From the time I was a little girl, I was taught how important it was to always have food in the cupboard. That way, no matter how tight money becomes, you can still eat and keep going. Such a Great Depression point of view was very handy during the pandemic when shortages and supply-chain delays became the norm. Now that I’m unemployed, I’m even more grateful to have taken that lesson to heart.
Due to my practice of avoiding COVID-19 whenever possible, especially when rates are on the rise, I’ve become a big fan of online food shopping. Once or twice a month, I order our groceries, usually from Instacart or directly from Hannaford, the local grocer. I like that my orders/tips help out local gig workers. Since I have them drop the bags off at my door, we both stay safe and healthy. And, all of my previous shopping trips are saved online so reordering is a breeze.
Once the groceries are purchased, the shopper will ping my phone letting me know he or she is on the way. This is particularly helpful during warm months because you don’t want frozen items to sit outside for too long. My phone is again pinged when the bags are delivered, at which point M brings everything into the house and I put it all away. Such a divvying up of chores works in our favor; he uses his muscles to carry the heavy load and I know where everything is when I cook/bake.
The reason I mention this is because I recently had a memorable delivery. Oh, the groceries were the same. The shopping didn’t deviate from the norm. Nor did our practice of bringing stuff inside and putting it all away. No, what made this trip so lovely was our shopper. She followed my directions to a T, managed to find everything I wanted, maintained friendly contact when required and delivered the order in a timely fashion. Also, she had the perfect name:
4 Comments
Courtney Mroch
Aw, Joy brought you joy!
Also, it’s interesting Great Depression-era values were instilled in you too. Same with Wayne and I. Me from my parents, who had me later in life and were kids at the tail end of the Depression and were influenced by rationing from WWII. And both Wayne and I’s grandparents shared their lessons from that time.
Here’s hoping the job search proves fruitful for you soon!
Jade Walker
Thanks, hon! I appreciate it.
Kay Powell
When sheltering in place began, I began ordering my groceries online to be delivered. I still do–except for Publix $5 sushi Wednesdays. Then I shop in person wearing a mask.
Joy Myette
Jade, you not only made my day yesterday, but my whole week by sharing this with me!
I started doing this out of a necessity to be available for my aging and very sick mother who had to give up driving and most of her independence about 4 years ago. Between caring for her and having 3 children attending 3 different schools, I found that I could have the availability I needed and still be able to feed my kids without stressing over a 9-5.
You are by far one of the best clients to shop for. You are responsive and pleasant to speak with. As you can imagine, customers like you are few and far between and I have definitely been blessed to receive orders for you a few times. I always smile when I see your address.
As in all service jobs, our weekly pay is never guaranteed. Every week is a gamble. Some customers will even lower or remove tips after delivery. Even when you’ve done nothing wrong but sometimes just because the store was out of a few items. There have been days I’ve gone home after an 8 hr day with over 200$ and there have been days I’ve gone home with 20$.
It was a pleasure doing your family’s Thanksgiving shopping yesterday. I hope your holiday season is bright and blessed and I hope I get the honor of shopping for you again soon!