Randomness: 40 Cents and a Warm Radiator

Our minds are amazing. Have you ever noticed how many times a random thought comes into your mind that is a memory of your past and then there is a story?

I was at work the other day and this cute lady was at the register paying cash for her purchase. The change due for the purchase was 40 cents. She had a handful of change and right away, I noticed on top of the pile- a quarter, a dime, and a nickel. I said, “Oh, there’s the 40 cents!” She stopped moving and said, “Really?” I told her I saw the change needed on the top of her hand full of change. Then I told her about how in junior high school lunch was 40 cents, and how I got used to using a quarter, a dime and a nickel to buy lunch. She smiled as we reminisced about how much things used to cost and how much they are now. On many occasions, my Mama would give me 50 cents for lunch and I would get to buy a candy treat in the candy machines, with the left over dime from lunch. Yes, a candy bar was a dime. I was always excited when I could get a treat after lunch.

That reminds me of a story my Mom has told me. She said that she and her sister would get to walk down to the movie theater in Salt Lake City and watch the Saturday matinee. The movie was 25 cents and popcorn was a nickel. They were able to go to the movie most Saturdays. It was such a fun part of her growing up, and didn’t cost too much.

Another random memory that recently came to my mind is when I used to ride with my Daddy over to the college were he worked and I went to cosmetology school and he would drop me off at the door of the building were my school was. I would arrive earlier than most because of coming with my Dad. It was fall and chilly, and still a little dark outside. I would be cold from the drive and walking in the building, so I used to stand near the door to the building where a nice warm radiator was and enjoy the warmth it would provide. Once I had warmed up sufficiently I would go into the class room and start preparing for the day.

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