One More Reason I Love Living in a Small Town

I went to the grocery store last night after work. There are two major ones here in town and one of them I don't like because it is too big and crowded. But it is closer to work so I've been using it more often than I used to. However, this time I went to the other one. I shopped, got in line, was rung up, and gave the checker my debit card. I was using it as a credit card because I can never remember the PIN number the bank assigned to me. It wouldn't go through no matter how many times he swiped it.

He called the lead checker over. She is my favorite person at that store and she tried to swipe it. It still wouldn't work. They said, "You can write a check." I was out of checks and didn't have enough cash. I said, "Let me call my husband." My favorite checker said, "No, don't do that." She whipped out her own debit card and with me protesting she swiped it through the machine. She said, "You're a good customer. Pay me back the next time you come in."

I thanked her profusely and went home. I told my husband about it and immediately set about balancing my check book. I had thought there should be enough money for my purchase. However, when I looked I realized I had forgotten to deduct an automatic payment. No wonder the purchase wouldn't go through! I have a thank you card and cash to pay her back today, but it is just one more reminder of why I live here.