People can be so wonderful and understanding sometimes

[SeattleGirl]

I went to the store a bit ago. I don't have much money at the moment; in fact, I had to get $5 from MrSG (he doesn't have much either at the moment), and then I decided to take the change from my piggy bank (yes, I really have a piggy bank), and feed it into one of those coin machines.

I get to the store, and the damned machine is out of order! :banghead:

So, I decide that I'll count out enough coins to cover what I absolutely needed to get that was over $5. So, I count the change out (not in the grocery line, my friends), and then get what I need.

The cashier rings it up, I reach into my purse to get the $5 before laying the change on her (total was $8.03), and I CAN'T FIND THE FUCKING $5 BILL!! :grr:

Now, when I got in line, there was no one behind me, and the store was pretty quiet.

That is, until I started counting out my change (and I did have the clerk put 2 things back that I thought could wait until tomorrow). Then, I look up and there are 8 people in line behind me.....

I was so fucking embarrassed. :blush: :blush: :blush:

And of course, the faster I tried to count the money, the more difficult it became.

I finally looked up at everyone in line, and said, "I am so very sorry about this, folks. The coin machine is broken, and this is all I have."

To a person, they ALL said, "Aw, that's okay. You're cool. Don't worry about it."

I damned near cried.

So to the folks in that line, a big thank you for understanding my predicament! :grouphug:

[Danger Mouse]

1. That's pretty rare, but cool.

Used to work in retail, and let me tell you that 95% of the people you encounter are total dicks.

[SeattleGirl]

2. Yeah, I know. I've worked in retail, and lots of folks think the clerks

and cashiers are their personal doormats.

[Danger Mouse]

6. Agreed, most definitely.

We were also expected to be omnipotent, and anything that went wrong, whether or not it was within our control, was PERSONALLY our fault. Sigh.

[leftofthedial]

3. They were right, Seattle Girl.

You are cool.

I hope things get better. I know what it's like not having any dough and raiding your piggy bank for a trip to the grocery store. Don't worry about it.

[SeattleGirl]

8. Thanks, left

Yeah, things will get better, I know.

[flvegan]

4. As it stands now...

and I've done this before, had I been behind you, I'd have paid your bill.

When I'm behind someone that is going through their purchases, eliminating one thing or another (yes,even meat...I know) to fit into a budget, I offer what extra I have.

It's not charity. It's "paying it forward" which is something we should all come to learn, know and subscribe to.

It's the "take-a-penny, leave-a-penny" tray of life. Sometimes a penny is a dollar. Sometimes it's 20 dollars.

You shouldn't be embarrassed. We're all one big damn family. When one is down, the one that's up should pick up the slack.

That's how family works.

[SeattleGirl]

9. I absolutely believe in paying it forward, and have been on the

giving and receiving end of it more than once.

While there are some middle class, and even high-middle class income people around her, there are many many people in my neighborhood who are at or below poverty level. They don't have much at all. That's probably why they were so understanding of my situation today; they've all been there, and may still be there.

I paid a lady's bus fare a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't riding the bus myself, but the bus stop was just outside the store. Pay it foward.

[alarimer]

5. Someone paid my library fine the other day

It was one dollar and I didn't have my wallet with me but I would have had to write a check because I almost never have cash. This woman in line gave me a dollar for it. She said that someone had done her a similar favor once. I thought that was cool. I was so stunned that I am not sure I properly thanked her. I was going to go out to the car to get my wallet but she saved me the trouble.

[SeattleGirl]

10. I think that sometimes, the little things like what this woman did for

you can have the biggest impact.

[flamingyouth]

7. I'm glad people were nice to you (as they should be)

I tripped and fell yesterday right on 5th Avenue downtown. I was totally embarrassed more than physically hurt, but three different people rushed up to me and asked me if I was okay, even though I was with my fiance. So yeah, I agree, there are nice people out there. :grouphug:

[SeattleGirl]

11. That's great, flamingyouth!

How are you physically, today? Any bumps, bruises, or cuts?

[flamingyouth]

13. LOL - I'm okay but have all three!

You know those large sidewalk stones that are by the old Nordstrom store? Some of them are kind of loose and I managed to find one and step on it, twisting one of my ankles. Like I said, more embarrassing than anything else; it always hurts worse the next day. I have a weak left hip - maybe that's what caused it. Or maybe it's just that *I'm a total klutz.* :D

[SeattleGirl]

14. Honey, I've been known to trip on air!

And yes, I know exactly where those stones are. I probably klutzed my way around those things more than once.

Hope you heal quickly!

[Maddy McCall]

12. If they had been mean to you...

Skittles and I would have come up there and kicked their asses.

:D

[SeattleGirl]

15. And they would be really, really sorry!

I definitely wouldn't want an ass kickin' by you and Skittles!