I do about 90% of the food shopping for our house. I do not really look at it as a chore but more of my responsibility as man of the house. That may seem old fashioned or maybe somewhat chauvinistic but I think it is a something genetic. Maybe a gene that goes back to the time of the Neanderthal.
After a decent shopping trip I used to come home and Lauren would help me put the groceries away. I would use that time to show her all the good stuff I purchased. I would be happy with a “buy one get one free deal” or I would be proud of the fact that I remembered to pick up Parmesan cheese even though it was not on the list. She would compliment me with a “Great. That was good deal.” Or “Oh thank you I forgot we needed that.” It would give me the satisfaction of a job well done. It was my little reward ceremony, like the cavemen had for bringing home the big game, but without the bonfires and drumming. And although I do consider it my job and my responsibility it is nice to receive some recognition. I also know that I don’t thank my wife nearly enough for doing her part in raising the kids and keeping the house together.
Lately I do most of my shopping at night, after the kids go to bed. I may not get home until 10pm and by that time Lauren is already in bed. I put the groceries away myself and I have to wait until the morning to brag about my purchases. Usually the next morning I forget about one of the great deals and it may be a day or two after when Lauren will say something like, “I saw that you got yogurt. Thanks.” Shopping at night takes a bit of the reward out of the whole experience.
Shopping at night has put a damper on my inner caveman. There is no instant satisfaction of a coming home from the hunt. I am now officially putting in a request to my wife to have her and the kids at least do some crude wall drawings in our dining room of me holding a coupon and a shopping cart staring down a bag of Doritos.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
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16 comments:
Lol. My husband used to do the shopping, too. He was a coupon fiend. But, now that he's in Afghanistan and I'm doing the shopping, it's a train wreck. I need to start cliping coupons! Or, in my case, tearing them out since I am too lazy to actually clip them with scissors.
Can you teach my husband a thing or two about helping out? That would be nice. I think he's grocery shopped about 3 times since we've been married. I could use a break. Or else I may have to kick his neanderthal ass.
I'm better at shopping for household supplies (ie toilet paper, shampoo, etc.) and my husband is much better shopping for food, though I use coupons and he doesn't.
I just am not good at getting the whole "meal planning" thing down right, so I appreciate whenever he will go.
I do over 90% of the grocery shopping for this family of 5; I get KILLER deals and save TONS of money, and never ONCE has anyone said "thanks" or "good job" for it. It's never occurred to me that it's a task for which appreciation is due. Until now.
Great. Thanks, Bill. Now I'm pissed off that no one says thanks for the great job I do on the groceries. *geez* ;)
There is something strangely satisfying for me to go grocery shopping as well...sometimes 4 trips a week. What? I like my food fresh.
Announcement...CaveMan wearing a skirt in Aisle 4.
I would give anything for a husband who did the grocery shopping.
"Anon's" comment made me CRACK up. Is he referring to that picture of you wearing those rather large, baggy shorts?
BUWAHAHAHAHA!
I'm sorry. I can't help it.
You're still a studly cavemen though.
Awesome analogy.
Do you actually stick to the list, or do you bring home a bunch of extra crap? Rob and I usually shop together, but when he goes it alone he always falls prey to some temptation that we SO should not have in the house. (Although I admit I find this sorta cute.)
My wife and I will go to the store a lot together, but I hardly ever go alone. We've just fallen into that routine because of work. She'll go while I have to do other things, and if there is a chance for us to go together, we will. She likes the company, and I like being sent on little missions to go find certain things she could find in half the time.
I think it is important for men to help in this way if they can. If for nothing more than spending a little more time together (that whole Sex Begins In The Kitchen concept.
Hey William.
Some sort of ceremony is definitely in order.
My dad did the grocery shopping every weekend when I was a kid. I loved to go along. He would buy me ice cream and run through the parking lot with the cart.
You and my husband would get along. He is a coupon clipper, the ultimate bargain finder. He loves coming home and telling me about the deals he got, the good stuff he found. His biggest accomplishment is coming home and showing me the recipe where his total savings is equal to or greater then the amount he spent.
Such good providers. :-)
I want to see those drawings.
My wife doesn't let me do grocery shopping alone. I always end up picking up things too many things we don't need - like ice cream and junk food.
Since when is ice cream something you don't NEED?
(we have about 7 kinds in our freezer right now, and they all are getting their fair share of bowl-time).
I have started doing the grocery shopping again. I forgot about that feeling you get when you remember something or find a good deal.
I havent started clipping coupons yet though.
Doing the shopping and letting your wife sleep qualifies you for husband of the year in my book.
Many, many bonus points.
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