Checking Out

I went to the grocery store last week and worked my way through my list at my usual unhurried pace. When I was done I made my way over to the checkout lines and thus began my very predictable exercise in frustration.  I actually enjoy grocery shopping, even look forward to it, EXCEPT that part. 

It’s always the same. As I prepared to check out, I did what we all do. I quickly scanned the lines and chose the one that appeared to be the shortest. Like most people, my life has had good breaks and bad, but in this particular area –  check out lines – my luck is invariably bad. I can carefully check each line assessing its length, the number of items in each cart ahead of me, the speed of the cashier, etc., make my choice, and pick the wrong one every time. Why is that? Someone checking out at the front of the line will suddenly need a price check, a pack of cigarettes, an additional item they remembered at the last minute, or perhaps the cashier will need to stop and replace that roll of receipt paper. Whatever the reason, the line will come to a screeching halt. The rest of us in line will then begin looking left and right at the other lines and attempt to decide whether it would be more advantageous to switch to one of those or to stay put. 

I chose to remain in place that day as I watched the cashier leave her post to go and consult with her supervisor about something. I knew full well that if I switched to another line something would go wrong in that one. I fought with all I had to remain patient, and after what felt like an eternity, I finally checked out and headed for my car. Maybe next time I’ll just go ahead and choose the longest line. It couldn’t possibly be any slower.