http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/ Coupons, coupon forum, printable grocery coupons, grocery store coupon matchups, printable coupons, coupon trading, coupon database, coupon trading, deals en Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:55:48 GMT vBulletin 720 http://static.hotcouponworld.com/forums/images_hcw/misc/rss.jpg http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/ http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3752-my-blog-has-moved.html Sat, 08 May 2010 09:56:46 GMT Click the HCW approved link in my siggie to visit my new Blog. Click the HCW approved link in my siggie to visit my new Blog. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3752-my-blog-has-moved.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3688-what-i-hope-my-daughter-learns-about-marriage-our-dogs.html Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:27:12 GMT Our dogs, Pasha and Coco, are as different as day and night. Pasha was bred by a woman who regularly sends her dogs to the Westminster Kennel Club... Our dogs, Pasha and Coco, are as different as day and night. Pasha was bred by a woman who regularly sends her dogs to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Coco was a back yard accident.

True to her breding, Pasha's face is absolutely beautiful. My husband says if we actually paid someone to groom her rather than doing it ourselves, she could be our little star-- appearing on dog food cans everywhere. Coco's face may not have prize potential, but to me-- her mom--it has a sweetness that I find irresistable.

If I didn't know better, I would swear they were aware of the "status" their respective gene pools afforded them. I say this because because "Princess" Pasha could not be more of a spoiled priss pot. She thinks she is a cat, who is lovable on her terms. You can count on her to put on airs for guests that visit, but as soon as they are gone, she lets you know who is boss. Coco on the other hand is as humble as her beginings and could not be more compliant with whatever you feel like doing with her. Snuggling with that little ball of fur is one of the highlights of my everyday.

If placed in a lineup for would be pet owners to pick from, I have no doubt Pasha would reign supreme. Coco may get a few second looks, but in the end Pasha would end up with the new home.

How sad, they most things in life are judged by a "cover" and not by the heart. I only hope that when the time comes to pick a marriage mate, my daughter thinks of Coco. What joy and happiness a less than perfect creature brought to our lives. Beauty is only skin deep. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3688-what-i-hope-my-daughter-learns-about-marriage-our-dogs.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3670-artificial-adult-03-04-10.html Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:20:41 GMT When I was 16, I landed my first real job in the School Board's Transportation Department. I got the job through a program at my high school which would allow me to attended classes in the morning and work at an office in the afternoons.

Most days, I assisted those in charge of the bus routes. From time to time, they allowed me to administer vision tests to the bus drivers.

I must say, however, that my absolute favorite part of the job was handling complaint calls from angry parents. As they droned on, I would chuckle inside myself wondering how they would react if they realized they were talking to a child. :flame3:

Of course, the bus drivers had to be confronted with allegations made against them. Much to my amusement, it was left to me to administer driver reprimands. Even then, I couldn't help but wonder what those in charge were thinking. As for me, I waited with bells on for that next call to come in. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3670-artificial-adult-03-04-10.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3666-rolling-rolling-rolling-up-booger-03-01-10.html Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:13:45 GMT My husband works in the Emergency Room at a hospital that looks more like a city than a building. He has seen it all. As a result, I can eat a four... My husband works in the Emergency Room at a hospital that looks more like a city than a building. He has seen it all. As a result, I can eat a four course meal through the goriest of stories, but for the life of me--I cannot stand the sight of other people's boogers.

My husband missed his calling to become a football player for no other reason than he is a really big guy. Unfortunately, as a result, his boogers are equally colossal.

While trying to sleep one night early on in our marriage, he kept stirring. Having to get up early for work the next day, I insisted on knowing what his deal was. Apparently, he was fidgeting because of his amazement over the size of the booger he had just lifted from his face. In the moonlight, I could see him rolling it again and again between his thumb and forefinger. Horrified, I insisted that his trip to the bathroom sink not be delayed any longer.

He turned on the bedside lamp and was immediately terrified by the color of his booger. "Oh my goodness, I must be sick. My boogers are black." "You have to look Ashley. I know how you feel about boogers, but you really have to look." Very reluctantly, I took a good look and exclaimed, "That's not a booger! It's a SLUG!!"

Once he realized the "booger" had antennae and two black eyes starring back at him, he through his arms in the air like a mad person, desperately trying to shake the slug's remains from his hand.

Somehow a snail had made its way into our bed and onto his face. For trespassing, the poor thing got the death sentence. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3666-rolling-rolling-rolling-up-booger-03-01-10.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3663-asian-spectacle-03-01-10.html Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:55:59 GMT Anyone close to me knows that my vacuum always gets a good workout. I attribute my cleanly ways to my mother who literally vacuumed her mattresses... Anyone close to me knows that my vacuum always gets a good workout. I attribute my cleanly ways to my mother who literally vacuumed her mattresses early on in her marriage. I am not "that bad," but I do admit to regularly vacuuming my garage. Yes, my garage.

