THE DOLLAR STORE EXPERIENCE

     This afternoon I had occasion to stop in a dollar store. I was looking 
for plastic fruit and vegetables for a preschool project.

I might suggest to people looking for investment opportunities to buy 
stock in a big dollar store company.

I don't know what their profit margin is: it may not be much, to be able 
to sell so many variegated items for $1. But one thing I saw, when you 
get in there to buy one item, it's mighty hard to get out.

In a place where even person of modest means can afford everything, it's 
very hard, I noticed, to set limits.

It's almost like a game. I go in thinking, "I'm just going to buy plastic 
fruit and vegetables."

I see some "scotch tape" for a ridiculously low price, and forget my 
original resolution. Then, white-out that at Office Max would cost a couple 
bucks. Then wrapping paper and I remember I've a gift to give to someone 
tomorrow. Then, snazzy ribbons to embellish the wrapping.

Ah, a birthday card.  TWO for a dollar. Well, there will be other birthdays 
down the road.

I've gone through the check-out line once, having not found any plastic 
fruits or vegetables. The cashier tells me, though, that there WERE some, and 
they may still be on such-and-such a shelf.

I go back to look and it all starts again. They really DON'T have the plastic 
fruit, but I see 3 JARS OF BUBBLES for $1. Our preschoolers drool for bubbles 
and we're almost out!

I look at the cashier line. Only two lines open now, each one winding way back 
into the store. I see some plastic figures, a whole bag. Do they have any that 
aren't soldiers?

I have an appointment in fifteen minutes. No time to go through that line. I 
make a desperate run for the door, eschewing the bubbles and any figures.

The store is packed with people, and most likely everyone is going through the 
"poor man's empowerment" that I experienced.

Gee, if I had a LOT of money,life might be like that OUTSIDE the dollar store!