Guess what I found at Wal Mart?!

Let's just say Wal Mart is not my favorite shopping destination. Low prices, yes. Relaxing, inviting shopping experience, ummm no. Sam Walton's heirs get way too many of my hard earned dollars as it is, but Christmas baking season is upon us, and that can only mean one thing...a Wal Mart run.

So, I cruised the parking lot looking for an empty space, found one, pulled in, stepped my foot into an ankle deep ice and slush puddle, soaking my shoe, sock, and the bottom of my jeans. The shopping trip was off to a great start.

Crummy attitude in place, I headed to the entrance, and was greeted by a grown woman in a full Santa suit, ringing the Salvation Army bell, dancing around, and singing, laughing, and yelling Merry Christmas to each shopper as they passed by. You can not pass by this woman without a smile spreading across your face! I laughed out loud and she threw her arm around me and said "Merry Christmas Honey" in my ear. Tears sprung to my eyes...where does this volunteer bell ringer, in the freezing cold, get such joy?!As I pushed my cart thru the produce section, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I'd guess her life isn't all that great, but she's just decided to make the best of it. God Bless her!

The buzz of my "santa" encounter was quickly fading as I manuevered thru the masses of people doing their shopping. Then I saw a little old lady pushing her husband in a wheel chair. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and wondered how that little woman came up with the strength to push that chair around big ole Wal Mart.

I smiled at her, and as she passed me she asked, "hey do you like my shoes?!" I looked down and she was wearing crocs-those rubber shoes everyone says are so comfortable...one green one and one red one. I laughed again, and told her I loved them. Another human, despite her hardship, passing joy onto a complete stranger. Hmmm

What I did not find at Wal Mart was Chex cereal for the Chex mix I needed to make, what I did find, most unexpectedly, was Christmas Joy, right there in Wal Mart.Yes, the economy is in the toilet, Chicago politics are corrupt, and there is another big snow storm on it's way to the area, but in a week we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

I'm gonna try my best to spread some Christmas joy. I don't plan to dance aound the entrance at Wal Mart, or wear 2 different colored crocs, but I will be thankful, I will smile, I will whistle a merry tune, and I will go out of my way to spread joy. Wanna join me?

By the way I did find Chex cereal at Tysen's for only $1 more per box than Wal Mart, you gotta try the recipe on the back of the chocolate chex cereal box, it's delicious and easy:
Click here for the recipe and more yummy snack recipes: http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=44440&CategoryId=342

P.S. Aldi in Crown Point has milk on sale for $1.99 and wheat bread for $.25. Saving money gives me joy!