Out Here In These Streets!!
My mom was the best bargain shopper ever. She could get us out the house in the morning, (me, my brother and two cousins), stop by an early morning sale, get the deals and be at school ahead of her students. It was amazing to watch!! And, to be honest, it’s something I still love to do.
Having friends with the same interest has sweetened my journey. Whether cutting coupons and shopping with my girlfriend Gina-especially on Thanksgiving Holiday; learning the value of valet parking with my friend Brenda (we always had so much stuff); or traveling with my friend Jackie whose friend Michelle (a personal shopper) we’d meet in Birmingham and dig for the deals…just tell me what time to meet you!!! Those were the days!!
This year, as I was getting ready for Thanksgiving and doing a little food shopping, I was cautious. But, I was definitely reminiscing about my shopping days when we spent more time talking to strangers in line, eating in crowded food courts and arriving at home at the end of the day totally exhausted but exhilarated. There is so much more going on out in these streets today though.
A recent New York Times article describes this year as the “Tripledemic!” Communities across the country are not only facing the impact of COVID, but also the Seasonal Flu and RSV. While most cases of all of these are likely to be mild, they are definitely still floating around. And, if you get it, no matter how mild it is, it will be inconvenient and you might spread it before you even know you have it.
So, what are we supposed to do out here in these streets this Holiday Season?
Shop online. Really great deals. Absolutely no risk of exposure to others and their germs.
Shop EARLY in the morning. Stores are cleanest then. Crowds are non-existent. Store staff are always eager to help. And, that’s when I see the most masked people.
Focus on building your body’s immunity. Healthy Choices are really your greatest defense and can help fight all viruses/bacteria that are lurking around looking for a host.
Cut back on sugar consumption. That alone can help improve immune response.
Check out your local pharmacy for appropriate vaccination options. Many are free or covered by insurance.
Eat before you go. A girl needs plenty energy for the kind of shopping I like to do.
Continue to practice cleanliness. Hand washing. Using your elbow or towel covered hand on doors. Carry hand sanitizer.
Get the buggy from outside. The fresh air and sunlight help to kill the germs. Especially since stores are no longer greeting you with freshly cleaned buggies as you enter the store.
Understand that while the Pandemic seems to have slowed, COVID is now actually endemic and will probably be with us forever.
Mask Up as an extra measure of caution. Barriers really do help.
I’m just getting in now from doing a little shopping. And, let me tell you, you start to see a difference in the stores around 10:00. I was doing my best to get in and get out with the early crowd!! Makes all the difference in the world!!
Hope you have some shopping buddies like I do. It makes everything so much more fun. We out here being good stewards yawl!! I’ve even convinced my “focused on what he’s come to buy” husband to appreciate shopping for bargains. He only gives me New Year’s Day at Dillards!! But I’ll take it.
Yawl be careful out here in these streets. Safe holiday shopping. It’s Wellness Wednesday Yawl!!
I’m Still Shoutin’ Ova Here!!
Donna
#outhereinthesestreets #thesestreets #covid #influenza #flu #RSV #contagious #winterfluseason #sick #pandemic #tripledemic #immunity #lifestylechoices #safe #well #cookinupgoodhealth #wellnesswednesday #bargainshopping
Annual New Year’s Day Shopping Spree with Bae!!