As a newlywed, I was determined to convince my husband that as a capable wife, I reigned supreme. As a result, my enthusiasm for vacuuming was at an all time high.

Our first apartment looked out to an identical building. We could only hope that the tenants across from us would keep a cheerful patio so that we would have some semblance of a view.

In New Orleans, most days are hot and humid and this day was no exception. To top things off, I woke to a broken air conditioning. Yet, I reasoned that at the very least the front of the apartment had to be tidy for the maintenance man.

Determined, I striped down to my "oversized" bra and panties and began cleaning. It was only when the vacuum stopped that I realized all was not well in "Shiny Town." My neighbor was killing himself laughing and shouting things in Chinese to another amused onlooker. I could have died when I realized that the heat had rendered my brain temporarily nonfunctional. In desperation for air, I had opened the sliding glass patio door, completely oblivious to the fact that I was nearly naked.

I fell to the floor in horror and crawled to my bedroom to dress myself. I hid for the remainder of the day--not even reemerging to close the patio door--after all my neighbors had seen more than enough of me that day. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3663-asian-spectacle-03-01-10.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3656-i-brake-shiney-hineys-got-tp-02-26-10.html Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:23:00 GMT Come feast or famine, my family will always have shiny hineys. Whenever I catch a good sale, I throw 2-4 packs of TP in my cart. My teenager cringes... Come feast or famine, my family will always have shiny hineys. Whenever I catch a good sale, I throw 2-4 packs of TP in my cart. My teenager cringes when this occurs because she is convinced that everyone in the store will think she has a major case of the runs. Her daddy tries to convince her that it is worse to buy one small package because someone may think she ran out of paper in the middle of a "code brown." She is not amused by his argument.

My daughter would have gone into cardiac arrest had she been with us at Harris Teeter the other night during their "Super Doubles" coupon event. They were restocking the shelves and there, in the middle of the aisle, was a cart overflowing with mega roll packages of 3-ply Northern--the filet mignon of the TP world and I had coupons!

Without hesitation, I told my husband to roll the entire cart to the self checkout. He took and double take to make sure I was serious and immediately acknowledged that our daughter would have required medical attention had she been with us.

I am sure the guy manning the self checkout station thought he was on "Candid Camera" when he saw our 20--yes 20--packages of TP. He immediately called the manager over the load speaker to "come and get a load of this." They had never seen someone buy so much TP and took my husband's picture with the cart. No doubt they wanted evidence when they talked about the deranged couple with a TP fetish the rest of the evening.

My daughter could not be more elated when she saw the loot--She had escaped the mack daddy of TP runs (no pun intended). ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3656-i-brake-shiney-hineys-got-tp-02-26-10.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3625-how-12-hours-sleep-cost-me-6500-01-30-10.html Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:35:15 GMT This entry will shift from my usual comedic writing to that of a more serious nature. . . As a certified coupon fanatic, I search out ways to... This entry will shift from my usual comedic writing to that of a more serious nature. . .

As a certified coupon fanatic, I search out ways to save money. Perhaps this was born of neccessity, having lost my job along with countless other New Orleanians in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Our southern roots ran so deep that the decision to leave our families and the only home we had ever known was not easy. We ended up selling our house at a loss. Our heart was in that house. We did much of the building work ourselves to save money. I believed I would die there.

After several good cries, we dried our eyes, packed our bags, headed north and spent the next several years trying to figure out where to settle down. The five of us (me, my husband, our teenager and two dogs) eventually took up residence in a two bedroom apartment in eastern North Carolina.

Fast forward to just three months ago. . .

My father, whom I credit with teaching me the value of a dollar, sent me an article from the New Orleans Times Picayune touting $6500 in tax relief for people who were NOT first time homebuyers. Estatic, I immediately googled for more information. To my delight, everything I read indicated that we qualified.

After touring countless houses, we finally found one we felt we could be happy in.

When my banker called to schedule the closing, I immediately took my husband's schedule into consideration. You see he works nights (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.). On days when he has to work, I encourage him to rest because I worry about him getting on the road tired. The banker and I chose a day and I eagerly began to anticipate it.

The closing date arrived, we settled into the place and finally we felt at peace again.Then, when my husband's W2 arrived, he presented it to me as if we were getting engaged again. Afterall, it was worth as much as a fine engagement ring. Quickly, I sat down to prepare our taxes. I wanted to see the refund looking up at me from the paper. Just invisioning placing the stamp on the envelope to request my check was enough to put me into a state of utopia.

