Oh, Trader Joe’s Sample Lady…
We have such a love-hate relationship,
although I am certain you have no idea.
The sweet smell of the culinary delights you create
fill my mind and nostrils upon entering the store
You make my shopping trips so much easier with your tasty treats
and colorful balloons for my children.
The gooey softness of gnocchi bathed in marinara
The robust ethnic flavors of chicken in curry sauce
And the occasional sweet sensation of cinnamon bread or muffins.
Each flavor fills my mouth with wonderful temptations
And keeps my children’s‘ whining at bay…
Their sweet eyes roll to heaven as they taste your wonderful treasures
The heavens open as they sing the praises of whatever new food has been introduced
Their eager voices plead for me to purchase this culinary delight
and make it for dinner TONIGHT!
I am unable to deny these sweet cherubs anything at this moment.
(And I am so freakn‘ happy I now know what I’m making for dinner!)
But alas! The good fortune can not continue.
*dark clouds are rolling in and in the distance thunder is heard*
Dinnertime has arrived, that dreadful part of the day when every mom is just
barely hanging on until Daddy returns from work
The table is set, the meal is complete
I look down at my creation and smile with pride at my use of more than two ingredients tonight
and I am confident that this meal will be a success
(i.e. no reminders to eat, no constant nagging to take bites, and no need to quantify how much must be eaten)
I lovingly place the plates before my sweet angels and…
am assaulted by every mother’s worst nightmare…
“I don’t like that. Can I have peanut butter and jelly? It tasted different in the store.”
In an instant the angelic faces before me have sprouted horns and handlebar mustaches.
“Be gone culinary devils!” I cry in despair.
And the nightly battle over dinner ensues… “You said you liked it! You told me to buy it and make it tonight! This is what we’re having. You don’t like it, you can eat at breakfast tomorrow! 5 bites! You have to eat 5 bites!”
Oh Trader Joe’s Sample Lady I was lured into your web yet again.
I was tempted by your yummy smells and ease of preparation,
I was distracted by your glorious balloons
only to have the rug pulled out from under me.
You win again, Old Friend, you win again!
This is just my normal…
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