The One In Which I Talk To Myself While Buying Beer & Am Overheard

/ Ally Bean

This post has been published in black and white so that I won’t be accused of trying to influence your answer to the poll question below by using particular colors in this post. Nope, not doing that here.

• 🏈 • 🏈 • 🏈 •

I know that Super Bowl Sunday is a big day for gambling, but I know from experience that Super Bowl Sunday is a busy shopping day in grocery stores.

Keeping that in mind while I was at the grocery store yesterday, I decided to go ahead and buy food & drink for what will be our Super Bowl Sunday junk food feast.  It’ll be just the two of us so our snacking will lean toward healthy, but we gotta have something special.

It’s a law.

While in the store I decided to buy a six-pack of fancy beers, one of those create your own dealios, you know?  That’s when the store has a refrigerated section that offers a wide assortment [maybe 75?] of individual bottles of beer/ale/cider.  You pick the 6 you want, placing them in a generic cardboard carrier that when taken to the register rings a set price.

$9.99 to be exact.

Welp, I got totally swept away with the variety in front of me and found myself contemplating each bottle as if I’d never seen beer before.  I was smitten with the idea of having choices, and went with two local ales, two regional beers, and one national-brand ginger beer.  But I couldn’t decide about the last one bottle so I carefully reviewed all my choices, finally adding a bottle of international beer to the cardboard carrier.

As I did so, with a real sense of personal accomplishment, I said out loud: “And it’s Heineken for the win.”

At which point I heard a man, who I didn’t realize was standing behind me waiting for me to choose my bottles, say: “Yes it is, always.”

Of course I jumped about a foot in the air and started laughing, apologizing for taking so long– because really I’d been dawdling more than deciding— but this kind man just grinned and said: “No problem.”

Which in this situation was an appropriate response, so all’s well that end’s well.  Including, I do hope, football season this Sunday evening.

142 thoughts on “The One In Which I Talk To Myself While Buying Beer & Am Overheard”

  3. LOL – I’ve been there done that – but I don’t remember running into a ‘no problem’ guy, probably because Mr. is usually along with me waiting patiently for me to decide. Glad you’re ahead of the game (shopping before SB crowd). Of course, I’m rooting for the team that didn’t beat my team out of the game. Cheers to your SB celebration!! I trust there will be a post brewing about the half-time show. It’s a given right? The material is endless! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Shelley, I was completely entranced by the selection of beers in front of me so much so that I didn’t notice this man waiting. I swear he had the patience of Job, but he did get me good with that comment. I have zero preference about who wins the Super Bowl this year, so for me watching the game will be entertainment, including whatever wacko half-time show graces my screen.

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  6. Now I’m going to have to look and see if my grocery stores offer that same pick-your-own-sixpak option. I rarely buy beer, but when I do I just look for a brand I like and buy it. Being able to have some variety would be a tasty option. As for the game? Some friends and I are going to get together and play our own board games. We decided the best thing about the Superbowl was the food, and we could have that, anyway.

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  7. My husband was just planning out our Super Bowl snacks. We’re doing more plant based food these days, but for Sunday? It’s homemade bar food–potato skins, French fries, wings, etc.

    Which is funny, because we don’t even watch football anymore. Except for the Super Bowl. And really, that’s for the commercials.

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  8. I’ll be watching at our daughter’s place. Snacks have been purchased, beer will be delivered by me and may the best team win. I don’t have a dog in this hunt, so I don’t really care.I just hope it’s a good game.

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  11. I talk to myself quite often. At work, shopping, on my walks… I don’t think that I’ve ever gotten a response though. At least the guy wasn’t creepy, or rude. I wonder if any stores around here offer that pick your own mix concept, even though I rarely drink beer, I like the idea of being adventurous.
    No interest in football, I will be watching Call the Midwife however.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I imagine more people talk to themselves than those who don’t. If we’re being honest. The man was the complete opposite of rude, he was delightful, patient, and had a twinkle in his eye as he spoke. I think I was entertainment to him.

      The make your own six-pack is a great way to be adventurous without committing to any one beverage that you might not like. If we don’t like something I pick, we pour it down the drain, making note to not buy that again.

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  12. The bad news is that the local team didn’t make it. The good news is that there will be no tension in the house. I doubt that I will watch it all. Maybe grab snips here and there. However, there will be food here. I’m doing ribs. Gotta have party food. It’s the law.

