I wrote a check for the first time in 6 months and realized we're no longer as close as we used to be. "What happened to us?!" I asked myself. "Remember the days of filling up gas for Ma and having the honor to use a blank check?" It feels strange never officially breaking up.

These days, we're more like distant friends than lovers. We see each other every now and then - exchange some niceties - and then scurry away in this fast paced world of ours. Who has time to write out checks these days? Or to keep track of them so quaintly as we used to? The digital age sure has changed our behavior.

Back then, we used checks for everything - rent, groceries, clothes, utilities - I even remember using one for a couple of chocolate bars ;) Credit cards were around, but from what I recall were very hush hush. The only people using plastic were the scoundrels racking up debt and living the high life (literally and figuratively!). Of course, I was a mere child in those days so my memories are a little skewed, but the point is that plastic is the new check. Both debit and credit.

And you know what? I'm totally happy with! It's faster, easier, and fits in my pocket much much smoother. It's true there are still some old school'ers holding up the register lines at times, but at least I can now appreciate the nostalgia of it. They continue writing checks because it works for them. More power to ya Grandma! I just wish more places accepted PayPal. I'm starting to forget how to properly fill these things out...

Labels: about j., bills, checks

If you're a check writer, you may not want to read further ;) I'm sooooooooo tired of them holding up the lines at the registers! Why does it seem to take hours to write a simple check?

And even more importantly, don't they know checks are obsolete? haha...okay, so maybe i'm a little biased since being a hardcore credit card fan and all, but i just don't get why people still use them at stores.

Yes, using them to pay your mortgage and such makes sense - i have no beef with that - (i used to do this until mastering the art of online checks through the bank) BUT at the dollar store? or the grocery store?? Arghhhhhhhh...

If i have to wait another 5 whole minutes for someone to whip it out, ask whom to make it out too, and then fill out the register part ONE MORE TIME, i swear i might loose it....or worse, accidently walk out of the store w/out having paid for my items! I almost did that once, until the beeper thing went off and i realized i was still holding the things i meant to buy. i almost got in a lot of trouble, as i look pretty "punky" anyways. yikes.

Everyone has their own method of payment, and if it works for you that's awesome. But please, for the love of money, at least learn how to cut a check faster and be cognizant that you're in the 10 items or less lane and that the point is to get through it quickly. Maybe go early in the morning or late at night? haha.... or learn what a debit card is!

I feel a little bad saying all of this, especially cuz i know most of these people are grandmas and/or busy mothers, but i must admit if feels good getting it out of my system. And to be honest, i'll even take part of the blame since i only add to the impatience with society these days.

But perhaps we could strike a deal? If you, the check writer, can speed up the process a bit on your end, I will promise to be more understanding and nicer about it. Maybe you could even throw in a "sorry to hold up the line" every now and then? hehe...either way, i think checks are the devil. I'll leave it at that ;)

Labels: checks, randomness 3000, rant