#1: Wait for It...

Disclaimer: This is the conclusion of an ESPN-Top Ten-Style Ranking List of Mundane things in my Life that I Have Ranked From Worst to Best. For the initial explanation, click here. For items 10-2, start here.)

I can't believe it's finally here.

The grand reveal of the #1 ranked perfectly mundane and normal part of my life that I have, for some reason, chosen to put in numerical order.

This has been a project three months in the making. It has forced me to think deeply. Ask questions. Write and revise. Reflect. Consider where my time is spent. Consider what brings me joy. 

And here we have it! I'm going to try to first describe this number one thing, only to reveal it at the end. If you skip to the bottom, you're a cheater! If you stick with me, you're a hero. 

I remember the first time we went. By accident, I believe. It was a Thursday. We were on that side of town. Despite living right next to a similar facility, it was worth a shot to swing by while we were close to it. We walked in and were warmly greeted by the friendliest face. There was a breath of fresh air and freedom as we navigated our way around with a never-before-seen elegance and ease. Not bumping into a single person. Not having to back up, reroute, wait for someone else. Everything about it seemed fresh, new, beautiful. Tailor-made for people like us. 

And speaking of people, there seemed to be so few. The crowds we usually experienced were surely still present, but they didn't feel so consuming. They didn't swarm us. Like I said, we could breathe. I attribute it to the layout of this place - perfectly spaced-out sections and rows that would allow even a bustling suburb to feel like a quiet oasis. 

We spent more time there than I would like to admit. Partially because we were learning our lay of the land, and partially because there was an aura we didn't want to escape. Everything was clean. It was well taken care of. Neatly stacked. Newly stocked. Never stuffed with things that don't belong.

And then, the moment our minds were blown. We had reached the end. It was time to depart. There is a certain requirement for departure that we faced with dread due to past experiences in past places. We approached the place where a payment could be made, only to find the most hospitable, endearing, engaging, and most importantly, efficient experience I could have ever imagined. I should have timed it. Weeks later, I did. Less than a minute. For everything. Double-bagged. Organized. Tidy. So friendly I felt warm inside. Only to be bid farewell by a multitude of apron-donned workers who genuinely seemed grateful I existed, and grateful to exist as well.

By now I have given enough information that you're surely putting pieces together. Perhaps you're thinking, "She must be talking about Subway!" Alas, that green and gold "Eat Fresh" Anthem could only dream of the freshness we encountered. "Then perhaps a Cracker Barrel Takeout Counter?" But I insist, if this place gave their customers gold stars like CB, they would need longer aprons. Am I being dramatic? Surely. Is it warranted? Undoubtedly. Quite frankly, I can't help myself. 

For the friendly personnel, the fresh produce, the freedom to maneuver without collision, the cleanliness, the speed, and the way it feels just a little bit like home.................


Meijer on State Road 32, I rank you #1. 

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