The Muse is Loose

It happened this morning. Just a few minutes ago. I went to the Wal- Mart store five blocks away. I have shopped in that store A LOT since it opened a few years ago.I usually go early in the morning for it is less crowded. I can also call it my "walk". Anyway, I was checking out with my few items and the woman at the cashier station asked for a couple of identity verifications, a drivers' license and a credit card. I asked, "What for? I haven't had to do that here. Is this a new policy?" I was just a bit miffed. I had thought of them as the local grocery store, although they don't have those credit books where I can settle up at the end of the month. She said, "It is a random check. It protects you if someone has stolen your card." Um hum! I am not quite that senile. If that were the case why wouldn't I have used the self-checkout position about ten feet away? She is also checking me, the potential card thief, not the Dale Pogue who I really am. Random check? That rang a bell. That's what I was in Denver several years ago when my shoes and almost everything else was taken off at their airport. Suddenly it registered. I have a beard. It is for our Easter drama when I portray Simeon, a really old guy. I profiled as a terrorist-type card- carrying card thief! I showed the necessary proof of who I am. I did not fuss at the clerk. The dear lady is simply doing what she is supposed to do. Why me this morning? I have no idea. I do know this, and it is reaffirmed. These are different days and times. Businesses are pressed, as we are personally. It calls for patience and adjustments. I get miffed and then I laugh! Welcome to 2009. USA...WORLD...UNIVERSE.
Scenario: "Yes sir, I realize you just got off a space ship, and you are wearing a green suit, and your ears are really big, and that one eye appears to be purple, and you are speaking some kind of language I have never heard, but I have to have proof that you are from Slosolvokia. It is a company policy. O no sir, we don't take foreign currency!"