I'm all lost in the supermarket
I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for that special offer
A guaranteed personality
I'm all tuned in, I see all the programs
I save coupons from packets of tea
I've got my giant hot discotheque album
I empty a bottle and I feel a bit free
~ Joe Strummer (The Clash)
OMG, how I love The Clash! "The only band that matters!" I got to see them at Bond's in NYC in the spring of 1981, hailed as "one of the finest moments in New York rock history." "Lost in the Supermarket" was included on the 1979 release of London Calling, two years before their influential Sandinista. I recall the Bond's concert as starting late, perhaps not until 10:00 or 11:00 at night . . . and I had to go to work the next day! Obviously, I managed to survive the experience.
I went grocery shopping today, in preparation for the arrival this weekend of my son, his girlfriend, and one of my daughters. I am so looking forward to this visit, but the trip to Publix was not so much fun. And the shock at the cash register was no fun at all . . . until I realized that nearly half of my bill was because of beer and wine. And that's not including the trip to the liquor store prior to my supermarket excursion! But it's all okay. We will likely not even make a dent into the alcohol that I purchased, but better to have more on hand than is needed than to run out. At least, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
But this morning, I did have a moment of spacing out while waiting to check out. It was weird. Maybe because it was after lunch time and I was hungry? Or maybe because the grocery store was cold while it was 82 degrees outside? Or maybe it was because I was just momentarily caught up in all that is the American culture: the 102 flavors of Doritos (seriously, look it up), and the "flip side" crackers that offer you pretzel on one side and cracker on the other (because you cannot make up your mind?), the sugary drinks that take up an entire aisle (because Big Sugar supports Big Pharma), the shelves and shelves of cookies (doesn't anybody bake anymore?), the parade of breads that are loaded with preservatives, and don't even get me started on the frozen food aisle, with all its "convenience" offerings. But I have eggs and avocados and clementines and mushrooms and bananas and pistachios and lots of other good things. Including a guaranteed personality.
I empty a bottle and I feel a bit free. I can understand that "escape." It's a challenging culture. Cheers to those who find a way to navigate it or escape it. Just remember: those who wander are not lost. Not even in the supermarket.
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