what the?

So you already know that this is a pretty friendly town. Cashiers will actually have a conversation with you at the supermarket, and folks waiting behind you don't get angry - they just take part. Depending on where you hail from, this will either creep you out or piss you off since you're in a fig effen hurry. Slow down! This is Pete, for heaven's sake.

The other day I have a mid-size cart full and pick the checkout lane that seems shortest. The cashier and the customer in front of me turn and tell me that we are in "wait mode." Seems the guy two ahead of me has to go to the ATM to get money for his order. I comment that no matter, I always pick this line. And it's true. I just assume I'm going to be standing there, and I try to never be in a hurry. Not much to hurry about up here anyway.

So finally we get going. The coke bottle for the older fellow in front of me tips over on the moving belt, and falls on my side of the divider stick thingie. The cashier picks it up and says to the old fellow, "Hey, Bill, she's trying to steal your soda!"

We all chuckle but then something happens that makes me go "Hmmmmmm." The old guy raises his hand, in a "Why I oughtta..." gesture. I know he's kidding, but for the life of me I don't find that particular gesture all that funny.

And before I can stop myself, the words "Make it your best shot mister," come flying out of my mouth.

You can take the girl out of New Joy Sea, but you can't take the New Joy Sea out of the girl, I guppose.