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    • Kate, I doubt that I’ll watch the whole game, but I like the excuse to make and eat some snack-y food. Ribs sound like a good way to go, if you want to go to all that trouble. I’m pleased to know that you’ll be following the law, too. 😉

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  13. Sorry I couldn’t take your poll. I don’t watch football, even the super bowl, and I have no idea who will win. If my husband watches, I’ll wear my noise-cancelling headphones. Yuk! Enjoy your party!

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  14. Isn’t it amazing how many beer choices there are?? Such a funny experience for you! I’m not much of a beer drinker, but hubby likes the ciders. He’s always trying new ones. I do not care who wins the big game. We will be in Paris…far away…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Beth, I agree. The amount of beer choices is great, but overwhelming. I like beer, but some brands are so intense or strong which is why I was being selective. Enjoy Paris, where no doubt you’ll have wonderful time and the Super Bowl will go on just fine without you.

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  15. Since I didn’t even know the Super Bowl was this Sunday, nor who was playing I don’t think I should vote. But I DO applaud your regional, national and international choice of beer. I think that was a good variety. And I don’t even drink beer! 🙂 Enjoy your Sunday! PS: I want to know what healthy snacks you are planning! That could be another post. Just saying.

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    • dawn, I understand your reasons for not voting. I added the poll for snorts and giggles. It makes no difference to me who wins, trust me.

      My healthy snacks are a cucumber feta yogurt dip for raw veggies & a curry cream cheese spread for crackers. I also got some spicy pistachios. After that it’s anyone’s guess what I’ll come up with for us.

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    • Marian, you’re not on the winning team a la this vitally important poll? Gracious. I haven’t checked the results, but I believe you. Of course I don’t care which team wins so only time will tell if you chose wisely. 😉

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  18. I don’t follow sports and accidentally found myself at the store when all the sports fans were doing their thing. It was SO busy a Starbucks employee was walking up and down the lines behind the cashiers giving out coffee samples and the store manager was following close behind with a tray of cookies. I could care less who wins the games but I do like to see the commercials afterward.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jean, free coffee and cookies! You found the perfect time to go to the grocery store. I don’t care who wins this game either, but I like having a legitimate reason for making some snack-y foods that I’ll claim are dinner. I like seeing the commercials, too.

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    • evilsquirrel13, I think it’s ‘wrack’ but I’m open to variant spellings. I’ll be happy no matter who wins the game because I’ll be sipping my beer, eating my snacks, living the good life without bothering to step out the front door.

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    • Jill, I know what you mean about getting good advice. Who knows you as well as yourself? I can’t stand the pre-game hype, but I’ll watch some of the game until I get bored, meaning these two teams had better make lots of touchdowns or I’ll stop watching.

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  22. I was afraid that your poll would be about types of beer and I wouldn’t be able to vote (at least not intelligently… which doesn’t seem to be a problem for some people). I have no idea which team is favored but I had to go with the west coast team. Normally I just root for whichever team isn’t New England.

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    • Janis, I’m glad you took the poll. Never thought of doing one for beers. That’d be way more work than throwing together this little one with two choices. I don’t like New England either, but am indifferent to who wins this game. When it comes to this Super Bowl I’m cool with whichever team wins. As long as I have some snacks while I’m watching the game.

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  23. I like the variety of your six pack. I tend to be an amber ale person, and don’t generally like IPAs(too bitter), but I like trying sips of things. What snacks did you buy? John and I are having a pizza and beer, and rooting for KC. But I think SF will win.

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  24. Now surely you must KNOW that I love that story! Fun interactions in grocery stores are kind of my thing. That story is hilarious. I love it. What a great guy. 🙂
    And I can’t vote because I have no clue or care, really. :/ That’s my husband’s job. I’m happy to do the junk food fest, however.

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  26. Heineken is a sure bet, I agree. I’m torn on the game. I live near SF but once lived in KC and I generally root for the underdog. SF has won many bowl games. Tough – I know, who has the cutest QB?

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  27. LOL – nice one Ms. Bean! While I’m not much of a beer drinker, I’d definitely be lured by the idea of choosing my own 6-pack varieties. What a clever idea! I’m not a football watcher either, but I don’t like the opportunity for celebratory feasting to get by me. Therefore, many years ago I instituted the mandatory Souper Bowl menu which includes some fabulous, and most likely cheesy, soup, along with homemade bread. Guacamole is essential and there must also be something chocolate. I’ve got all the food groups covered, no?

