Thursday, June 7, 2012

A literal grounding

Me:  Son, you need to be good for the babysitter.  If not, you will get a punishment when I get home.

Son:  I don't think a punishment is going to work.

Me:  Oh?  What would work?

Son:  I think I should be grounded.

Me:  What does grounded mean?

Son:  (with a quizzical look)  You will put me in the ground??

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

There's no such thing as a free lunch

If you know me at all, you know how I adore a deal.  So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled when I received a coupon in the mail for a local department store - for $10 off a $10 or more item.  That means something for $10 will be FREE!

What joy in my heart!

I adore these coupons - simply find something for $10 and it is yours.  For nada.

Oh, if only it were that easy this time.  At Kohl's, JCP, Old Navy, it's a cinch!  Pick something up, take it to the register, and voila!  It's yours - no questions asked.  Enjoy your new item, and thank you very much!

But this store does not play by these rules.  No, the back of the little coupon states that there are several (thousand) restrictions and basically nothing you see in the store will ever work with the coupon.  I trudged around the store with my five children, picking up several cute tops, only to realize that the sale sign on the rack was green - or orange - or said Every Day Value - or said "You!  With the red hair!  You cannot use your coupon with this item!"

Thwarted at every turn, I ended up with white work out socks.  Blech.  While needed, they are not very exciting.  However, I was ecstatic when I happened upon them and saw that their sale sign was acceptable with my coupon.  I grabbed them, the children, and ran to the checkout.

Upon coming home, I emailed the store a complaint, polite but frustrated, about their policy.  We'll see what happens next.

They'll probably send me a $10 off a $10 coupon.