The Coupon Binder & My Teenager's Love/Hate Relationship 10-25-09

"Do you have to bring the whole binder in the store, can't you just take out what you need?" My daughter asks this question at every store despite the fact that I am quite certain she has my response memorized. "I am not sure what I will need. There might be something I want not on the list or, if I am really fortunate, 15 items that I have coupons for will be on clearance."

Most weeks, I spend more time with my binder than I do with my husband. Until recently, my daughter never quite got my enchantment with that 8 by 11 inch bright pink organizational device. But, it finally happened at Kohl's. . .

At first, her embarrassment over my coupon addiction reached new levels, as she claims I was making "grunting" noises due to my excitement over the major deals I was getting. I had acquired 55--yes--55 $10 off $10 puchase Kohl's coupons that were legit!! When she realized we were primarily there to shop for her, her eyes lit up like a true coupon addict drunk by an envelope stuffed to capacity with nothing but coupons for "free" items with no purchase required and having no expiration date.

There was nothing in the store--slightly over $10--which could not be hers. She denies it, but I am quite sure I heard "grunting" noises.