Standing in the checkout line at a grocery store is almost never a noteworthy experience. When it is, it’s usually due to delays caused by difficult customers or slow-as-molasses cashiers. So when you witness a worker at the other end of the spectrum, flying through scanned items like a programmed robot, you tend to take notice.
Such was the case when Jewell Thomas, an 18-year-old and a cashier herself, witnessed this Aldi cashier scanning items faster than most any checkout clerk you’ve ever seen. Catching the talent on video, she shared the clip via Twitter. Judging by the overwhelming response, Jewel wasn’t the only one impressed by the demonstration in efficiency.
Given the cynical nature of just about every internet denizen, the amazement seemed to stem more from “Why is she doing that?” than “Wow. That’s impressive.”
Speaking to BuzzFeed, Thomas said she recognized the behavior as someone eager to get through their pile of work—the checkout line in this case—and to go on break or wrap up for the day.
Isn’t it at least possible that she just does her job really well and doesn’t have some self-serving endgame?
The fact that her lane light was off while moving prompted the internet to respond with a resounding “no.” Cashiers everywhere weighed in to identify this phenomenon.
But, there’s a wrinkle in this story. Others observed that while she may be an outlier, Aldi cashiers have a reputation for moving through their lines faster than those of most other grocery stores.
This tweet sheds some light on Aldi’s systematic approach to monitoring checkout efficiency. It’s a German company after all, so the approach shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, stemming from the process-oriented culture:
If you’re happen to find yourself in Queens, New York, and low on groceries, swing by the local Aldi in the hopes that you can witness this majesty firsthand.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.