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Monday, November 28, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - RECOGNITION

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we are getting ready for Christmas.  There is a lot of work that goes on in the grocery business, prior to the holiday seasons; there is the ordering, stocking, prepping and preparing.  Be it the sweet goods from the Bakery, turkey dinners from the Deli, the vegetables and fruits from Produce, for those party trays and other holiday dishes, to the delicious meats and side dishes in the Meat Department and the products stocked in Grocery; for the avid cook and baker.   And when that week arrives, then there is a lot more work to do. The ordering may be done but the stocking, prepping and preparing continues until the last customer has been served. 

But this year with all of the running, ringing and assisting going on, the employees provided a little twist;  they took note of each other. Now previously I had explained the High Five program which acknowledges employees that exceed expectations, and for quite awhile there have only been a couple of High Fives posted on the wall in the Break Room. But now, that has all changed.  By the end of the day it looked like the wall was waving.  One by one, employees were getting noticed.  Each time I went upstairs, there would be a new posting.  

There was a High Five for an employee who, even though he had his coat on and was heading out the door, had stopped and helped us look for a product for a customer.  Then there was the employee who stayed over to help in their department, and the list goes on.  And yes, yours truly even got noticed.  Thanks Alex.

Then there is the letter of acknowledgement.  Posted on the bulletin board is a letter, along with a picture, sent to the company by a teacher in regard to an employee who helped her class out.  It turns out that a classroom was in need of cubbyholes for the students to put their school papers in.  The teacher contacted one of our employees and asked if he could save her some empty wine cases.  He did and the teacher was very grateful when she picked up the boxes.  The picture shows how the boxes were covered with decorative paper and placed sideways with the cardboard insert squares acting as little cubbyholes.  In the letter, the teacher extends her gratitude for this small gesture and defines it as 'community service'.  The employee who made this happen is in Housekeeping.

So here is to all of you who stocked non-stop, stood for two hours or more to check out orders, walked all over the store to assist shoppers in locating what they needed, prepared those holiday dishes and most of all kept smiling through it all.

As I read these posted acknowledgements, I have to smile because these are the same gestures which I see going on daily, year after year.  No matter what is going on, or what is needed, these people always come through, it is just part of their personality, it is who they are.  And when I hear the term Customer Service, well I can assure you that no one does it any better then my co-workers.

Talk at ya later!












Thursday, November 24, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - CORPORATE IDEA OF A HOLIDAY

Happy Thanksgiving Day!  It's that time of year again when we give thanks, eat hearty, watch football games, are entertained by marathons on TV and now go shopping.  This seems to be the typical way of celebrating this American holiday anymore, which is quite opposite as to how it use to be enjoyed.  Take 'Black Friday', for instance, who came up with this term?  I am sure that there is some sort of history behind this once a year shopping marathon, but what corporate genius created the term? 

'Black Friday' is the day following Thanksgiving Day, but this year there is a new twist.  You can start shopping for all of these great bargains on Thanksgiving Day. "There is no waiting at Wal-mart," that is what they say and Target is opening their doors at 9:00 p.m., I believe.  So with these new shopping hours, the term 'Black Friday,' will have to be changed.  I can't wait to see what they call this shopping experience next year. 

Target says, that this is what their customers want (sounds like an excuse for more revenue).  And my guess is that Wal-mart picked up the ball and ran with it, suggesting that they would take it one step further - open on Thanksgiving Day and into 'Black Friday'.  But hey, they are all doing it.  The bargains are tremendous and consumers are willing to sacrifice in order to take part in this new, Thanksgiving tradition.  Put aside the fact that the unemployment rate is approximately at 9% and the economy growth is slower then previously expected and let's not forget the amount of home foreclosures, and yet the public is still willing to play the game.  And are the CEO's of these companies at home with their families or are they down in the trenches battling the consumer chaos?

So, I started thinking about what I would do if our company said, that they were extending their hours on this holiday.  Well, our store closes it's doors at 5:00p.m.,  but, what would I do if it were turned around?  Like anyone else, I would work.  Granted I would feel that I was being taken for granted, but with consideration to the economy one does not have  a choice.  And it is that one thought that makes this depressing.  Not having a choice; be with your family or keep a job.

