*does the giddy, happy, next-two-days-off dance* *does it again*

First, a spiffy picture survey...

0. Your name

my great-great-grandmother and namesake, Edia Marceaux

1. What is your favorite animal?

my cute ickle kitten back home

2. Who is your favorite band?

Clannad = greatness

3. Your favorite faerie tale?

The Seven Swans

4. You wish you looked like:

Kate Winslet

5. You wish you were dating:

Gilbert Blythe, because the best crushes are fictional crushes

6. Favorite drugs:

yes.

7. The best idea ever:

it kinda looks like a guillotine, doesn't it?

8. The best place ever:

Cliffs of Arbel, Galilee, Israel

9. Current favorite movie:

Surprise, surprise

10. Describe yourself:

*sings* oompa loompa, loompedy dooo

11. Something that irritates you:

Crumpled money. Arg.

12. Something that makes you happy:

Awwww

13. Describe your life:

Sad but true.

14. Your favorite picture:

My great-grandparents at Grand Isle, Louisiana

stolen from hildigunnur :D

Some people are just jerks, but most people really have no idea that some of their actions cause misery for cashiers. I sure didn't, before I started working at a gas station. We all have to read Employee Handbooks, so it's time for there to be a Customer Handbook! Here for your edification is a small list of simple things you can do to help workers in supermarkets, fast food places, and yes -- gas stations.

In General...

1) We are not robots, nor are we stupid, nor are we dirt beneath your feet. Sometimes when I greet customers with the usual "Hi, how are you?" the only reply I get is: "10 dollars on pump 3." Um... ok? Just be nice, it's not very hard. We don't have to share our life stories, it just takes one little word, really, to be polite, as in: "*smile* Alright. 10 dollars on pump 3." A "thank you" also goes a long way. Or, if you're the nonverbal type, just smile at me!

2) Don't get mad or complain to cashiers (or waiters, or what have you) if you don't like something in the store. Because you know what? They didn't do it, and they have no control over it. Why bring them down? If you think something needs to be changed, just smile and say in a nice way, "Could you please ask your manager to start stocking Brand X?" I don't want to be yelled at because the air machine ate your quarter.

To Help Cashiers...

3) Have your money ready, have it straight, and have it all facing the same way. Write out your check ahead of time, so all you have to do is fill in the price. You simply wouldn't believe how much this helps.

4) Use the smallest bill possible. Don't buy a pack of gum or a soda with a $20 bill -- especially not in a gas station, when the registers usually hold less than $100, including change.

5) Ask first. Don't let the cashier ring everything up, then say, "Can you break a $50?" Arg! If you don't know if they have change, or you're not sure if they take checks, just ask first. Is that really a lot of trouble?

6) If a cashier puts something in a bag (or some other kind of container, like a cup holder) for you, don't take it out and hand the bag back! Gah! Just take the bag.

In a gas station...

7) Prepay. If you're not paying with a credit card and you know how much gas you need, go in and pay first. You have to go in anyway, so why not do it first and save the cashier just a little less stress? It also helps you, because the pump will stop itself and you won't go over the amount you planned to get. It's so hard to ring up customers and keep one eye on the pumps at all times, so we love when customers prepay. Prepay, nice peoples.

8) If you don't prepay, at least go in and pay for the gas as soon as you can. With drive-offs as common as they are, we worry about every pump until it's paid for. So it's very aggravating when people pump their gas, then stand around and talk, wander around the store, etc. If you plan to shop for more stuff before you pay for everything, let the cashier know that you're in the store.

9) Take a second to notice which pump you're on. It's not very fun when you have a long line, and the following exchange takes place with a customer: "Gas." "Which pump are you on?" "I don't know, that one." ....... "Which one?" "That one out there." "The red car?" "No, the blue car." "Which blue car?" "The one on the end." .....asldkfjsdf Trust me, this happens all the time. And it's maddening.

10) On a related note, don't just walk up to the counter and lay down money. We are not psychics, and if we were, we sure wouldn't be working at a gas station.

Things people should really already know...

11) If you make a mess, clean it. You wouldn't believe the mess some people leave after just making a cup of coffee. Sugar and empty packets all over the counter, coffee dripped everywhere... and all within two feet of a trashcan and napkins. If it's a big spill and you can't clean your mess, as least notify the cashier. That way he or she won't find it two hours later, when it's sticky and trampled over.

12) Flush the toilet. Really, people. *glares at filthy men who don't flush the toilet* You don't want to touch that nasty lever? Understandable. Use toilet paper or a paper towel so you don't have to touch it. Voila!

Sooo... an example of a perfect gas station customer? One we love and adore?

Cashier: "Hi, how are you today?"
Customer: "Alright, how are you?"
Cashier: "Pretty good." *scans and bags items* "Is this going to be all for you, sir?"
Customer: "I also need $10 on pump 3."
Cashier: "Ok. That'll be $14.36."
Customer: *hands over a straight ten and five* "Oh wait, I also have a penny."
Cashier: "...and 65 cents is your change. Thank you." *smiles*
Customer: *smiles* "Thanks."

Ahhhh. *clings to nice, considerate customers* This short guide to being a Friendly Customer has been brought to you by three 10-hour shifts in a row. And now I shall enjoy my two days away from rude jerks.