My mother would often tell me, “Janet Kay, you are a glutton for punishment.” Now, all these years later, I realize she was right.
Glutton for punishment: A person who is always eager to take on burdensome tasks.
And so, on Monday before Thanksgiving, I decided to return two items my husband didn’t need for his Christmas project to a very popular store in town. I won’t mention its name, but you will probably be able to guess as I tell my story. The two items totaled $6, which would be returned to my checking account.
Upon entering the parking lot, I thought that they were awfully busy for a Monday morning. It took me wandering down three aisles in the parking lot to find a space in which to park. I should have gone back home then, but oh no, I’m a glutton for punishment.
Walking into the store, I immediately noticed that every checkout was open. Yay! I also saw that each checkout was lined with at least half a dozen shoppers, many with full carts. No Yay!
The store has only two return lanes that also serve as regular checkout lanes. There is no limit on the number of items you can check out. This information may foreshadow where I am and what is going to happen.
I get into the shortest lane, not paying attention to the person checking out there. There is one lady between the lady checking out and me. That lady is holding a couple of small items.
After several minutes, I glance around the lady in front of me. The lady checking out keeps unloading her cart and unloading and unloading. The lady in front of me turns around and gives me the “I can’t do this anymore” look and leaves.
It is then that I notice the cashier has bagged up two large bags of items. I thought, “What is going on?” I glance up at the wall and see the sign – 90% off Fall items. Oh forevermore!
Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard
I should have done as the lady in front of me did and left, but oh no, I’m a glutton for punishment. I stand my ground for what seemed like an eternity. I look at the time, and it’s already when I thought I would be back home.
My back begins to ache from standing so long. A sweet cashier comes over and tells everyone in my lane that if they don’t have a return, they should move to a different lane. We are now at least 20 minutes into my punishment.
The cashier asks someone to bring over another cart to put the bags in. I hear a voice whispering in my ear … Janet, “How’s your comfort and joy bucket doing?” It’s the invisible Grinch. My patience is wearing thin, but I’m bound and determined to suffer through this.
The lady is still placing a gazillion items on the counter when she looks at me and says, “I only came in for one thing, but I couldn’t resist 90 percent off.” I was not smiling when I said, “I guess I picked the wrong day to return my two items.” She continues to unload her cart. The cashier asks for another cart to be brought over so more bags can be placed in it. Cart #3
Finally, the total is added up, and her bill comes to $290. Keep in mind that most of what she purchased was 90 percent off, which might give you an idea of how much she bought.
It took the cashier less than a minute to add $6 back to my debit card. I came out of the store $6 richer, but with very little patience left.
That lady with a gazillion Fall items was as happy as a kid on Christmas morning. I know she had fun when she got home. I will not be going back to that store anytime soon, as it will continue to be a madhouse until Christmas. I can’t imagine the day after Christmas when things are 90 percent off. No way. Not going there.
My gluttony will not include returning to the scene of my punishment anytime soon.
I do have to thank the lady with three carts full of Fall goodies. She gave me inspiration for my column this week. I owe her a thank you … and a smile.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.