New Thing #336--Electrifying

Remember how I fell and hurt my ankle yesterday? It didn't get any better last night, although I figured out it was more my foot than my ankle. This morning walking downstairs from the bedroom was agony. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but when I moved my foot the wrong way and it hurt so bad I started crying, I knew I should take the time to go get it checked out.

After two hours in the urgent care I found out all I had was a bad sprain; my instructions were rest and ibuprofen. I had big plans for the day that couldn't happen anymore since I couldn't walk. I rested on the couch and snoozed on and off. When it was time to think about dinner, I went to the grocery store where I used an electric cart to do my shopping.

This activity was actually on my original list of Things to do. The electric carts look like fun, but I wasn't sure if it was ok to use them since I'm not handicapped. There's no sign that lists any restrictions, but I felt funny unplugging one and driving away. Not today, though.

Tony came with me to help me pick out the food. He parked the car, and I hobbled into the store. There were several grocery-mobiles available in the lobby; I picked the one that was the easiest to get to, unplugged it and tried to it figure out.

The cart was easy to use. Pushing a lever forward sent the cart in that direction, and pushing it the opposite direction caused it to back up (while making a lovely beeping sound!). It took me several tries to figure out the speed control, as the cart went faster than I would have thought. Turns were easy; the cart just needed a little extra turning room. I actually mastered a three-point turn in an empty frozen-food aisle.

There were a couple of problems, though. It was hard to see things on the shelves unless they were right at eye level. Other shoppers didn't seem to see me; a couple of times someone walked right in front of me and I had to make a quick stop. Passing another cart in an aisle was difficult, especially if a shopper hadn't pulled it all the way over to the side.

Tony and I picked out our lettuce and frozen pizza, paid for the food, and returned the cart. I enjoyed my trip around the store, but I don't know if I'd want to do it on a regular basis.

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We forgot to even bring a camera with us, so enjoy this video.