Sometimes I Just Want To Punch Someone. Preferably the Guy Behind Me in the Checkout Line.

Today was one of those days. I stretched C to his little limit this morning by running an extra errand. I knew I was playing with fire, but he had been such a precious, well-behaved quiet little babe during the morning's first two errands that I couldn't help but try and test the waters. We breezed in and out of Old Navy while perusing the racks for the desperately sought after plaid shirt for Hubs. Kohl's was a cinch and despite wearing the most popular and god-forsaken size pant, we managed to scoop up two new pairs of 32/30 no-iron khakis for him as well. And then I realized that we would eventually need to eat dinner tonight and I've been itching to make this Baked Potato soup recipie that I recently spotted on someone's blog.

Enter Safeway. C is still behaving himself, fussing a bit here and there, but nothing that couldn't be quieted with a verse or two of the ABC's or "Hey Soul Sister," Yes, my son likes himself a little Train now and then and luckily, I don't mind singing and dancing around in public. Others might take offense, but they can just bite a big ol' fatty. Kind of like the guy behind me in the checkout line.

I grab the 7 ingredients I was seeking and get into the line of one of the two open cashiers, neither of which was a "speedy checkout: X items or less" line. No big deal. Despite a semi-fussing babe, I'm truly in no rush. So there I am, standing in line behind two women who, despite having been all rung up and ready to go, suddenly realize they forgot their Safeway card and must immediately apply for a new one, in order to pay for their groceries. Once again, I take a deep breath and keep on singing to C.

A man, upwards of 50, gets in line behind me and starts filling the belt with his groceries. Roughly 37 of them. Five minutes later, we're up and running. The clerk starts ringing up my purchases. All 7 of them.

Suddenly, I realize I've forgotten my "groceries only" credit card at home on the counter. I start to panic and that warm, embarassed feeling starts creeping its way up around my neck from underneath my cozy, oversized cableknit sweater. The man behind me can sense the apparent delay and lets out a very audible SIGH. 

I glance back at him, saying nothing and just raise my eyebrow. 

I turn back to the clerk and politely admit that I've forgotten my check card at home and only have $25 dollars cash on me. I then manage to stammer, "Would it be alright if I just hand you back what I truly don't need and you can deduct it from my bill?" Keep in mind, the bill is $32. I have 7 items. One of which is overpriced diaper rash cream. I have $25 in hand. Quick math results in having to only return 2 items. 

At this point, the not-so-gentle man behind me has the audacity to say, quite loudly, "you have GOT to be kidding me. I don't have time for this!"

Normally, I'm not one to stir the pot. But let's just say that having a baby changes you. I'm now equipped with a mean set of mom-claws and with very little reserve when it comes to using them. 

I turn back to this unfortunately angry man and say, "Sir, you should be ashamed of yourself." I hand the clerk the two items I would like deducted and pay for my groceries. In a matter of minutes. I turn back to the man and with a smile on my face and honey dripping from my voice say, "Now see? That wasn't so bad afterall. You take care and have a wonderful day."

Some people. I just don't understand. I hate it that I let an utterly unhappy and negative person such as this man get underneath my skin and completely ruin my day. We're talking to the point of that uncomfortablly tight something-is-stuck-in-my-throat and the -tears-are-almost-going-to-spill-over feeling.

If I had been in line behind a young mom and happened to have the $7 extra dollars she might need to pay for her dinner, I would have handed it over without a second thought. If I didn't have the cash and even if I was in a small rush, I never would have behaved in such an awful and selfish manner. My mom always told me to pray for people like that. Unhappy, negative nancies. That's exactly what I'll be doing today. Right after I put away my mom-claws.

Happy Wednesday.