In Line

You know when you finished your grocery list in the store, the cart is overflowing, and you push your heavy load to the check out line. All the lines are three deep so you just pick whichever and read the covers of all the gossip magazines while you wait. Of course, no one wants to get behind you in line because of the load you are pushing around.

Once the conveyor belt moves, you start to unload. Trying to move as quickly as possible, a small prick of perspiration breaks out along your hairline, to get all the groceries out so you can move the cart to the end. Feeling guilty that you have so much stuff, you try to help the bagger get some of the groceries back into the cart before the checker finishes.

Then the checker states your total. Granted, you know you have spent way too much, but rationalize you needed it all to get through the next few weeks. But, nothing weakens your knees more when you open your wallet and your favorite credit card is missing (or debit card if you prefer). Basically, your heart drops to your stomach and your last five places you visited before flash in front of you, trying to trace your steps.

Wham, you remember that you pulled the card out to pay for gas and you left the card in your right pocket. Your hand slides slowly into your pocket only to thank God you feel the little rectangular piece of plastic. Swiping the card, signing your name and pushing your cart to the car. And you take a deep breath because you made it through another grocery trip successfully.