But this is $2.22...

So I go to Dunkin Donuts this morning for my coffee, having taken the E train which lets me off on 8th Avenue. The line is huge, but I decide that I can use the valuable time to clean out my wallet. Finally, I get to the counter, present my $1 coupon (thanks, Mom!) and ask for a large French Vanilla with milk and a Splenda. You with me so far?

She rings me up - $2.22. And stares at me. "$2.22, please."

I look at her and figure I'll start out polite. "Oh, I gave you a $1 coupon."

She stares blankly at me, so I gesture to the coupon, clearly marked $1 off, with the cute little Dunkin' Donuts logo and a coffee cup diecut on the coupon. She stares at it, looks at me, and says - wait for it - "But this is $2.22."

DID SHE THINK I WAS GIVING HER A PRESENT?

"Yes," I say, using my Mommy voice on her, "But if you take $1 off of that, wouldn't it be $1.22?"

She stares at me.

I give her $5.25 (to further rock her world), and somehow, she manages to give me $4.03 change. I leave, shaking my head and wondering about the hiring practices at Dunkin' Donuts.