Heavy Groceries

Grocery shopping differs quite a bit between France and the U.S.

In Paris, we would walk ten minutes to the metro and ride it for two stops, before exiting and walking a block to reach our favorite Monoprix. We usually exited with both our reusable shopping bags bursting at the seams, and sometimes left with an extra bag. Usually, we rode the metro back home. But, on more than one occasion, we simply walked to the store, or, gasp, walked home carrying the groceries.

Today, since the boyfriend is sick, I got in the car and drove to Safeway to get supplies. I grabbed one of those black baskets at the door and filled it with eight yogurts, four powerades, and two raisin breads. I then swung by the water aisle and picked up two and a half gallons of water. Next, I walked straight to a cashier, put my items on the counter, and waited for the person in front of me to finish checking out.
 
This conversation with the male, fifty year old cashier followed:

Checker: "Is the water yours?"
Me: "Yes it is."
Checker: "Because I didn't see a cart...did you carry that over here?!"
Me: "Yes, I did."
Checker: "Isn't that too heavy?"
Me: "I just returned from Paris where you carry your groceries home, so I guess I just got used to that."
Checker: "So, you've been training..."
Me: "I suppose so..."
Checker: "Well are you sure you wouldn't like a cart or at least help outside?"
Me: "I'll be okay."
Checker: "Alright...well, you are certainly stronger than I am!"

Exiting the store, I carried my two bags of groceries and water to my car parked less than a block away. It only took me five to ten minutes to drive home, park in the garage, and walk through the front door.

I was so befuddled by the encounter, I made my sick boyfriend get out of bed and assess the groceries before recounting the story. He responded with a shrug, "Americans..." After a moment, "I guess you've turned Parisian."

H1N1 Influenza

The boyfriend caught the swine flu on a non-stop flight from Paris to San Francisco. Originally, I was bummed that we took separate flights, especially because I had a stop-over in Montreal, but it turns out that I was the lucky one.

This really is a nasty strain of flu, but he should be fine by next Tuesday. Until then, he must drink tons of water, take Tylenol to control his fever, and take codeine laced cough medicine to help him sleep.

It is very cute, he has got kind of obsessive about taking precautions to keep me from getting sick. Everything is separate right now: sleeping arrangements, food, towels, etc. Also, we've both been washing our hands, cleaning surfaces with antibacterial wipes, and using Purell constantly.

Besides jet-lag, I feel fine, but I still have four more days until he will no longer be contagious. Until then, I am stuck sleeping on the couch, which is pretty lame, but surprisingly comfortable. What a welcome home party this is!