The Coupon Man

During the few months leading up to my art shows, I make alot of trips to the craft store. Its usually to buy small items like paper, buttons, or puffy paint- all in the color scheme of the piece I am working on that day.

Right now the closest craftstore to me is Micheal's- its not my first choice because the prices and selections in materials are not the best in my opinion but its what I have right now.

Every time I walk in, I look over towards the registers to see if the Coupon Man (as I call him) is working. I hold my breath and hope against hope that he is not working- because he overwhelms me in a way that is difficult to describe. And unfortunately there is usually only one register open, so you have no choice but to go in the Coupon Man's line, and he is there alot.

He is a nice young guy and seems to charm all the other ladies with his coupon talk, but when it comes to me i feel incredibly overwhelmed and uncomfortable when Im in his line.

He will stand there and talk about this coupon and that coupon, the ones online, upcoming coupons, store discounts, coupons that he as used.. and on and on. And then always fills my bag with loads of coupons and informs me of the dates in which they expire and the times that would be best for me to use them.

TOO MUCH. Just too much.

I feel like he recognizes me every time I step up to his register- because Im in there alot. And then there is the inevitable look of disappointment on his face when he asks me if I have any coupons to use on my purchase, and I answer- NO (eventhough we both know that he loaded me down with millions of coupons a few days prior).
I almost feel judged- its the same feeling I get when I go to the library and I check out all movies and no books from the librarian.

The librarians give me the same look that the Coupon Man gives me.

In my defense, I believe the whole coupon thing has to do with personality. If you are someone who is organized and on top of things- has planners, charts, organizers, and files- YES! Coupons may be your thing.

But if you are like me- your purse is a trashcan, your car is a disaster area, and there is no space to even walk in your room without stepping on something- then NO.. couponing is not for you. Its overwhelming, and almost impossible to keep track of in your messy unorganized life!

So, NO Mr. Coupon Man- I dont want your coupons. I appreciate your concern on saving me 40 cents on my purchase, but I just cant keep up with all those little papers! Just look in my car if you dont believe me!