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    • Deborah, the make your own six-pack is a winning idea. I don’t do it often, but it’s fun to try different beers and ciders. If we don’t like one, we dump it down the drain. No harm, no foul. I’m impressed that you have a mandatory menu for the Super Bowl. You definitely have all the food groups covered. Good job!

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  28. My husband gets us into several football pools so my pick is whatever team scores the numbers we need to win money. You would think that we would be 49er fans living where we do but my husband has been a Dallas Cowboy fan forever so there you go. We are going to some friend’s house (this will be their 21st year hosting) and I’ll be bringing something to craft on because a) not a football fan and b) introvert who doesn’t really like big gatherings. The half time show doesn’t hold much appeal for me either this year. J-Lo and Shakira? Definitely one for the men. Bruno Mars was the last best one I remember.

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    • Janet, I hope you win some money in one of your pools. I know they’re a big thing for the Super Bowl, but I’ve never done one. When it comes to any kind of betting, I lose. Known fact. A friend has hosted a party for 21 years? That’s dedication. Before we moved to this area we were invited to Super Bowl parties, but around here no one we’ve met seems to host them– or maybe they do and we’re not invited! 🙃

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  30. Ha ha musing aloud – I’ve done that myself Ally. And a funny eavesdropper behind you. I think many folks, like me, root for the underdog, or from the results of the poll, for Kansas City who has had a long drought with no Super Bowl attendance; they can taste that victory and will play hard and well. They are still ahead of our Lions who have not played in a championship game since 1957.

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  31. Talking to yourself is fine by me. I talk to myself plenty. At least your audience was agreeable!
    I don’t consume beer often, so I never can remember what individual beer I like, but it’s a Belgian with a bicycle on the front and it works for me. May they never change the label.
    For the football poll, I asked The Mister, and 71% vibed with his call at the time of my click.

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    • joey, I’ve never had that Belgian bicycle beer but I know of it. A bar around here has a large neon sign for it in their window. I like many beers and ales and ciders, but the wonderful thing about doing a pick your own six-pack is that if I/we don’t like one bottle, we toss it out. So be it. I’ve not checked the poll to see who’s winning but will do so. I’ll be happy regardless of who wins.

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  32. It’s a tough decision – there are so many beer choices now. I don’t drink, so wouldn’t have a clue. I don’t follow football either, so am of no help there either, but I could possibly help you out with the snack selection.

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    • Joni, you’re right about the number of beers available now. I don’t think I realized that fully until I stood there in the grocery store, looking at the selection. I’ll be happy with either team winning the Super Bowl. I watch football, but don’t much care who wins any game. I’m kind of a fair-weather fan of the sport.

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    • Sheryl, I tossed the poll on this post for fun. I figured that if someone had a strong opinion about the upcoming game they’d like it– and would share it in the comments. As for not being into football, I understand that. I’m barely interested, mostly because of snacks.

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    • L. Marie, thank you. I hope you have a good day, too. I’m more there for the snacks than anything else– but the game and commercials fill-in the time when I’m not nibbling. 😋

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  36. I couldn’t vote because there wasn’t a Who The Hell Cares? button. Sorry, I’m a football hater and I’m doing everything in my power to get the husband to watch the game elsewhere. I have a lead but nothing’s definite. Wish me luck!

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  37. This is totally something that would happen to me. In fact, I frequently hold long conversations with myself, and sometimes strangers happen to overhear. Ha. The last time we visited “the big city” – Fort Collins, Colorado – I had similar fun choosing six beers for a mix-and-match variety pack. Clearly it doesn’t take much to amuse me!

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    • Swinged Cat, I understand how amusing it can be to pick your own six-pack. And I’m glad to know I’m not alone about talking to myself. Honestly, I had no idea that man was standing there, but he did make me laugh at myself which is a good thing.

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  38. I hope you enjoyed your selection of beers and your special snacks, if not the actual sport! 😀 We had a major rugby competition kick off this weekend, which was very handy as I’m kinda stuck at home with a knee problem awaiting surgery. Sadly, my team (England) played like dogs and got a good thrashing. Luckily, I’m not as involved with rugby as once I was, so I’m pretty pragmatic about it and the result didn’t ruin my weekend 🙂 And we have a few more weekends of games to come, so … like I said, a handy distraction for one who’s stuck at home with painkillers & ice-packs. I quite fancy a selection of fancy beers, but alcohol isn’t great for inflammation … something to look forward to post-op 🙂

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    • Deb, I’m sorry to read about your knee problem. It sounds like a major pain but one that you have under control. Nonetheless the situation sounds difficult, and obviously your team is not helping you feel better. What is wrong with that team of yours? 😉

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      • The team are a conundrum. They came second in the World Cup (beaten finalists) and then laid down for opposition who – to be fair – have a reputation of occasionally turning up and rolling over the best of opposition. That’s life I guess.

