Today's Tip

Never wear a Hawaiian shirt when you go shopping at Trader Joe's.

I came up with this rule several years ago, after one too many experiences of costumers coming up to me and asking where to find the freeze-dried apples.  The problem isn't so much that it's awkward for me, but I feel bad for the others who always seem so embarrassed when they're told, "Sorry, I don't work here.  But I do think the Spicy Indonesian Chips are in that aisle over there." 

As friends will attest, I don't wear Hawaiian shirts terribly often, let alone short-sleeve shirts in general, so I have to keep reminding myself of the rule, and sometimes it slips through the cracks.  Like today, when there's been a hot spell in Los Angeles.  I had another errand to run nearby the Trader Joe's, so I figured I'm put both together.  Fortunately, as I approached the grocery store, reality kicked in, so I was able to avert disaster.

Fortunately, people who shop at Trader Joe's tend to be quite nice, so it's not too bad.  But honestly, it really is a jumble, so I do try to avoid it. 

I'll get my Dr. Prager's California Veggie Burger some other day.