Check This

If memory serves me correctly, my last blog regarding the grocery store was in reference to the shirtless shopper.  The last topic was amusing.  This one is most annoying.  As much as I hate waiting behind lazy drivers at stop lights, I really cannot stand waiting behind check-writers in the grocery store.  It's not even about the checks.  It's about the complete disregard for those behind them.  Too many times people are chatting, sorting through either coupons or food stamps, and only once their groceries are totaled to they start writing the check.  By the time the total is ready, the check should have the payee written and the check should be signed.  Only the payment amount should remain.

The express lane, which does not accept checks, is a slight concession to those craving efficiency.  I would propose one step further.  I would propose a check and coupon line.  I understand that people can save money by clipping coupons, but let me play devil's advocate.  People in advertising might disagree with me, but coupons and gym memberships are similar.  Gyms sell memberships, but only a percentage of members actually go.  Coupons printed and mailed in mass quantities, but how many people clip, and how many throw them away?  For that matter, how many people are up in arms because of plastic bottles, but don't blink an eye about junk mail and coupon mailers.  These are not my battles, as plenty of people have drawn attention to the ecological reasons for going paperless.  I just want people to stop writing damned checks in the check-out line.  Checks are for mailing.  And seriously, who doesn't have an ATM card by now?