The store checkput clerk tells me what to do now. A short essay on aging.

[trof]

I'm 71 (and 1/2) and I've reached the age where the grocery store checkout clerk tells me how to operate the credit card reader.

I've pretty much known how to use them since they came out.
They're all pretty similar, with some small differences.
I don't have a problem with them.

But I've seen old folks, credit card in hand, stare dumbly at them.
You can just hear them thinking "NOW what do I do?"
And the clerk at the cash register will say (nicely) "Wait till you see the blue arrows. Then slide your card through the slot. Make sure the little silver strip is down and inside the slot. Credit or debit?"
"Uh...CREDIT!"
"Thank you. Now, below where it says "Total correct?" press the 'YES' button and when the screen changes use the stylus to sign on the line. Then press 'Done'. Thank you."

Gotta keep the line moving.
I get it.
And yesterday at the* Winn-Dixie I officially became 'old folks'
It shouldn't have been a surprise.
A glance in the mirror already tells me that.
But I didn't really 'feel' like one.
Now I do.

I was standing at the card reader, card in hand, waiting for her to finish toting up the bill when I heard "Wait till you see the blue arrows. Then slide your card through the slot. Make sure the little silver strip is down and inside the slot. Credit or debit?"

I didn't say "HEY LADY, I KNOW what to do.
I didn't say anything.
I'm now 'old folks'.
jeez