Went food shopping tonight after work. I always do the food shopping because I enjoy doing it. Maybe because it lets my brain unwind from the day. Maybe because the package designer in me needs the confidence boost of seeing all the terrible, terrible labels. Maybe because my first job was as a bagger at our local Shop Rite (I soon was promoted to cashier – which had a pay increase, but I had to wear a tie).

Anyhow, I must be getting better at the whole “grocery” thing because tonight I had a major breakthrough. The lesson that I walked away with is: Coupons Breed More Coupons. Seriously, they must reproduce in coupon land. Kate loaded me down with about 5 or 6 coupons, plus our bonus card, plus the chicken I bought had a coupon for Shake-n-Bake (so of course I got a box). Well, after it was all rung up and paid for, the cashier handed me more coupons than I’ve ever seen in one place. Rolls and rolls of the red and white coupons came flowing toward me. It was a little intimidating to be honest. Was I that good of a shopper that such a reward was deserved? My receipt says I am. It says that with the couple coupons I used, plus my bonus card and the shake-n-bake thing, I saved over $20 on my order. I didn’t know it was possible to save $20 on a grocery shopping trip.

Don’t get me wrong. I love coupons, always have. My wife and I even argue on the proper pronunciation of the word. I’m of the “Q-pon” variety and she’s in the “koo-pon” kamp. Either way, coupons are good. Just remember that when two coupons get together in a romantic setting, more coupons happen to appear. Seriously, they’re like rabbits. The bagger gave me a seperate bag just to hold the coupons. Ok, I made that last part up, but it felt like it could have been warranted. I feel like I just graduated from grocery shopping college, suma cum broccoli.

Please help support me in my Walk for Diabetes on October 24th!