I think it's fair to say that most people are aware that large businesses, such as Wal-mart, are damaging smaller businesses and greatly altering the economy. This bothers me, but I'm a broke college student, and I simply can't afford to shop anywhere but Wal-mart. People shop at Wal-mart because it's affordable. Plus, they basically have anything that one might need. So for the most part, Wal-mart is unavoidable, but going there stresses me out.
Typically, I find myself going to Wal-mart at least once a week, for various purposes and at various times. Just the other day, I went in to restock my cabinets, and I left with a migraine.
First, I pull into the parking lot and attempt to find a spot somewhat near the entrance. Of course, there are several other cars circling the lot like vultures waiting for shoppers to leave. Now I'm stuck behind a stopped car with its turn signal on and a family that feels as if they don't need to let the cars through.
After about twenty-five people walk in front of my car at the entrance, I'm able to turn around and head to the back of the parking lot, as I've given up on the notion that I might find a good spot. I laugh as I walk in, knowing that I could've already been inside if I had just settled in the first place.
Inside the store, I grab a cart and take off towards the food. I'm forced to push the cart constantly to the left, as one of the wheels spins freely above the ground.
On my way to the milk, I almost run over seven different children darting obliviously around the store. Two are having a sword fight. Their parents look at me as if I'm supposed to apologize for nearly taking out their precious angels.
I know I'm running low on Ramen, so I go down the aisle to grab a box, and I narrowly avoid a head-on collision with a woman on her motorized-scooter. There really should be a driving test for those things.
I grab my Ramen, and all I need now is some bread. Unfortunately, a man thought it was okay to leave his cart blocking the middle of the aisle. He hears my sigh and angrily moves his cart to the side so traffic can flow again. Maybe they should have a test just for shopping carts as well.
I finally reach the check out line. I make it a rule to never buy more than twenty items at a time because by the time I'm ready to go, my patience has worn thin. Still, I wait in line for ten minutes before I finally rush out.
I avoid the circling vultures, load up my car, and take off, having survived another visit to the always-stressful Wal-Mart.
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