I have never really thought much about this until now, since I have become a member of the 'Empty Nest' club.  When I was growing up, holidays were spent with families, as were birthdays and other celebrations.  The aromas coming from the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day were fabulous and then there was the anticipation of grandma and grandpa coming.  Grandma's homemade pies and the surprise of her bringing fresh baked, chocolate chip cookies was just part of the delight of this special time.  This was just how it was done, and you never thought it would change.  But it did.  One by one, over the years, there were empty chairs at these holiday celebrations and then all that is left are the memories of those moments.  And later, you pass on these same traditions and the cycle continues.  These memories are valuable and they serve us in later years.   Through good times, we will smile when we think of how it was.  And in sad times, the memories provide some comfort.  I am glad that I grew up celebrating these holidays with my family.  Because, since they are all gone, now I am left with the memories and they are warm and make me smile.

One cannot recapture these moments, so we have to make the best of them while we can.  We have to capture every opportunity, because we never know when it will change. Traditions come and go, I guess, and perhaps another generation will come along and find the values of those times.

So, to all of you retail, seasonal employees that must work on this holiday - I feel for you.

Talk at ya later!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - A SHOPPING TRIP AND MORE

Today I went shopping.  It was a cold and lonely experience.  Usually when I go shopping, I will go with one of of my girlfriends and it will end up being a day out accompanied with lunch or dinner.  Always, we have a nice time.  But today I went alone because, well, everyone is working and I had only planned to pick up a couple of items.  The shopping trip only lasted thirty minutes and that includes driving time.  So it was in and out, and I didn't feel like I could get out of there fast enough.

First, the store was packed with shoppers.  Now these shoppers were taking their time pushing their carts, talking on their cell phones and discussing purchases with whomever they were with.  So there was no pressure to move it along and they were in no hurry to do so.  As I zigged and zagged my way through the aisles, I took in a lot of the atmosphere  around me.  Take the customers, there was only one lady who smiled at me as she passed.  Everyone else would just look at me with absolutely no expression.  Then there was quite a few that didn't look up at all as they pushed their carts through the aisles.  They weren't even looking where they were going. Luckily, I was watching out for where they were headed.  And if by some chance they did get in my path, and almost take me out, there was no, "I'm sorry." or "Excuse me.",  they just kept going.

While I was looking through some of the clothes in women's apparel, a lady came through pushing a cart while talking on her cell phone.  She was close enough to me that I could hear her conversation as she went by; "Somebody just dropped some clothes on the floor and I just ran over them." she said. And she kept going.  What is really sad is that I felt compelled to go over and pick up the clothes and replace them on the rack, which I did.

Secondly, the employees.  Now these people were really hoofing it.  I saw no employee standing around talking with another co-worker, instead they were busy stocking and walking at a fast pace as their two-way radios commanded them to a department for assistance.  Then I went to checkout, the lines were not long but what was open had at least three people in each.  I was positioned in line when a young woman came through announcing what lanes were open without wait.  She went at a fast pace and picked up baskets as she made her way across the floor.  Then suddenly I felt something come down on my shoulder, it was her hand.  "It will be quicker if you go to 7." she said.  Actually, I wanted to stay in the lane I was in because the cashier was so friendly to the customers in front of me and so far, I hadn't had that experience here today.  But obediently, I went to Register 7 where the cashier spoke, took my money and said thank you without even looking up at me.  Everything that she was supposed to do.

Now since I am a clerk myself, how would I rate it?  Well, these people were so busy running and stocking there was no way I would have expected them to notice me, let alone make eye contact with me.  And at the checkout, the clerk was cordial and did  just what was expected of her job. And not having enough people on the floor is the fault of the company.  Clearly these people are over worked for what they are making in wages and they don't seem very happy with their job.  Not one employee had a smile or even a slight grin on their face.  And if I were in their position then I am sure that my demeanor would be the same.  And let us not forget the type of customers that they have to cater to.  .  But I genuinely feel sorry for these employees.  It is  the amount of work and lack of pay that these employees endure that clearly allows these companies to continue their growth.

