Until I came to Virginia for break and my radio suggested I BREAK OUT MY CONFEDERATE UNIFORM because some dixie music was coming on. Or because this time we might win! Win what? Why the war of Northern Aggression!
Then someone explained that my parents lived in Hen-ri-coh.
Me: Are you sure? Because I took Spanish for a few years and I’m pretty sure it’s pronounced En-ree-coh.
And don’t even ask me about the Poor White Parkway because I was told to never cross the James unless I needed a topiary or cheap fabric.
Later that week, I went to Urkrop's to pick up some food for my parent’s home, and when I checked out, the cashier asked me: How are you?
Me: What? Do I know you?
Cashier I don't know: Um, no but I’m Diannah Belle and I’ve worked at Ukrop's for 10 years and…
But all I kept noticing is how much the checking out part had slowed down. Also, how uncomfortable I am with all this smiling. But just when I thought I could escape, a man TOOK MY GROCERY BAGS.
Me: Um, where are you going?
Man stealing my bags: Which way to your car, ma’am?
Me: Excuse me? I got those.
Man stealing my bags: Nope.
Me: What?
Man trying to help me: We carry grocery bags out to your car.
Me: Um, okay…
As he left, I turned red and called my mom: THEY CARRIED MY GROCERY BAGS TO THE CAR AND I DIDN’T HAVE ANY MONEY TO TIP HIM. WHY DIDN’T YOU WARN ME?
Mom: Oh, you aren’t allowed to tip. I tried.
Me: Also, everyone TALKED to me.
Mom: I know! They’re so nice in the South.
Nice is one way to think about it. The other way is to impatiently wait until I could be safely ignored in the North where Spanish is Spanish, helping is stealing, and nice is just another word for nosy.
Within the next two weeks, the winners will receive these prizes, thanks to our generous sponsors:
Real Life Studios: $150 Real Life Studios Gift Certificate–and MANY thanks for taking all those photos!
Core Kids Academy: $100 gift certificate towards any gymnastics class
Learning Rx: Evaluation valued at $149
Dream Dinners: $50 gift certificate
Romp n’ Roll: $50 gift certificate
Toyconomy: (1st three age categories): $25 gift certificate
Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods: $25 gift certificate for Ukrop’s famous baked foods
Kindermusik: (1st two age categories): $25 gift certificate
KidsDineFree.net: A KidsDineFree.net card valued at 19.95
Gift Certificate to DiapersandDenim.com valued at $15
Richmond Rocks Children’s book signed for your child, valued at $12.95
The Science Museum of Virginia: 4-pack of tickets valued at $44
Mom’s Treehouse: $50 Gift Certificate towards any fitness program
A Sonicare toothbrush set from Atkins, Maestrello, Miller and Associates Pediatric Dentists
]]>yup, Ukrop's Homestyle Foods bakes up more than just your average birthday cake.
Who doesn’t love a Ukrop’s cake? We’re back at the Gather ‘Round blog at Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods talking about how sweet it is.
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