So… I don’t know about you, but traveling does a number on my digestive track. It really doesn’t matter what I eat or where I am, I’m inevitably followed by a serious string of stomach issues. A few weeks back I was out of town and woke up feeling less than 100%. I hopped in the car and proceeded to drive around until I found a grocery store because the only thing (at the point) that could help was some Immodium. I pull into the only grocery store I can see. Turns out it’s a local Hispanic store, which is great, unless you need to track down some Immodium, stat. I’m meandering, half panicked through the isles looking for something to aid my pain and it’s NO WHERE to be found. Seriously… I could not find a thing. I end up walking to the front of the store and realize they keep all of their drugs and “over the counter” items behind the front counter of the store. I stumble up to the front, right as a manager approaches me and mutters in a heavy Hispanic accent “Can I help you find anything?”… I glance around and realize there is a check out girl and at least 3-4 other men just staring at me, waiting for my response. Awkward moment.
I can feel the red splotches making their way up my chest to my face, and my cheeks are getting hotter as my anxiety builds. I glance around one last time before whispering “Well, I was looking for some Immodium”. He gives me this quizzical look like I’ve just asked for dragon eggs and proceeds to yell up to the front counter “DO WE HAVE ANY IMMODIUM?”. Now, as if having to explain to a group of men that I needed Immodium, then direct them that it may be near the Pepto Bismol/Tums… he shouts it so the entire store can enjoy this pathetic show that is generally my life. I step up to the counter just in time to be handed a large bottle of sea-foam green Immodium AD. I then hand it back insisting that the small bottle will work just fine.
With my face burning some un-before seen shade of red, I turn and as quickly as possible ask the amused check out lady to hand me a bag. I don’t believe I’ve ever scurried out of a store so quickly in my life. Oh, and by the way… nastiest stuff I’ve ever had to drink. But, it sure did the trick.
Lesson learned: I will always make sure to carry on a small bottle of Immodium for just such an occasion.