So,  why did I go?  The one item I needed is cheaper by $4 then at a regular drug store and I needed to get another set of flannels since mine have developed holes after ten years of wash and wear.  This store is only three blocks from my house and is convenient.  In all reality there was no where else to go unless it was to their leading competitor.  And if I had to go there, then I would have spent the extra $4 at the drugstore and forgotten about buying flannels.  Going to these big stores does not make for an enjoyable shopping experience.

When one has to shop, which we do from time to time, the better the experience the less hassle we go though.  Granted our store is nothing like the new one which I was in today.  The automatic doors stick from time to time, the ceiling tiles show stains from previous leaks and some of the carts are old and make noises as they move throughout the store.  But, when you come through those doors you see smiles, hear laughter and there is always someone to talk to. 

Perhaps, it is the people, not the company, that makes all of the difference.

Talk at ya later!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - THOUGHTS ABOUT GROCERY SHOPPING

Well, three posts in one day.  I am on a roll.  This could extend from the fact that I live alone and there is no one to share any of these thoughts with.  Since it is just me and my cat, yes, I think I am becoming known as the cat lady - according to my son.  And since the only friends that I have here, work at the store, there is no one to listen.  My cat, Miss Gizzy, has tried to listen.  When I come home she will jump up on the bar stool and watch me as though she is listening.  But within a minute of my telling her about my day, she jumps down and disappears into the next room.   I really should think about getting a life.

But, since I have started this Blog, my friends are taking note of my day to day life as a Grocery Store Clerk.  Now my friends live all over and most of them are in the professional  sector of employment.  Having read my entries has prompted quite a few emails, only one comment (thanks Joyce) and two followers (much appreciated Cuz). 

Joyce's comment was flattering and Cuz's text made me feel accomplished, and then there are the emails.  This I will share;  'Are you nuts?" You use to do legal petitions and briefs, now you are elaborating on Customer Service?", "By the way, what is a skid?"  And, one friend thought that it was interesting.  Now I adore my friends and have known them all for the last 15 - 25 years of my life.  Each of them are different and have meant much to me and provided me much support when times were bad.  I am grateful for them all. 

But my Blog has brought them some thoughts, either to my career path in life or as to how they now notice things when they grocery shop.  One friend said, that the people I work with sound great.  Where she shops the employees don't even look at you.  She lives out of state.  Another friend said, that when she checked out at her local grocery she took the time to look up at her cashier and smile.  Her cashier smiled back.  And with these comments, I am getting stories about their experiences when they shop.  It is easy to see that most people do not give a second thought to grocery shopping unless it has to do with sales and coupons.  Slowly, I think my friends are starting to come around. 

Now that I have started my friends thinking about their shopping trips to the grocery store, I am sure that I will hear more about their excursions.  This is rather comical, something  that is so simple can make such a big difference.

And as for the overall view of this?  Well, it is clear to see that there are not a lot of grocery stores that have the kind of employees that we have.  And if the emails, that I have received, are any indication then there are at least eleven people who wished that they could shop in a store like ours.

Talk at ya later! 

Grocery Store Clerk - THE GIRLS FROM CYBERSPACE

I am off today and my mind is busy with all of these scenes that I captured at work yesterday, so I need to log all of this in, what my friend calls, my 'cyberspace diary.'

Be you a customer, or an employee, have you ever really paid any attention to the U-Scan?  Probably not.  It is just a place where you stand in line and wait in order to check yourself out at the next available station.  I have witnessed some customers stand there with a full cart and wait to check themselves out - and I am talking about a $100 order at the least.  Then again, I have seen where a customer having only one item, will stand in a checkout lane with three orders in front of them waiting to be checked out.  Whatever the case, U-Scan has become a hub. 

There are four stations set up for customers to check themselves out and each of these stations has a name.  Our employees named them, basically because each of them seems to have a personality and causes problems on a daily basis.  Since the recordings are of a female voice, they have been named Deloris, Beatrice, Cloris (I think) and I forget the fourth one.  But whatever the name, there are days that I have heard an employee threaten to pull their plugs if they didn't shape up.  Now I do not know what this says about us, when we begin talking and eventually threatening a machine.  But, it happens.

One night I was in attendance when a customer came through to check out her order.  She would scan the item, drop it in the bag and begin to proceed with the next  item.  For some reason there were countless times when old Beatrice would not cooperate with the customer and I would have to assist.  Finally, the customer looked up at me and said, "Now I know what you people go through when checking us out."  Yep, that's right. 

