"The Suck Zone"

I've watched the movie "Twister" about 20 times since it was released. I always laugh as one colorful character is describing tornadoes to a newbie, giving the details of entering "the suck zone". Since moving back to the States, I feel I can relate.

When I pull into the walmart parking lot I feel the wind of materialism begining to blow. As I walk past the greeter, an all out storm ensuses. I feel the sting of "everyday low prices" pelting me from everyside, emploring me to buy more than I came for....more than I need. I take a deep breath and press on clenching my list in my hand. Around asile three I hesitate...feeling battered by the downpour of commercialism...I start to wonder if I really DO need to recorate the bathroom...my towels really are out dated. I fight back the urge to "buy now and pay later". I set my chin and grip the cart. I press hard against each powerful "gim-me" gust. I labor on knowing that "the suck zone" is upon me. The intensity is almost too strong so I turn my head as I pass the small kitchen appliances far nicer and newer than mine. "Hang on, just a little bit more," I tell myself. "Stick to the list. Buy light bulbs and toilet paper." I'm griping the cart with white nuckles, pressing toward the checkout counter. The storm is almost over I can feel it changing directions. The cashier asks me, "Did you find everything you needed today?" Relief. "Yes...everything I needed." I murmur. A strange calm as I walk out with my one little bag in hand. And I am once again a survivor of "the suck zone".