88," followed by, "I think?" all in French of course. And she understood, and rung it up. Then I gave her exact change for everything, which they are crazy about here, and she was so nice and I am so relieved and happy! I get really stressed out about shopping sometimes here because people can be surly when they think you're slow and stupid, but I am making a bit of progress and it feels great! I am happy that today is Friday because Eric gets off work a few hours earlier today, and we have a nice weekend planned with a party to go to tomorrow night and a day of a bit of fun shopping tomorrow earlier. We are also going to attempt to make homemade pizzas tonight. I got interesting toppings like chorizo and pear and goat cheese and I think it will be nice. Voila! Also, here are 2 random photos: one of my new favorite kitchen utensil which makes a food processor completely unnecessary as far as I'm concerned, and one from a walk I took down to the Seine a few days ago.
Have fun at the party! I'm proud of you with being able to say how much the spice was and that you understood the question. It is nice to know that there are some patient cashiers out there in the world who are kind to strangers!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteI was in Safeway the otherday and thought of you. The manager lady was announcing over the intercom the donations people were making to prostate cancer. The announcements were more like shout-outs. It was really annoying. When I went up to the register, in honor of you, I proudly declined to donate.
thanks Melissa! to clarify for anyone who might think I'm awful and don't believe in worthy causes now, I just want to say that I was really put off by the way this one store in Baltimore strongarms you into giving money, then are so preoccupied with yelling down the aisle about how they just got a donation that they embarrass the customer and also once made me forget to use my discount card, causing me to lose $5 in savings. i wrote a hate email and told them I'd never return. I was true to my word, of course, I moved to France also, so that helped me stick to my guns.
ReplyDeleteI also want to clarify that I'm not an uncharitable person either. I'm just suspect of these forms of charity collections.
ReplyDeletei know what you mean.
ReplyDelete