In Dahlgren, we had a Walmart and a Food Lion. Food Lion “sort of” sold food. I mean, they were frequently out of nearly everything I intended to buy and the produce looked like it took a trip down an elevator shaft before being put onto the shelves. Walmart was, well, Walmart. It wouldn’t matter how many dollars they stuffed into their marketing bag of tricks, I don’t think I would ever buy anything sold there that wasn’t pre-packaged. There’s the snooty girl in me…
Alexandria, on the other hand, has Whole Foods. Let me repeat: Whole Foods. “Whole” items of food that aren’t beaten and battered by a rising platform for lazy people.
I was in awe — complete awe — when I walked into the grocery store this evening. It has been two years since I’ve stepped foot into this particular one, but I was as amazed this time as I was the last. Straight ahead of of me, directly through the entrance, stood a man passing out tickets and glasses. As he was ushering people into the next room, I noticed a little station set up with several bottles of wine on display. People were holding out glasses and enjoying the various selections after a long day’s work. As I scanned the rest of the produce department, I saw other stations set up too. Then I saw the signs announcing this evening’s event: wine tasting.
Ohmigosh. Wine tasting.
I had never seen such a thing in a foodmart. I’m pretty sure that samples of pigs-in-a-blanket or the new flavor of Goldfish doesn’t even begin to compare.
In addition to this beautiful post-work relaxation activity, I saw dispensers of honey complete with plastic bottles and caps to-go…the largest salad bar I have EVER seen…and roughly 20 different kinds of fish. I was seriously in Heaven.
See, this food-loving gal spent about 9 years of her life obsessing over food. Calories, sugar content, grams of fat, sodium. Okay, when I say, “spent about 9 years,” I really mean, “9 years and counting.” It is imperative that someone with a, still, bulimic mindset has access to healthy, good, REAL food.
Whole Foods and stores alike helped to heal my mind years ago. While this wasn’t the answer to my prayers, it was a start…and it will help keep me on the road to recovery even now. And even though wine isn’t on the “plan,” a girl can stand a good glass of Sleep Aid now and then. 🙂
A City Wife's Account 