What's Fair Is . . . Fair?

So, I’m at my local grocery store yesterday, getting ready to buy a gallon of 2% milk. I’m looking around for a short line. It’s been a long, hot day—I want to make this a quick trip. Do I get in the long line of people with similar item count or do I go to the short(er) line where the carts are packed? I decide on the latter. There is approx 3 people ahead of me—no who am I kidding, there ARE 3 people ahead of me, I have plenty of time to count them and count the number of items in their cart . . . let’s see, the red headed lady at the front has  . . how many palates of juice boxes . . . hum, that light on the ceiling is out . . . oooh,  an new flavor of Trident gum . . . gosh, the guy in front of me really needs a haircut or baseball cap or something . . . yes, there’s a speck of paint or dandruff on his shoulder. Red is moving toward her purse . . . will it be a check or plastic or paper . . . the world waits  . . . and waits. I feel a slight bump on my left shin. I’m being assaulted with a loose shopping cart. It’s a man and his family getting in line behind me. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” I’m thinking as I give him a half smile, “I’m bad luck today! You may want to get in another line—ANY other line!” I move a ½ step. Another lost soul gets in line behind the man behind me. I’m starting to feel claustrophobic.  There’s nowhere to turn! I look over at the longer line and the lady I would have been behind is checking out! Now I’m trapped! Ugh! I picked the wrong line! Now my patience is running thin . . . come on Red! Please don’t answer your phone and slow us down even more! Someone comes from around the corner, weaving through our line. It’s Red’s daughter with another armful. “I like this store! It’s convenient”, I keep reminding myself!  Thoughts wonder to friends and family who have told me that they have left carts of food just sitting in the aisles because they have become so frustrated on the wait. I may have to join them with this story. And who’s doing who a favor on those self-serve checkouts? If I’m going to check myself out, I think I deserve workman’s comp if I snag a finger on the barcode reader. Ah, Red’s done and Bad-Hair Guy is up.  Ok . . . don’t lose your cool, Janie! It’s not so bad! I start to zone out again . . . Jennifer Anniston looks so pretty on that rag cover! Note to self, get hair done . . .

The chocolate bars are calling out to me when I am jolted into reality—“Line 8 is open with no waiting!”