Manic Depressive Episode

As you all know, I have been really trying to find ways to save money on our skyrocketing grocery bill. I've started buying off brand products, ventured to the local Aldi discount store, clipped coupons, price comparison shopping... You name it, I've done it!

Well, today's trip to the store was like winning a million dollars and losing it all in the same day... How is that possible, you ask? I'll share with you the events of my shopping excursion.

I get to Wal-Mart and turn right, like I always do. I like to walk the whole store before I get into the grocery shopping. Toiletries, the clearance aisle, housewares, electronics, office supplies, babies, then the food.

***This is manic***

Today, however, I was sidetracked by the rows and rows of school supplies! Crayola crayons, binders, clips, lunch bags, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, OH MY!!!!!! My heart skipped a beat. It was so exciting to see all the colorful supplies. My heart had a little palpitation mishap! I started envisioning the rush of shopping for supplies. I *HEART* hunting for Andrew's school supplies among all the crazy people. Throwing packs of pens and glue sticks; finding everything in the right color. IT'S A GLORIOUS EVENT!

I spent a good 20 minutes just walking the aisles and caressing all the educational goodness. My mental calculator going to town figuring out how much things would cost for a set of 30 (I buy cool stuff for my students ALL the time).

Well, I then just headed over to the food section and began the tedious task of buying food. Ho-hum... Today, I took my time and tried keeping a running tally of how much money I was spending. My goal was to get out of the store having only spent $300. I was prepared with my list and my coupons. I even went so far as to write down all the things that I purchased on impulse. I figured this would give an extremely accurate account of where my $$$ was going. I have to say, the only non-necessity item was a rug for Andrew's room (we will be redecorating it in the next couple weeks - early dorm room feel).

I was so excited when I finished checking out. My total was $302. Fantasterastic! I loaded all the groceries into Sadie and let out a sigh of relief. Then . . .

I looked at my receipt. I had bought some NY strip steaks because there was a good deal going on. The steaks were the ones that were close to their sell by date, so instead of the sticker price, they were like $7 a pack. "What a GREAT deal," I thought to myself. "I'll get two..." Well, they didn't ring up at the price listed in the meat case. They rang up as full price! Twenty-three bucks for some freakin' steak!!!!!!!!

***Here comes the depression***

My heart sank. I really tried so hard to save money and only have to go to one store. It's not possible to stock the conveyor belt, watch the checker ring up the food, and make sure that they pack my Eco-friendly shopping bags!

Tears pooled in my eyes. The corners of my mouth went south and the euphoric feeling from seeing all the school supplies lined up like little soldiers preparing for the war on stupidity flew out the window.

Did I go back in and demand a price adjustment, you ask? No, I was so defeated that I just went home. I cranked up the A/C and let the Freon infused air dry my tears of frustration and disappointment.

I just thought I'd share with all of you that I'm done trying to save money. It always seems to bite me in the butt! F*ck grocery shopping. Who needs to eat? I could stand to lose a few lbs!

Recessionista, I am not...