Fareway

Mom came last night to stay with the kids while I had an appointment this morning at 7:45 am.  Afterwards, I went to get groceries in *peace*, alone.  It was like magic.  Even after forgetting my list, I had the presence of mind to remember (I think) everything I needed.  And it didn’t take me very long, either, even including the fiasco at the check out line…

First off, I have to say there was a sweet lady at the register.  She was very friendly, but – she kept double scanning my groceries!  The first time, I said, “Oops, looks like you got that one twice.”  She apologized and voided the transaction.  The second time it happened, I brought attention to it, she checked the receipt, and sure enough, one extra.  She apologized again and voided the duplicate.  She said she was having a hard time hearing the scanner beep.  So she adjusted the volume.  I didn’t even know there were volume controls on a scanner.  Fine, whatever works. 

And then it happened a third time… with my ground beef, no less.  But, the monitor to which my eyes were glued didn’t advance.  I thought there was a delay, that the recently scanned items would appear… waiting, waiting, nothing.  But the sub-total kept adding up!  I stood there in a silent panic.  I had called this poor woman out twice before, did I really want to accuse her of double scanning my meat when I had no proof?  I knew what Josh would say… forget it… it’s what, $2?  I didn’t say a word.  She finished scanning, and announced my total, $86 and some change.  I put on my best I’m-really-ok-with-this, I-can-handle-this, it’s-only-$2 polite smile and handed over my crisp $100 bill, willing to grin and bear it.

And then the screen blacked out!  The receipt refused to print!  She couldn’t remember the total, and neither could I – not to the penny, at least.  She called a manager over who forced the partial receipt to print, but it wasn’t correct.  I told her I’d be more than happy to wait while she re-scanned my entire cart, and that’s exactly what happened.  I watched everything like a hawk, even letting her know when the rice she swiped across the scanner didn’t register.  And then… the moment I was waiting for… $84.42.  YES!  Woo hoo!  I knew it!  I wanted to pump my fists in the air.  I was just saved from not overpaying by $2 without having to look like a cheapskate!  Yes!  I AM THE VICTOR!  Not this time, Fareway.

Just kidding… I love you, Fareway, you are Iowa’s most economical food store. It’s me who needs help… I just spent 30 minutes blogging about it.