Give a Penny. Take a Penny.

Tyler, I will be attempting your credits in this post. It is more difficult than I anticipated and I probably made several mistakes. For those who don't know what I speak of, Tyler would like each of us to try referring to each cent as a credit. So one dollar is actually 100 credits. Supposedly this could sweep the nation and I'm just trying to do my part.

Most convenient stores, gas stations, and occassional restaurants have a register clad with a free penny dish. As I approach the counter to make my purchase, inevitably within my reach is a random collection of change customers past have given to me, a fellow contributor to the business we both frequent, and to others who may stumble upon the need for a few cents here, five pennies there.

Here we are instructed, "Give a penny. Take a penny."

Okay. What does that statement mean? Do I have to give a penny to that establishment before I am allowed to take one at another time? That is what I am prompted to believe - as though I have to earn my right to borrow. But what if it's a different cashier this time? He doesn't know that I left 34 credits last Tuesday. For all he knows, I could be a penny free loader - never carrying around change because I know that someone else made a contribution out of the goodness of their heart and it is my duty to abuse their gift.

So how about that goodness? I must be honest, the only reason I would ever drop credits in the jar is not for the next person walking in the door who wants that thirst-clenching drink but forgot to factor in taxes...I'm putting 47 credits in that glass holder because I don't want the annoyance of loose, clashing quarters, nickels and dimes in my pocket. Besides, it makes me feel lopsided.

And then I'd like to think the cashier will find me extra nice if I drop in 98 credits. "Wow! Quarters! She's especially nice!"

There is another problem. Some places have tip jars that may or may not be labeled as such. After working at Einstein's I realize that for some dumb reason people tip at coffeehouses. WHY? The drinks already cost an arm and a leg and the employees are making at least minimum wage. We aren't waiters people. That's our job - make drinks, take money, pretend that it is fabulous, and make an extra 1000 credits a night off people who don't know any better. Anyway, the actual problem: what if I reach in and take money from someone's tip jar? It would be funny, I suppose.

Something I learned from that extra pocket cash at the coffeehouse, is that it adds up very quickly. So why not go around to each of these places and clean them out of their spare change? I'd have my trip to Italy paid for in no time. Would they really stop you from reaching in and taking? I don't know, I have not tried.

What it actually comes down to is this...I don't have the guts. I never feel right about fishing around for that exact change. I'm holding a 1000 credits (bill) so I technically have enough to purchase my sandwich. And I always feel rushed with the cashier's open hand reaching in my direction seemingly ticking down the seconds it takes for me to finalize my decision: hand him the 1000 credit bill and deal or get 3 pennies from the jar so I walk out with 700 credits in bills?

It's an issue, a strange one at that.