Wednesday, December 19, 2007

• Joy To The World/An AMEX Carol

  Have you noticed how busy Starbucks is this time of year?  The line at the drive-thru was literally out to the street.  I spotted one empty spot and pulled around the line, parking in the back forty.  With the cold weather we have been having, I had been looking forward to my hot latte all morning, so I was determined to wait.  The line inside was curving around the tables, these folks already enjoying their delicious beverages. Chatting with people in front and behind me seemed to make the line move a little quicker, everyone in good Holiday cheer mood.  Oh, finally my turn.  "Grande, nonfat gingerbread latte, please" I said with a big smile to the cute Starbucks girl.  "Would you like a cranberry scone with that this morning?"  "Not today" I said and handed her my card.  With a quick swipe, she smiled and said "I'm sorry, this won't go through."  O.K., did she mean my card won't swipe or that I am broke?  She meant the latter.  Scrambling in my bag to find the 4 dollars and 28 cents (I don't carry alot of cash), I looked behind at the once-nice man, who is now looking at me like I have the plague.  Between 2 ones and the rest in change, I pay for my latte and go wait in the next line at the bar.  It has become quiet, no more happy chatting, people's eyes telling me that I shouldn't be spending my last quarters on lattes.  Grabbing my drink, I run to the car and quickly drive home to find out what is happening with my account.  As it turns out, I have been spending a little money this time of year, but I do have a nice, hefty overdraft account.  Ahhh, Ron changed my account the day before, taking my safety net down to almost nothing.  This would have been good to know.  To the bank I go, making a deposit so my card is usable.  But this morning, knowing I have much shopping still to do, I am still apprehensive about the "swipe".  Did the money get in my account?  Should I go stand in a line with no one behind me?  I am sure this anxiety will pass after the first successful swipe.  I still have my joy, and an American Express.

  

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