One would think I would feel embarrassed after what I did.I was not embarrassed.One would think I would make a vow not to do it again.I will not make that vow.It all happened at Wal Mart. I went looking for Grape Nuts, as usual. For those of you who do not know, there is a tragic, distressing national shortage of Grape Nuts. I have eaten Grape Nuts for decades. Decades! And now, in the midst of a pandemic my cereal is gone. For months.I was in my usual Wal Mart – Covid fancy attire: Sweats that have gotten way too tight these last months through no fault of my own, of course. An old rain coat. No make up. Hair ripped back in a ponytail because I was NOT GOING ANYWHERE as usual. My mask.And there it was.ONE box of Grape Nuts. My mouth dropped open. I thought I might have heard angels singing.Highest shelf. Way at the back. No, I did not ask a clerk for a ladder, yes, I CLIMBED THE SHELVES. Who the heck am I? A mountain climber? A Himalayan hiker? No, I am not. I am a mother who is not too fond of heights, and there I was, dangling.(Is it against the rules to climb Wal Mart shelves? Maybe I should arrest myself.)But, alas, and bad words, The Grape Nuts was WEDGED into the back of the top shelf. Stuck. I had to climb up those shelves three times, totally ungracefully, hopping up and down like a crazy rabbit, swatting at the box to get it dislodged.I am sure I looked absolutely ridiculous, like a deranged, middle-aged woman who had lost her blasted mind. I really didn’t care.I wanted that box. It is Covid. We do stupid stuff.On the third swat, I got it.I felt like doing a little jig but I resisted. Climbing Wal Mart shelves was all I could do in one day.Innocent Husband cheered for me when I got home. We are getting old and odd, but this is what Covid isolation does to you.You find joy in the tiniest things because ya just have to.I am so glad that I did not end up on You Tube.

Published on February 16, 2021 11:48