profile uprated decently

a common situation: you arrive at a drug store to get a prescription (re)filled. you walk up to the pharmacy desk area, and a person, at your level or for some reason a foot or two above you, takes your script and tells you it will be 10-20 minutes and that you will be called over the PA when the order has been filled. fine, you say.

but why? how long does it take to put 30 pills in a bottle? surely not that long. it's not like they're making each pill individually, painting those tiny illegible markings on each caplet half. no, they simply find the correct container, count the pills, stick a label on and staple too much paper (half of which has a needless adhesive backing) to a paper bag. and, most of the time, those last two steps only take place after you have been summoned and are waiting to (co)pay. they never seem too busy back there anyway. are they just professional procrastinators? has anyone ever questioned them on this inexplicable usage of time? maybe they're just trying to continue the doctoral theme by keeping you waiting for no obvious reason.

so why does it take so long? I just don't know. today, though, I had a breakthrough. I realized that during those 10-20 minute intervals I wander around the store, what else do I have to do (except maybe get my blood pressure tested, 5 times)? undoubtedly, in that time, I am able to stumble across some product, necessary or otherwise, that I decide to buy. today it was shoe protectant spray and a toothbrush.

is it a ploy to get us to spend more at our local Walgreen's/Rite Aid/CVS ? (if it isn't, it sure works on me.) is there something they are actually doing in that time? are they just consistently behind schedule?

confusedly yours,
Lugubrious E. Overemphasizing