Paper or Plastic?

"Paper or plastic?" is not a question we encounter in grocery stores in Russia. We are fortunate, however, to have a nice grocery store with carts and isles close to our house. Keith goes in there almost everyday and we regularly go as a family. Today, we ran in to buy a "few things" (totally over $50) on our way home. In most grocery stores you sack your own bags (while several employees stand around and stare at you) and occasionally even have to pay for your bags. I have become the designated sacker in our family (I guess my previous job at the grocery store paid off!) Our checker today was exceptionally stingy with the free bags. I finally had to ask for more bags and she said that I had plenty and gave my a little teeny-tiny bag. She refused to speak to me or even look at me. Keith went to another cash register and got more bags so we could finish sacking our groceries. I was so upset, since this was not the first time this particular cashier has been incredibly stingy with the bags and rude. I asked to speak to the manager...I had to ask 3 people before someone agreed to go get the manager! I went to the back of the store and 2 nice ladies came out. I explained the situation (ever so calmly and grammatically correct---HAHA! OK, if you know me and how poorly I speak Russian, you will know what an exaggeration this is---a bit emotional I would say; Keith would say hysterical!) I asked if the sackers used their own money to provide customers with bags for their groceries and the managers replied no, of course! They said that the situation would be taken care of...I am not sure what that means or if I will ever return to find out!

So next time you are asked, "paper or plastic?" give them a big smile and say, "I am just thankful to have bags to put my groceries in!"