Mission Day: 6

Well today after work I had the daunting task of Christmas shopping for some last minute items. I was actually becoming more and more anxious as the hours of my shift passed. With the ticking of the clock I could feel my heart bead quickening, and my blood pressure rising. I knew that the time was coming when I, Colin Morrow, would have to brave the people of Jefferson County in a last minute rush to finish Christmas shopping on the final weekend before Christmas Day.

As I approached Jefferson County Plaza I could see the gaggle of vehicles that had filled the parking lot only confirmed my fears that I would in deed have to shank someone to get the last minute items I needed to complete my list.

I settled, I took the first spot I found; I didn't ask questions, I didn't look around, I just took the first one I saw, and walked the 300 - 400 feet to the door. Although, once I entered the warmth of my retail mecca, I realized that it really was not all the too chaotic inside. Sure, some of the departments were inundated with shoppers, the electronics department, toy department, and Christmas Seasonal Section were quite hectic, but all the other departments were busy, but not as bad as I was imagining.

I knew what I needed, and I pretty much got in, got what was on my list, did a little perusing of the aisles just to see what was out there, and proceeded to check out.

The Check-Out lane; where a good retail experience can quickly be left sour. Things can either be pleasant and you're out the door, or you can spend way more than you imagined, have a bitchy cashier, or even worse....FORGET YOUR COUPONS!!!

Just kidding....I don't really ever lose coupons; but you get the drift.

As I pushed my buggy toward the front of the store I was imagining the wait I was about to endure. But, I figured it would be a great place to fulfill my experiment and meet a new friend.

20, 19, 18, 17...the lanes ticked by as the lines grew longer and longer with each number that ticked by.

Sir, If you're ready to check out I can help you down here at Express" This lady in red said to me from about 15 feet away.

Could it by that Jesus has graced me with the most amazing gift for the day?!? Yes! God has shown his extravagant mercy once again and allowed this glorious angel of a cashier to be waiting just for me!

Oh that's okay, I have more than 10 items.
That's okay, my lane is open. I can help you right down here.
Oh thank you so much.
No problem! How are you today?
Pretty good! I found almost everything I needed, and I didn't have to pull out my shank.
That's a good one" the lady said as she began swiping my items across the magical reader of bar codes.
No, I'm just kidding, I left my shank in the car.
Hey, you're in here quite a bit aren't you?
Yeah, my name is Colin, I work right down the street at Vogel Vet. I'm in here at least once a week, but usually more.
I'm Tricia, I work here at Target. I'm here just about everyday.
Nice to meet you. You've checked me out before when I've been here. Are you already for Christmas?
No, I have to go to a mall at some point and get something my daughter wants from Forever XXI.
Oh good Lord, good luck with that. I will have to give you my shank! I promised myself that I would not go to the mall until after the holidays. I can only imagine how crazy it is there right now.
Oh I know, I get off at 5 and I'm going to go straight to South County Mall. I'm hoping that maybe some of the craziness will have died down, but I doubt that will be the case.
Yeah, I don't see that happening" I said laughing.
Yeah, me neither. May I ask why you have 4 of almost everything in your cart?
Oh," I said laughing "every year with a group of people I used to work with at my church, and for their gifts every year I do a "Colin's Favorite Things" theme to play off of Oprah. This year, these are all of my favorite things. There are two more things I need, but you guys didn't have them so I will have to go Dierbergs.
Oh how cool! That is such a great idea, I bet they love that.
Yeah they better! Well good luck with your shopping after work. I'm sure I'll see you again...as long as you make it out of the mall alive. Call me if you need back up!
Oh yeah, I'm sure we'll see each other again. Have a good holiday.
You too, have a great Christmas!
Oh thanks! You have a good Christmas too.

And with my purchases in hand, I was out the door and back into the brisk winter wind.

So, all in all my Target experience was quite pleasant for the final Saturday before Jesus' Birthday. It was far more pleasant than I imagined it could possibly be, and...I met a new friend; a friend that I know I will see again.

Definitely not as exciting as yesterday, but far more pleasant. And it must have really been because I think I've used pleasant about 1000 times in this episode.

So thanks for tuning in to Colin.Always. I'm the same Colin...only better!