I have no problem dealing with ignorance. Sometimes, I struggle with stupidity, but I absolutely loathe rudeness. I hate it when I see it in myself, and always try to be polite, even if it isn't what I'm thinking at the time. Couple rudeness with laziness, and you have a death-row sentence in my book.

I often comment on how my buying experiences in Boulder Creek are typically much better than when I go over the mountains. I confess that there is a place where I have an occasional exception. The gas station in Boulder Creek employs this young person to work the store. I can't say young lady, because lady carries with it a certain definition of character that doesn't apply here. This person is generally very rude, and is typically on the phone while working. When I go in to pay for my fuel, I just shudder if she's there.

I took a break around lunch-time today to get fuel for the truck. I was running on empty, and decided I'd better take care of it. I went in to give my card to the cashier. By the time I break down to get fuel, I know I'm going to need more than the automatic system will let me have. So, I always take the card in. Furthermore, the local station just did one of those irritating things where they charge different prices for 'credit' and 'cash'. It really irritates me, but I started using my card as an ATM card to reduce the price even that measly four cents a gallon. I was relieved that the Irritating One wasn't behind the counter, handed over my card, and specifically requested a fill-up on ATM. I went out and filled up with diesel, the highest priced fuel at the freakin' pump. I was further miffed to find out that a few hours ago the price of diesel went up six cents/gallon.

I went in to finish paying, and felt that familiar rise in blood pressure when I noticed the Irritating One was in the store. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to pump 34 gallons... Still, the other person was in there as well, so I figured it would be ok. Unfortunately, she had accidentally hit credit card when ringing me up, and was struggling to figure out how to fix it. That was fine. I was patient, I just wanted it done correctly. It was at this time that I felt the need to get up on my stump.

In an effort to expedite the transaction, the cashier I had been dealing with asked for help from the Irritating One. She came over to the register, looked at it, extended my card to me, and said, "You're just going to have to pay the Credit price." Normally, I would have just said fine, and moved on. There was someone standing behind me in line, and I don't like to negatively impact someone else's plans. Unfortunately, seeing that look of unconcerned disinterest on the Irritating One's face made me go against my normal procedure. "No. I pumped 34 gallons of fuel, and I don't want to pay the credit price." She gave a giant sigh of disgust from her copious expanse of a body, and informed me, "it really isn't that much difference, and your bank is going to charge you that price anyway." Who are you to tell me what makes a difference? If it isn't that much money, then open up your wallet and give me the difference out of your own pocket. "Actually, my bank allows me a number of ATM transactions each month without a fee." With a look of disgust, she starts pounding on the keys, and the friendlier cashier comments happily that it's going to be taken care of, and now she sees how to do it.

I punch in my ATM number, and hit enter. I wait for a while, and the Irritating One says, "You are going to have to hit enter for it to finish." I did hit enter, it apparently didn't take. By the way, have you ever considered eating some rice cakes and fruit? And looking for another job? I looked at the total, and knew that they charged me the credit fee, even though it ultimately went through as a cash transaction. They both assured me that it went through as cash. However, the Irritating One's expression indicated that she was lying. By now, at least four people were behind me, and my $1.20 or whatever wasn't worth arguing... for now. I'll be discussing this with the manager the next time I see her.

I really don't care if people are rude and lazy. If that's your thing, go for it. However, don't take a job where you are supposed to supply service to customers. Find something else to do.



Blood...Pressure...Returning...To...Normal...