You can't argue with that

For my few weekly groceries, I always use the YouScan checkout lanes. This option is great since I can handle each item with care and be sure the price records on the scanner. I frequently shop at off-hours when the store is less busy and I can be more leisurely about cruising around the aisles.

One early Saturday morning I was at YouScan when only one other customer was also doing a self-checkout. A helpful cashier overseeing the YouScan area wasn't far away. The last thing I put through was a bunch of bananas. Before I could do anything, the cashier spoke up, "Punch in 4-0-1-1 then put the bananas on the glass. The machine will tell you when to put them in the bag."

I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was an experienced hand at YouScan so I thanked the fellow, completed my check-out, and then walked past him to exit. "You must have all the fruit and vegetable codes memorized," I said admiringly to the fellow wearing a name badge stating "Chuck." He smiled and said, "Well, yes, I do know many, but I should after 43 years, don't you think?" I learned that Chuck has been at this particular store all those years.

"See where those aisles start? Yes, way over there. From that point to here was new space added within the last 15 years. I've been here through several store remodelings, and this store started out about half the size it is today. I recently heard that this store is due for an upgrade sometime next year. We have so many products today that we didn't have years ago and there's no shelf space for them. We could use more parking, too."

"Of course, it's always fun to keep the store operating through a construction project," he continued in a roll-his-eyes manner. "But just think how worth it such a project is in the end," I offer, "And how exciting to see what's in store for your next 43 years here."

"Yes, ma'am, you can't argue with that."

[Nancy Linenkugel is a Sylvania Franciscan sister and chair of the department of Health Services Administration at Xavier University, Cincinnati Ohio.]