There are plusses and minuses! For sure! We traveled yesterday 30 miles to our nearest Walmart store to stock up on items that we can't find here locally and for the bulk packages of paper necessary supplies and such. My husband takes one cart and goes his way with a list and I go my way with a list. We have a meeting spot near the exit and usually check out one at a time, depending who is finished shopping first. We then wait for the other to appear and head home.
I approached a line to check out and my husband was two people ahead of me, already scanned, cart all loaded, but he had a look of dismay as he stood there. I waved to get his attention. He didn't see me, but the clerk did. He was upset because his bank debit card was rejected - twice and he didn't know why. He told the clerk he'd have to wait for me and my card. She then pointed to me and he told me his problem. The man behind him was nice, waiting with only one item and not fussing at all. I moved forward, dug out my card and, it too, was rejected! I just said, "No problem, I'll write a check," and did so, and handed it to the clerk. She asked to see my driver's license photo - OK that was good. She then scanned my check and - GAVE IT BACK TO ME! It was just an electronic transaction, she said. The most ironic thing is, that I almost never carry my checkbook with me and did that morning. I have no idea why I stuffed it into my small purse, but how convenient that I did! On a day when it was needed!
Meanwhile the man between us just chuckled and waited patiently. He then checked out his meager purchase, paid with cash, moved on, and I unloaded my cart. When it came time to pay, I had to write another check, present it, and have it handed back to me. Meanwhile, the line behind me was growing quite lengthy! I couldn't wait to get out of there.
To the bank and then home we headed, still a bit rattled. The clerk at our lovely small hometown bank told us that the whole system was shut down for a while and was undergoing upgrades, BUT....it was up and running now!
Part 2. The PLUS
Our fourth grade grandson's class experienced the joy of talking with other fourth grade students in TEXAS on a live videoconference via webcam and skype connection. Their experience was published in the local paper. I've attached the link to the article here. It was a very good experience for all of them.
Check out the report. I found it very innovative and good for the youth of today. (you may have to copy and paste address in a separate web address line)
http://www.northjersey.com/community/announcements/138182249_Young_Giants_fans_and_Cowboy_fans_seeing_eye_to_eye.html
It wipes out our embarassing experience.
