Before heading out to Target and other such stores, I look at their ad, and make a list. If I don’t make a list, I will head briskly into the store, and suddenly realize that I have no idea why I am there. Last week, I needed a shelf, the kind they had on sale for $9.99. Upon reaching the register, I was somewhat surprised when the clerk rang up $29.99 for the item.

Me: Um, I thought that was 9.99.
Clerk: No, ma’m, that was last week that we had it on sale.
Me: That’s okay, then, I don’t want it.
Clerk: Let me scan it again. (scans shelf)
Me: 12.99?
Clerk: Yes ma’m.
Me: (glancing at growing line behind me) That’s okay. I’ll just take the other things.
Clerk: You don’t want it?
Me: No.
Clerk: How much did you say you wanted it for?
Me: 9.99.
Clerk: (ringing up 9.99) Okay, here you go.

note: When I got home, I doublechecked the ad. I was right.