Shangri-la was quickly riped out from under me, however, when I read what felt like a death blow: In order to qualify you had to have closed "after November 6, 2009." What?? My body began to tremble, water flowed from my eyes and I began to scream like a wounded animal. The date I had chosen when the banker called was 12 hours shy of qualifying for the $6500 tax credit. I did not qualify because I cared about my husband getting some sleep. My husband was scheduled to work on the "qualifying day" so I made sure we would have everything done before then.

Nothing I had read, no one I spoke to about it--the bank, the attorney, the realtors (mine and the sellers'), my family, my friends--knew about the date either.

There has never been a time where I have been interested in politics, perhaps that is partially because their promises are much like bread hanging over your head that is always just out of reach.

We had planned to put the money toward a school loan my husband took out. I plan to write about that fiasco in a future blog which I plan to call: "The Turkey Was Pardoned, Criminals are Pardoned, How Bout Barry?" In it I will address the encouragement the government has given to people to go back to school and give a real life example of the worst that can happen. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3625-how-12-hours-sleep-cost-me-6500-01-30-10.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3514-limit-three-brain-cells-12-04-09.html Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:30:49 GMT My family says that I drink like a "thirsty camel." Although a camel can go without water for days or even months, a large, thirsty camel can drink as much as 200 liters of water a day. Admittedly, I'd give that camel a run for its money in a drinking competition.

Imagine my delight when Walgreens ran two specials on 2-liter drinks in the same week! Sunkists were a buck each (limit 5) and 2-liter Cokes were three for $2 (limit 3)--Plus, I had coupons! Naturally, I ran around town maxing out my limit at each of our three stores.

Tired and after having pulled a muscle in my shoulder (probably from lugging all the 2-liters), I was ready for checkout at my last stop. The cashier looked at my 2-liters and said sharply, "There is a limit!" Mannerly I said, "Yes, I know. I only have the limited number." As if I had spoken to her in a foreign tounge, she boomed back, "THERE IS A LIMIT!" As calmly as possible, I repeated my previous response.

Rudely, she asserted a third time, "THERE IS A LIMIT!" By now, I am fully annoyed by her ignorance. I boomed back, "I KNOW THERE ARE LIMITS--5 SUNKISTS AND 3 COKES! THAT'S ALL I HAVE!"

After an awkward moment of silence, I pointed out the separate promotions in their ad along with the limits. For a second, I thought I had reached this woman. . . And then. . .

"I will let it go this time," she said as if she were doing me a favor. "LET WHAT GO??!!," I thought. I suggested that she have the manager explain their sale to her. She stated that calling the manager was unnecessary as she was letting it go this time.

A light bulb went off over my head. She had been right all along! There was a limit I had missed! A limit of three, three brain cells that is. All hope was lost, nothing more could be expected of her. I applaud Walgreens for employing the mentally handicapped, each week I seem to run into one. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3514-limit-three-brain-cells-12-04-09.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3476-my-dog-pasha-hamburgular-11-13-09.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:39:09 GMT Like me, my Shih Tzu Pasha loves to eat. However, you will never find her jumping up and down or barking for food like most dogs. For her begging is... Like me, my Shih Tzu Pasha loves to eat. However, you will never find her jumping up and down or barking for food like most dogs. For her begging is an art and she is its Jedi Master. "Look away, look away," my husband yells when Pasha cocks that fluffy little head and stares us down with those hypnotic chocolate eyes.

One night while we were eating Wendy's, we were succeeding in avoiding all Pasha's traps, when she decided we needed a lesson. I am convinced the hamburgulary was premeditated. She casually hopped onto the sofa and then launched herself onto the coffee table, suceeding in stealing my daughter's hamburger. She then had the nerve to come back for fries. Before we realized what was happening, she jumped up like a cat and swatted the fry box onto the floor where her and her baby sister, Coco, shared the loot.

We learned our lesson the hard way. . . Pasha is happy to share with us, but if we are greedy, we get none. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3476-my-dog-pasha-hamburgular-11-13-09.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3472-my-crystal-uhhh-cheetah-anniversary-11-12-09.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:28 GMT For years, my friends have likened my husband to Doug Heffernan on the series "The King of Queens." I never fully agreed with their assessment until today, my 15th wedding anniversary. . .

Season 1, Episode 5 aired today of all days. I couldn't believe the coincidence when Doug said "Happy Anniversary" to Carrie. How cute I thought and immediately called my husband to the living room to share this fluke of television scheduling. We smiled as Carrie kept making a fuss over the ring "that is also a watch" that Doug had given her with the best of intentions.

As you may or may not know, a gift of crystal is considered traditional on one's 15th anniversary. Anyone who knows me, however, is aware that I am much too practical for crystal items. Give me a set of pots or a Walmart gift card any day and I'm ecstatic. As my gift peeked out at me from the wrapping paper, I just sat there in total amazement. How did this happen? Where has my husband been all these years? Was it my fault? What could I have possibly done to convince this man that I would be happy with a Cheetah print Snuggie?

