It irks me to no end when someone gets in the check-out line in a store and then is confused when the cashier asks for payment. Some people don’t realize that they’ll have to do something to transfer funds to the store in return for the goods.

I don’t know how many times I’ve been in a line and the cashier will say “That’ll be $XX” and have the customer stare blankly at them before realizing that it’s time for them to fumble through their purse for their checkbook (I know it’s down here somewhere) and a pen (I just had it). That’s followed by “What’s today’s date?” and “Where am I again?”.

And, surprise, just when I thought things were going to move, she decides that it’s time to balance her checkbook (I wouldn’t want her to overdraft, now would I?).

Ten minutes later, the transaction that should have taken no more than 30 seconds is complete… except for recording the transaction in her check register and stowing all of her gear back in her purse. A company of Marines could stow a base camp in the time it takes for her to repack her luggage!!

And men can be just as bad with their “Oh, just one more thing I forgot that’s at the back of the store but I’m an Olympic sprinter so I’ll be back before you can ring up all of my stuff” attitude. If you forgot something, you have three choices that won’t piss me off: 1) Don’t get it, or 2) Get out of line (take your stuff with you!), go get it, and return to the end of the line, or 3) Make your purchase, take your things to your car, and come back for the forgotten item. Inconvenient for you? Tough nookie!! It’s convenient for me! And that’s all I care about.

And cell phones at the check-out line? DON’T GET ME STARTED THERE!

My point is : If you get in line to check out, BE READY TO CHECK OUT! I am, and I don’t want to wait for your sorry butt to figure out how it all works. I have places to be, thank you very much.

Have a pleasant day.

My two cents.

Mark