Sunday, February 19, 2006

But can he play the keytar?

As a cashier, I think one of the funiest things to watch is how people sometimes try and hide there PIN's when they try and pay with debit cards. At the store for which I work, customers input debit/food stamp cards in a small device and then are guided through a few steps before the transaction is finished. Our model is the one with no stylus, just buttons; so when people input information (like passwords) there is no screen which leaves others guessing as to what exactly their PIN is. This leads to some failry elaborate attempts at distractions. I've found that most people don't want to be thought of as paranoid so instead of just covering the screen with one hand, they sometimes do things like asking others in the line to get something for them, pulling their cart through so as to position their body in the way of other people view of the device using the kids as distractions and so on. It gets really interesting when they start trying to throw me off. Most of the time people who don't want me to see what they're typing in just cover the pad, but every once in a while you get the especially "troubled" like the lady that came through my line towards the end of my shift today. First, she "drops" her pen and, while huffing and puffing in obvious discomfort, asks for me to get the pen for her so she can write the amount in her balance book. Now at this point I could have just reached in my drawer and pulled out another pen... but I didn't. Aparrently the amount of time I gave her while getting the pen wasn't quite enough so she quickly points out that I've left out some coupons she gave me which were on the other of me. At this point I can't help but smile a little. I went ahead and took my time as I calmly showed her that I had indeed added the coupons to the order. At this point she already had her PIN in and was quick to let out a feined "Oh! Sorry about that. You're right." Come on people, do you hoestly think I would go through and memorize everyone's PIN's? I have trouble enough trying to memorize produce codes so I don't think a quick look at someone's password wouldstick with me for very long (not to mention the fact that I can't do anything with just a PIN). Where's the love ya'll?

That's one of the many things I find humor in when I'm at work (pertaining to cutomers and coworkers). There wasn't much good that came from the 80's... save for me of course (and even that is debate-worthy in some people's minds) and the mullet. Lets face it folks, you know when you see a mullet you want to take a second look. Well, we have at least one such finely-mulleted specimen at work who just so happens to also be a loyal customer, which brings me to the second (and last for the day) thing which can be found humor in while at my workplace. The man's got a mane reaching half-way down his back, but this mullet is a little different in that there is no "business in the front". The guy's all "party." I guess one could call it a Frollet (Fro/Mullet hybrid). And, of course, to top it all of he's got a Philly accent which, in my mind, just tops it all off. Alright peoples, I'm off to mi cama. That's all *he* wrote for now.
.:fIn:.

1 comment:

Tam said...

I read this on myspace, but I like blogspot better :)

People can be tools. Sho said a little kid kicked you. While that's kind of funny (I can't lie) it's also a bit sad. Who does that?

I never kicked cashiers. One time I stole a pack of gum and my mom made me take it back and tell the people I stole it. That was rough. But there was no kicking involved.