        The knee will get better, although I’m expecting to be told a replacement is what it’ll take, Am mentally preparing for both the op and the recovery period after with a huge pile of magazines and a shed load of books on my Kindle 😀 However, probably no snacks sadly … not till I’m active enough to work them off anyway.

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        • Hang in there. I know that knee replacement surgery is common and successful so that’s good. As long as you have something engaging to occupy your mind I’d think that you’d have conquered the most tedious part of recuperating.

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          • I do have some more professional tasks to do too and – with luck – it’ll prove to be an ideal deadline for completion of one particular project. Interestingly though, I’ve been channelling my word of the year – act – and it’s been a decidedly positive experience. So I thank you for introducing me to the concept of WOTY 🙂

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  39. I’m too late to vote, but it would have been for the Chiefs. We’ve been fans for too many years to even tell you. 🙂 Now, for the other part – talking to yourself. Doesn’t everyone? 🙂 I do try to not do it out loud when I’m in a store, but there’s always someone around me who’s talking to themselves, so what the heck.

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    • Judy, I imagine you’re are right. There is always someone around in the grocery store who is talking to themselves, but do you ever think YOU’LL be the person who gets called out on it? Couldn’t. stop. laughing. about what happened to me. I’m glad the Chiefs won, too. Seems to make the most people happy, so *yay*

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  40. Well now the party – and the game – is over. Enjoyed your story of beer selection. People often just strike up a conversation with me at the grocery store. Very random and I don’t really mind. But I wonder why.
    Around my neck of the woods, since “our” team did NOT make it to the SB, nobody really cares except for the snacks. Such as gooey nachos. And more gooey nachos with that orange cheese that pours. I personally prefer popcorn. I know…boring.

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    • oneletterup, I have the same thing happen to me. People talk to me about just about anything. Anywhere I happen to be. I asked a Communications Theory college prof about why that would happen and she said it was because I looked interested. I rather liked her explanation so I’m going with it. As for gooey nachos, I must admit that I like them despite their lack of nutrition. What can I say?

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  41. I would get hung up on selecting beer, Ally, since I don’t know anything about beer. I just know craft beer is very popular where I live and so I have many choices. I don’t know much about the game, although I PVR the entire event. I do want to watch the half time show and all of the commercials. I know I am not the only one who feels this way.🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Hi Ally. Speaking of beer: If you and/or anyone in your household likes ales, then keep your eyes open for brews from Magic Hat brewery, which is in Vermont. They have fairly wide distribution. Currently, MH is my favorite brewery. See ya!

    Neil

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  43. Oh this made me chuckle! I’m very much known to dawdle in the cereal aisle (which is why I usually forgo it because we don’t eat it much anyway) but I can just see this. I love how you share these snippets of your day.

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    • Kate, this situation made me laugh at myself and at the patient man who just. stood. there. waiting. 😳 I’m pleased to know you like my snippets. Years ago I made a decision to share slices of my life here on this blog, not my whole life. And it seems like it’s been a good plan.

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  44. (Super Bowl weekend – oh, that’s when we do the winter trim of crepe myrtles and any trees with canopies that need thinning before hurricane season. )
    It’s too difficult to decide which individual craft beers to choose. I’d be there forever. Heineken. There: easy peasy and done!

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    • philmouse, the bottle of Heineken was good, you have point. It’s fun to do a pick your own six-pack once in a while, but only for special occasions lest I spend all my time in the grocery, deciding.

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  45. Once we were dawdling (great word :)) at an aisle in the supermarket, and one of the employees stopped by to ask if she could help. We confessed we were at a loss about what to get. Turns out dawdling sometimes pays off. She pulled out her phone and shared photos and recipes using the ingredients on the shelves. Had a feast that night… Though no beer 🍺

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    • Endless Weekend, that’s a fun story. I’ve never had that happen, but my goodness how very helpful. I like grocery shopping overall, but there are times when my mind goes blank and I’d appreciate a nudge like that.

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      • It was wonderful. It gave us some delightful nudges to try new things, and happened more than once at that store… but no more. Looks like budget cuts came and the staff changed to ones that know less about the items being sold, and care less. We shop there less, too. I miss it.

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