After spending 3-1/2 hours enduring the long lines, surly clerks, and
insane regulations at the department of motor vehicles, I stopped at a
toy store to pick up a gift for my son. I brought my selection – a
baseball bat – to the cash register. “Cash or charge?” the clerk asked.

“Cash,” I snapped. Then, apologizing for my rudeness, I explained,
“I’ve spent the afternoon at the motor-vehicle bureau.”

“Shall I giftwrap the bat?” the clerk asked sweetly. “Or are you going
back there?”