And does anyone think that it is peculiar that businesses now want you to check yourself out?  The customer does all of the work, puts up with the hassles and when they are unhappy about something there is no communicating with a machine.  No matter how many buttons you push.  Which is precisely why someone is in attendance.

Everyone that works that station is good.  They know all of the ins and outs of the system, the different programs, how to unjam, unhook and if need be unplug - Deloris. This can be at a furious pace one minute and dead silent the next.   The hurdles are many and yet these people seem to get over them all.  HIGH FIVE!!

As for me, well, I do not work it that often. I am usually just the person who, upon seeing a flashing red light, will stop as I am passing and push the little button on the screen in order for the function to continue. That is the extent of my capabilities.  Technology is not my forte nor do I wish it to be. With age, I have noticed that I have become one of those people that I use to call, 'old fashioned'. And, I am learning to live with it.

Now the one thing that can be assured, at the end of every sale at a U-Scan, is that Deloris, Cloris and Beatrice  will thank each customer for choosing the fast lane.  Note the wording.

As for me, well, I prefer the cashier to check me out - for a couple of reasons.  First, like I said, I am old fashioned and second, well I have a fear of how I will be looked upon when the day finally comes that I threaten to beat the 'cyberlinks' out of Deloris.

Talk at ya later!

Grocery Store Clerk - THE SNOWMAN

For me, it was a busy day yesterday.  There's the delivery, prepping, stocking, arranging and watering - and, that's just one department.  Then there was keeping the other department stocked, picked up and pulled.  And then there were the usual nightly duties, like taking out the trash and cleaning up the messes;  plus, we had to Flex to the registers a couple of times.  But everything got done and, all in all, it was a peaceful day.

The day started out on the right foot.  Just as I was getting started, I noticed the girl from HBC busy putting up Christmas displays in her department.  So, I went over to compliment her and we began discussing the previous holidays, through the years, at the store. 

And that just triggered my memory - the Snowman. 

He was a special display created, by the HBC crew, out of paper-mache, with sticks for arms and he wore a hat and muffler and sported a big smile.  He stood tall and they placed him high on a shelf above a cosmetic display.  The Snowman was, originally, created for a contest that was being sponsored by a cosmetic company.  Well, the Snowman won.  There he stood with a big smile, and throughout the season he seemed to watch over us all.

But with that memory, came a little sadness.  You see, the Snowman seems to have disappeared.  And part of the HBC crew, that helped make the Snowman, is no longer with us.  Granted the other party is doing well and we all still stay in touch with each other, but his presence is greatly missed.

With that thought, we each went back to what we were doing.  That simple memory made us smile and laugh.  It brought back memories of times that were good and familiar. 

Times, apparently, that we miss.

So, for the rest of the evening I was busy running back and forth throughout the store and as I passed through HBC, I could not help but look up at the top shelf above the Christmas display.  If I tried real hard, I could envision this tall Snowman smiling down on us all.

Talk at ya later!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - MY CHECKLIST

Today, I am going to write about myself.  Yep, I am going to put me right out there with everyone else.  I think the reason that I don't write about me, is because of all of the good things that I see my co-workers do on a daily basis.  It always makes me wonder if I would do as good a job if I were in their positions.  In other words, I feel maybe a little intimidated. 

But, all of that has now changed since I have been put under the microscope of the Mystery Shopper. 

A manager recently informed me that I had had a Mystery Shopper come through my checkout lane - and, they got it wrong.  There were two things that I had failed to do, according to the review.  First;  I failed to circle the amount of pump perks on the receipt with a red pen (what red pen?), that the customer receives with their purchase.  Second; I was not wearing my pump perk strip (or whatever you call that long, bright, yellow strip hanging from my name badge), which the manager noticed right away, that I was wearing it.

Okay, so with this in mind I decided to pay particular attention to everything I did at work today.  From the time I pulled in and parked my car, until I left.  Now maybe this sounds a little off beat, but how I perform at my job is important to me.  I care how I am perceived, be it customers, employees or management.

