I was an Army brat before I was a Marine wife. Commissaries have always been a part of my universe. When it comes to grocery shopping, the commissary is my comfort zone. I know that I won't have access to one next year, and I'm already dreading it. Sure, there are all the complaints about commissaries. The produce usually leaves something to be desired. They should be avoided like the plague on paydays. I know this.
But a few weeks ago I had to go into a civilian grocery store. I actually got a bit disoriented. Then I realized that it's always like that when I go to one of those. They seem familiar yet strange at the same time. Almost like an alternate universe.
6 comments:
Having never been in a commissary, I can't imagine it. But I understand your thoughts. I can't shop in a Super-Wal Mart any more. I get overwhelmed and disoriented. I don't know what I'll do when I don't live in a podunk town with a local (and overpriced) grocery store. I'm willing to pay more for comfort and convenience.
I know I feel like that at supermarkets sometimes too. I am highly distracted when they have a whole aisle devoted to lipstick and I forget all about the peanut butter. And I tend to stand in the cereal aisle and gasp audibly at the price.
I remember feeling that way, but in the opposite - as a new Army wife trying to shop at the commissary... for the longest time I wouldn't go without my dh. It was like being a turtle out of my shell.
Now I find myself trying to tip the carry out guys when I go to a regular store. Yeah, they love when I visit!
Okay, now I get it. This explains the military guys I've seen seeming a bit lost in local grocery stores. I had totally forgotten how different it was shopping on base.
I remember when we first got to Ft Lewis and they had arrows on th efloor directing traffic and spots for you to "park" your baggy while you shopped for meat.
I wish that they had that here at Hood. I like the commissary, but you are right, I usually don't buy my produce there!
I just read this post and was actually laughing out loud. I was starting to think I was the only one who was "overwhelmed" at an actual grocery store! I went in the other day for one thing and the price difference was out of this world. I stood there debating whether I should buy it or wait a few days for a commissary run. I think the people around must have thought I lived under a rock.
Its so nice to see Im not alone!! And nice to know its not just our commissary produce that stinks.
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