It’s Thursday and I’m glad to be home. This afternoon RJ and I went out to run a couple of errands. It didn’t matter what store we were in, Bah Humbug! was in the air. I have never seen so many unhappy, rude, and totally disconnected people in all my life.

     In AC Moore, an arts and crafts store, the lady at the checkout counter, stood there will a frown on her face and a bite in her voice.  There was no one in her line, so RJ pushed our cart into the aisle toward the register. The old gal looked up and snapped, “This was my last customer. I’m closed.”

     RJ backed out of the aisle and returned to the first aisle with a long line of customers waiting to check out.  I mean really; there was only 2 registers. Why she snapped at RJ is beyond me.  I looked at him and he said, “Well, I guess, she told me. I’m not used to getting hollered at, especially in a store.”

     I said, “So much for customer service.”

     The woman ahead of us did not hear the exchange and walked toward the old gal with no one in her line. RJ watched. He knew what was coming.  Needless to say, the quip from the old gal was just as harsh and the woman returned to the end of our very long check-out line, obviously embarrassed and upset.  RJ said, “You were in front of me. Come up here.” The woman thanked him.

     I said, “So much for Christmas spirit.”

     “My, I was yelled at,” she replied. “All I wanted was to buy this tissue paper. I’ve been looking for gift baskets. My mother died and I am getting things ready for the funeral.”

     I said I was sorry for her loss. She paid for her things at this register, thanked the young man behind the counter as she took her bag.  We were next.

     “Did you find everything you were looking for?”

     “Yes,” I replied.

     Meanwhile, the old gal was getting ready to leave her register. Another associate (or supervisor) was checking out her drawer. The old gal grabbed a shopping cart and pushed it toward the exit, almost running over RJ. She left the cart in the entrance way and blew passed us without a second look. I glanced up at RJ is amazement. 

     “Not happy,” I said.

     The young man at the register was trying to check us out, answer the phone, and wrap my candles all at the same time.  I couldn’t wait any longer. He asked me if I wanted my candles wrapped in paper.  I said I did. The phone rang again. He answered it. I started to bag my own things. As he wrapped the candles, he gave them to RJ to bag. I couldn’t believe it. I’m bagging my own merchandise!

     This is the last time I shop at AC Moore.