Shopping with a Step Stool

      I am always in a hurry when I shop. I know what I need; I know where it is so I get it and go. Prescriptions were ready, so I decided to pick up some skim milk and ice cream. I know-those two don’t go together. I grabbed a cart so I didn’t have to carry cold ice cream in my arms and headed for the milk at the back of the store.

      Alas, it was 4 p.m. and people had been shopping all day. Half gallons of skim milk were now only available from the back of the shelf, and I couldn’t reach one. I am vertically challenged.
      This has happened to me before. In fact several readers have come to my rescue; you know who you are. But this week- no taller people in sight. I even looked down several aisles to see if there were any tall people there. Nope.
       I came back to the milk and then I saw a gentleman at the far end, taking pictures of yogurt. He had a name plate on his shirt, but I could not read it from a distance, so I’m assuming he worked for the yogurt company. Who else would photograph the yogurt display?
       I thought about calling out to him: “Sir, could you help me here?” But I don’t like to raise my voice in the grocery store. What’s that about? It’s not a library! I didn’t want to interrupt his photo shoot either, so I kept looking. I felt a bit like I was stalking the milk display.        
       I studied the bottom shelf which has a four inch metal plate on it, and looked around. Should I stand on that? I could. I decided against it.
       Kudos to the lady who helped me. I said something stupid like, “I’m looking for a tall person.” She politely asked, “What do you need?” She had to stand on tip toe to get the carton.
       I understand the advertising rule: most popular items are eye level or lower so they can easily be chosen. I’m fine with that. I may start bringing my step stool with me though. I promise I will share with others who need it.