Nine seasons can't be wrong, however, Doug Heffernan is truly a lovable character. As for my husband, I can't wait to see what next season brings. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3472-my-crystal-uhhh-cheetah-anniversary-11-12-09.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3468-my-mesmerizing-mailbox-11-11-09.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:20 GMT My family does not understand the enchantment I have with my mailbox. When I see the mail truck driving up the street, my family claims that I act as... My family does not understand the enchantment I have with my mailbox. When I see the mail truck driving up the street, my family claims that I act as if the "prize patrol" was making its way to my door. They even taunt me with dares to leave the mail in the box for an extended period after its delivery.

I confess that the attraction I have to my mailbox is a bit odd, but each day it draws me like a hefty magnet would the tinniest grain of steel. Even on holidays, I cannot help but sneak a peek just in case I missed the news that the government has joined much of corporate America in robbing the workforce of their holidays.

Like a dishonest friend, at times my mailbox does let me down--like the time I received my homeowner's bill right after Hurricane Katrina. More often than not, however, my mailbox brings out the sun even on the most gloomy of days. The coupons and rebates it regularly delivers to my door may not be as big and fat as that "prize patrol" check, but pennies do eventually make dollars and dollars make me happy.

My family thinks I am strange now, I'd like them to see the display I would put on for the "prize patrol" if ever they do decide to visit. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3468-my-mesmerizing-mailbox-11-11-09.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3435-coupon-binder-my-teenagers-love-hate-relationship-10-25-09.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:30:20 GMT "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. ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3435-coupon-binder-my-teenagers-love-hate-relationship-10-25-09.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3431-cashiers-not-mathmaticians-10-22-09.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:29:05 GMT At one time or another, I have found myself behind a register to make a buck, so I do not think myself prejudiced toward those in the occupation. I... At one time or another, I have found myself behind a register to make a buck, so I do not think myself prejudiced toward those in the occupation. I am convinced, however, that coupons have the power to cause detrimental effects to one's mathematic abilities much like kryptonite's effect on Superman.

Case in point, my dear husband and I entered a store tonight each toting a coupon that read "one per customer." Yes, I confess that on my wedding day I agreed to become one flesh with this man, but I do not recall ever signing up to become his siamese twin. And, even if I did, society would readily accept that we are still two distinct individuals.

The mind regression was immediate when my dear husband attempted to check out with a coupon similar to one I had just redeemed. "It say one per customer, you can't use that," the cashier boomed. Patiently, I pointed out that the fact that I knew this second customer, should not cancel out his very existence. Why he even came complete with his very own credit card.

In the end, we maintained our individuality. Be warned, however, that higher coupon values have been known to effect management's cerebral abilities to the point that coupon redemption is denied.

Where is Superman when you need him? ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3431-cashiers-not-mathmaticians-10-22-09.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3430-i-do-not-want-become-potato-farmer-10-21-09.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:56:09 GMT My best friend, who I shall call "Dee," lives in a $300k house and is on vacation more than she is at home. She has a friend who works for an airline, so she flies free just about everywhere. She just has to do it on standby. She just got home from Germany and is leaving Thursday for Virginia.

Dee and her husband are very frugal people who buy most things used or on clearance. They are the type of people who have no idea what "new car odor" smells like and would be happy no other way. Perhaps that is how they can spend so much time away from home.

Today Dee took me on my first "gleaning" experience. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, "gleaning" refers to picking up the left over crops after a farmer has harvested. Being a "city gal," I thought "gleaning" was just something that is talked about in the Bible.

We drove over an hour and had many false leads before finally discovering a sweet potato field that had recently been harvested. Dee proclaimed with glee, "Why should we pay for potatoes when we can glean?"

It is amazing what is left behind after a harvest. To me it sounded like something out of an an old movie, but the farmers actually wait a few days after the harvest to plow to allow gleaning. I originally hail from New Orleans and left my birthplace because of the horror of Hurricane Katrina. I kept wishing the field was back home in Louisiana and not in eastern North Carolina. There are so many people in New Orleans that could benefit from the opportunity to glean a field.

Dee and I were well equiped with gloves, plenty of plastic bags and boxes. However, neither of us thought to pack water of all things. After about 45 minutes, we had about 4 boxes filled and I thought I was going to die from exhaustion. We decided to stop for lunch and, after having rested, decided to call it a day.

As happy as I was with our "harvest," while I was walking off of that field, I decided then and there that I would never become a potato farmer. It was very hard work that I did not care to entertain again. Despite my heartfelt commitment to that decision, a hamburger and a diet coke later, Dee and I planned to hit another field next weekend that is presently in the process of being harvested.

Why should I pay for potatoes when I can glean? ]]> pasharain http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/pasharain/3430-i-do-not-want-become-potato-farmer-10-21-09.html