I stopped at the grocery store on the way home from work tonight to pick up some food for dinner. Of course, being a human, I chose the shortest checkout line when I had filled my basket with items to buy. Little did I know, I was behind …
Cheque Cashing Lady!
The poor dear looked about 95 years old with floppy hat and blue blocker sunglasses to boot. She seemed harmless enough at first when I noticed her with only four items to put through, but I knew I was in for it when she pulled out her chequebook. Not only did this senior only want an extra $10 on her $10 purchase, the cashier had to call a supervisor over for help! (The sup had to fill in the cheque for the senior of course…)
This little scene is truly an exercise in patience. I just kept trying to picture myself at the lady’s same age, many years from now, taking a year and a day trying to use my debit card when everyone else is using their new-fangled finger identification chips or some such bunk. Hee hee. Can I say now that I will never let this happen? I’d like to say it won’t. But …
I bet that lady in front of me complained about the same thing 70 years ago when she was behind some old codger in line. What goes around comes around!
Shades of Bliss 
I’ve just been reading about blessings and a good thing to do is bless people that annoy you – it helps your patience. I’m going to try it as I’m notoriously impatient.On Tuesday I was third in the queue when the cashier told me the till on the other side of the store was free. I went across to find 4 people waiting. By the time I got back I had to join the end of the queue and was 5th. Grrr! Needless to say, I gave her a mouthful! And no one let me take up my old place in the queue.
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That would have really cracked me up. I probably would have had to picked up my basket and find a new check out, not out of impatience, but for fear of offending someone by laughing too loud. But I have a rather warped sense of humour.It’s one of the joys of this city, there are so many great chances to experience our ‘future selves’.
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Great story…I’m a ‘senior’, although I like to think of myself as ‘different’ from all the blue haird lady drivers and doddery old guys I see each day. Having been a survivor of countless disasters all my life, I try to go out each day prepared. BUT…Grocery store line-ups usually have me beat!!!. I always pick the slowest, I’m always behind the type of person you described. The very worst kind are the mathematically challenged who can’t count their items..they always have one more than the express line limit. then after getting away with that, want to pay with a worn out, unswipeable Debit Card..GRRRRRRRRR…I’m thinking of getting a T shirt that reads ‘DO NOT FOLLOW ME, I ALWAYS PICK THE WRONG CHECK-OUT’
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We all have had the same experience haven’t we? 🙂 Thanks for posting everyone. Jay your comment made me laugh out loud…that t-shirt would be hilarious!
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Very Funny here today Beth.Enjoyed the story. Such little touching stories. I love them.
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Great story – my Nana was ahead of her time in her confusion.She was always trying to pay with her Visa before that was common.Like at McDonalds, after treating us, or the Liquor Store, or a taxicab.Does anyone else remember when you couldn’t pay my credit card at such places?
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oopsthat should read By credit cardThough feel free any of you to pay My credit card!
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thanks ocean and miss scarlett. miss scarlett, my biggest pet peeve while living in ontario was that you couldn’t use a debit card (or credit card) at tim horton’s. the dark ages! it could be the same here in BC although i don’t go to Timmies as often. 🙂
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🙂 Hehe.. I can relate since I can be very impatient at times. But yes, a little patience does go a long long way, especially in preserving your heart.:)
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Great story Beth. You have great self awareness and honesty. That’s why I like your blog so much. X.
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