Arriving at work, I pulled into a parking space and noticing a vacated cart, which I grabbed and took it into the store with me.  I lost count as to how many times I was down on my hands and knees cleaning up smashed blueberries and grapes, in order to prevent a fall.  And then there was the smashed bakery item, next to the demo tray, that I happened to stumble into and cleaned it up.  When passing through the store a customer asked me where the carts were  kept and I told him that I would go get him one, which I did.

When coming back from my dinner break, I was making my way through the Produce Department, when a customer stopped me and asked me if I worked in Produce.  Instead of saying, "No, I am a cashier tonight and am currently off of the clock." I said, "How can I help you?"  She wanted a container of Concord Grapes, but each of the containers had so many that didn't look too good and would I condense them and make one container of good ones.  "Sure.", I said.  When I was done, she was happy and thanked me and I said, "Happy to do it."  I then made my way upstairs to the time clock and of course I was late clocking back in.

A couple of hours later, my shift was over.  As I made my way to the time clock I passed through the Produce Department.  On top of the tomatoes were empty produce bags  and I grabbed them as I walked by and shoved them into my pocket (this is a habit I need to stop, I keep finding them in my washer).

Now I would say, it is safe to assume, that there was no Mystery Shopper around to see any of the deeds which I did today.  But, I find that that is okay.  Because when I left work tonight, I felt like I had accomplished a good day.

Talk at ya later!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - HIGH FIVE!

First, I would like to say that our mandatory meeting, on Customer Service, was entertaining.  The two ladies, who led the meeting, have a significant background in this business and, basically, know what they are talking about.  Their experience, and the amount of years that they have each worked for this company, speaks  volumes on their expertise. 

Of course I was sold the moment I walked into the meeting and saw two, big boxes of chocolate sitting in the middle of the table - much appreciated.  And, I must say, we all laughed a lot.   There was nothing discussed that we didn't already know, although perhaps a couple things came to light that needed to be brought up.  Other then that, these two ladies made it an enjoyable time.

Towards the end of the meeting we were told how we could participate in this High Five program that has been going on for a few months now.  We were each given a piece of paper that displayed a drawing of a hand.  When we see a fellow employee demonstrating  outstanding Customer Service, we write down the employee's name and the description of the deed on the hand and turn it in.  And if chosen, this employee will receive a gift card.

There have been quite a few employees given one of these cards since the time this program was initiated.  We're human and we appreciate being noticed for the good deeds that we do but, we all agree, we are acting no different now then we have acted for years and that we would continue as such even if we didn't receive any acknowledgement.

So in conclusion of last night's meeting I would like to say, good show.    Acknowledging employees is a great idea and much appreciated.  But there is a flip side. 

Putting employees in the right, working atmosphere is a big plus.  As we were told last night, when we come to work we leave our problems outside - no one said anything about the problems we might be facing in the work place.  That is something one cannot escape. 

Talk at ya later!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - SLACKERS

Recently, a co-worker was describing how the new people should be trained. 

She said, "These people are going to be trained the right way." Meaning, they will be trained to make these statements; 'Hi, how are you?', 'Did you find everything okay?', 'Do you have any coupons?'. She finished the conversation by making this statement, "They will not be slackers."  Meaning, like the rest of us. 

By her definition of the perfect Frontlines employee, I have discovered that I am a 'slacker'.

Since I was on Frontlines last night, I have spent the  morning reflecting on how the normal procedure goes when a customer is checking out.  Well, the majority of customers that come through my line know me.  From the minute they begin unloading their carts they start up this conversation.  It would be about what they did over the weekend to reviewing what was on the ballot this election day.  Throughout the time that they were in line the conversation would continue and there was always laughter involved.  To one customer, I asked how her mother was doing to which I got a complete report.  Another customer is a new grandmother, so she was ever so ready to tell me about her visits with the new baby.  With each customer that came through, I received something as did they; making the job more enjoyable.

Quite simply, it is that human contact that makes their shopping seem more like a visit rather than a chore.  And for me, well it makes those hours I work far more enjoyable. 

As a consumer, I know that these things are important. 

When I bought my house seven years ago, I had absolutely no knowledge of painting walls, sanding floors or even how to change a washer in  a faucet.  So off to the big hardware store on the hill, I did go.  There were not many employees on the floor to help me and, when trying to locate a product, I had to wait in line to ask for directions.  The building was so large that I think I got lost when trying to find the exit.

