What happens when I go into the grocery store...

As a personal chef, I spend a lot of time in the grocery store. For instance, this weekend I went to the store twice and the farm market once in only two days' time. Even if I didn't cook professionally, since I cook for my family, I would still probably spend more than my fair share of time in the store. Some days, the thought of running to the store can reduce me to tears. The thought of interrupting my flow to grab a vital ingredient that I didn't think to buy the first time is frustrating. You see, I used to work in retail. I was the bakery manager and then a customer service/cash office rep for the busiest store in a middle-sized chain. Retail is a tough industry. As we'd say in the biz, "Retail is a dog". After work, when I would shop it would never fail; even if I were dressed in chef's clothes, shopping in a whole different store, people would stop me as if I worked in that store and ask me where they could find such and such...If I was in a good mood, I'd help them. If I was tired, I'd point out that I didn't work there. Since owning and operating AngelFood, I've changed my perspective. I've learned that along the way my approachability factor has increased even more (!) and if I want to celebrate my life in the media then I've got to get used to seeing folks I know in the store and making new friends there is inevitable. Take this Saturday. Scene: the produce aisle where I get lots of "new friend action". The sweetest man in his late 40s said, "Ma'am, can you please help me? My wife sent me to the store with a wish list and I'm having trouble with a few items." How could I not help him?! He only wanted to please his wife. She wanted butternut squash, "but she wants the cut up kind." I hope he went home and pretended he found it all on his own. He deserves that much. A lady saw me piling 3 pounds of wax beans into a bag and asked me what I was going to do with the beans. We had a lovely 5 minute lecture on the beans. Turns out she sounds like quite a cook. She was hosting a party and serving roasted chicken with mango chutney. This was a perfect time for me to transition (albeit slowly) from summer vacation mode back to cooking/food media personality and come out of hiding. The new rule is that everybody who approaches me gets a business card because we all could use a little help in the grocery store. What are your grocery adventures like?