I was in the fabulous shopping metropolis known as South Dunedin today waiting to have some tyres fitted on my car.  Whilst strolling past the many, many second hand shops I noticed a copy of The Queen and I by the fabulous Sue Townsend.  It was only $4!  I went inside to pay and the man swiped my card and then - "Invalid Transaction".  They didn't take credit cards and that was all I had on me (makes a difference to how I used to be).  I told the man I would go and get some money out and would be back.

As credit cards start charging interest straight away for any cash you get out I didn't want to have to use an ATM and get out $20 when I only needed $4.  I also needed to top up my cellphone so I trotted along to the post shop.  After waiting in line with bogans and a stinky lady it was finally my turn.  I asked for a Vodafone recharge and $4.  The lady set up the order and I swiped my card.  "Invalid Transaction". 

"Oh, can I not get cash out on credit?"  I asked. 

"No you just can't use credit to pay for Vodafone, not at the Post Shop."  What?  What a stupid rule that is, usually it is the other way around, you can pay for whatever you like but no cash out.  So, I trotted off down the street to the bookshop, even further from the second hand shop where I wanted to make my purchase.  I approached the counter and asked: "Can I get cash out and Vodafone recharges from here using credit?"  The lady kind of looked at me.  I continued, "because other places won't let me."  She kind of edged away fom me and muttered that the man would serve me.  (I suppose I was looking quite menacing in my pink hoodie).  So she repeated to him what I had asked and he swiped my card.  "Invalid Transaction". 

"You can't get cash out with credit" He informed me.  Didn't I just ask that to save the embarassment?  By now I was getting annoyed (it doesn't take much) so I took my phone top up and left.  Bah!  I went back to the tyre shop and read Cosmo which told me about the hottest looks for 2005.

Now I know why South Dunedin is full of morons, nobody can buy a book without hassle. 

 

Also today was my reading and sorting test, it was easy, shame I don't want the job.