When I finally did find someone to help me, I explained the project that I was attempting to do.  The sales person sold me so much product that I ended up having to go and get a cart.  Please take note that I had to go get a cart, they did not provide one for me, which took me another ten minutes just trying to find the carts.  Well, in the long run, I ended up taking half of the items back because I did  not need them.  After that shopping excursion, my self esteem as a home owner took a dive.

But, I tried again and this time at my local hardware store.  It is small and the parking is up close to the building.  If you walk around for more than five minutes, someone is quick to ask if you need help.  They ask what kind of project you are working on and if you can't give a complete description, they know what questions to ask and are quick to fill in the blanks.  What is really neat, is that they know what 'doodads' are and what colors they come in. They will give you advice on how to complete your project and never sell you more than what you need.  If it is too big to fit in your vehicle, they will deliver - no charge.  And forget the cart, they carry it out for you. 

These guys took an amateur and made dreams come true.

Seven years later, I am still frequenting the store. From the moment I walk in, to the moment I leave, I am being served like I was an old friend.  There's plenty of conversation and laughter and I always look forward to going back.

This is the way our store functions.  Compared to the other grocery stores, we are just a small neighborhood grocery.  It's a place where the majority of the shoppers will visit while they shop.  And it is not the company that draws the customers, or the type of product that is offered, but instead it is the employees.  I am proud of our store because, much like my community hardware store, we offer something that cannot be found at the bigger stores, real Customer Service.

My conclusion?  There are no 'slackers' here.  Each employee giving physical and personable attention to customers.

It is not the dialogue that makes Customer Service, it is the attention that we give which makes customers keep coming back. 

Talk at ya later!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW

Recently a friend asked me if I had had my evaluation with my manager yet;  the answer was no.  This is something new for us, we are use to 'One on Ones'. 'One on Ones', is a term used for when managers meet with their staff on a monthly basis to review; work performance, goals and usually notes of what direction the company is going.  Of course all of this depends on the manager, one has, as to how this procedure goes down.  As for me, my experiences have always been pleasant.  But, then again, I have always been lucky as to the managers that I have had.

But, now we are presently learning about evaluations.  Now I understand that most companies do this - just not us.  So this past week we anxiously reviewed, with each other, how we rated ourselves on this evaluation  that we filled out.  The comments have been many and the laughs abundant, and now we are bracing ourselves as to how management will look upon us.

Will they see us, as we see ourselves?  Probably not. 

Whatever, the outcome might be, I believe that this will definitely put a whole new outlook on our jobs.  Not by the company but, instead, by the employees.  Here you have people that, in some cases, work more than one department and, due to the cut in payroll, you have less people doing more work on fewer hours.  

In other words, working more and making less.

This is all understandable during these difficult, economic times when companies are trying to maintain.  And my compliments to the employees that struggle to help these companies stay afloat.  Because that is what these employees are doing, they are struggling. 

So, I hope during these evaluations the company, and management alike, will look favorably and honestly on their staff.  That they will compliment the employees for extending themselves when the need called for it and, patting them on the back for rolling with the punches.

But most important, saying, "Thank you, for helping us stay in business."

Talk at ya later!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Grocery Store Clerk - THE HELPING HAND

Working in this  environment gives me a view of life that, in many ways, makes me a more grateful person.  With each passing day, I will see something that will remind me of just how lucky I am.   You might say that it helps you to put things into perspective, on a daily basis.  Such was the case this weekend. 

While I was running from department to department, I happened to notice one of our employees helping a customer that looked familiar.  As I got closer, I definitely recognised the customer; a lady who has been shopping here longer  than I have worked here.  And now, here she is trying to shop while recovering from a stroke. 

It was the guy from Housekeeping that was helping her.  He was up at the register and while he was talking with her, he was putting her two bags into her cart and when he was done I saw him go to the store phone where he called for her a cab.  Afterwards, he escorted this customer outside to a bench so that she would be comfortable while waiting for her ride. 

What stamina.  If that were me, I am sure that I would be asking people to shop for me and I wouldn't even think about venturing out.  But, there she was making the best of the situation. 

And there he was, ready to help her.

Talk at ya later!