When I get off work at 5.30, have to sit in traffic for 30 minutes and then, in my work clothes, have to stand in a long line to buy a gallon of milk or a cart of just food, I get cranky. I do not like getting cranky, so this is how I have fun:

1. If possible, no grocery shopping till after 8 or 9pm. Order a pizza or something for dinner.

2. I sometimes print out or bookmark new recipes I want to try, and before I go shopping, I print it out, highlight the stuff I need to get, along with my list.

3. Try a new ingredient - whatever it is - a fruit, a frozen meal, a can of green stuff; a small thing that is different sometimes.

4. Dessert - an Almond Joy, a small tub of exotic ice-cream, a bag of doughnuts, whatever makes you happy.

5. Bring someone - someone you adore and enjoy them while you decide who's going to cook, and how you are going to provide 'incentives'. Include whipped cream in your sentences...

6. Flirt or smile at fellow shoppers, especially cute ones. They are there for a reason - for people to enjoy. Strike up a conversation that is not a complaint, but maybe about something in the other person's stack of stuff, or the weather or the news.

7. If you cannot, or do not, want to talk... munch on some snack - I leave a few in my bag for this reason.

8. RED BOX - I capitalize it because I love it. Going to the store for milk is fun because I can rent a moviefor a dollar a day and have a movie night.

That's what I do... what about you?