And would you like insurance with that?

CRAZY!

Sissy and I went on our annual Super Bowl Shopping Spree. It's funny how this annual event started with me just not wanting to be home during the Super Bowl and has evolved into me spending money on my daughter. Oh well. She's happy and I don't have to watch the game. Someone's happy!

Last year's shopping spree, for those of you that remember reading about it, my senses were assaulted! This year, either I've adapted to the music and the smells - but this year my good sense was assaulted - literally!

We went to a mall - and I think we ended up buying merchandise in 8 or 9 stores. Everything from department stores like Penneys to boutique type stores like Teaopia. We got some great deals and really, as much as I hate shopping - we did have a nice time. But, without fail - each time I approached a register to purchase our goods - the clerk tried to sell me something else. Not necessarily merchandise - but additional charge cards, service protection or in one bizarre case - theft protection. I declined everything but after about round 2 - it go annoying.

Just sell me what I want and leave me alone. I don't mind if the cashier says something like "did you see the shoes that match this purse?" - that's fine - maybe I didn't and we all know you can't have too many shoes. But don't ask me to buy a rewards card, insurance, give you my email address or fill out a survey. And while were on that - don't give me six different receipts with coupons that I have to spend $250 worth of jewelry at Sears to save $5.

Why do I get so uptight about all these offers? Glad you asked. I just want you to focus on what I am buying - not new goods and services. I had to go back to two stores because they forgot to remove the theft device. Another they forgot to run my gift card. And in the last, they didn't give me back my credit card. How about we just focus on the transaction at hand.

And these coupons.....bait and switch....I don't know what you want to call them. Especially Macy's. I do like Macy's - and shop there a lot - but they always send these coupons that at face value look fabulous. Save 20% shopping spree. Then you turn the coupon over and everything in the store is an asteric except for maybe clearance item underwear. What's the point? This particular day if you wore red - you were supposed to receive an additional 10% off your purchase. Only if you didn't use your Macy's card. What the hell.

How about just price everything the same for everyone? No special offers or discounts. Just one price for everyone that shops. It's not that hard.

Anyway, yesterday I went to the post office - probably hands down my least favorite place on earth. I'm sending my taxes to our accountant. It's a manila envelope full of papers. No, no explosives, liquids, chemicals. No delivery confirmation (HUGE SCAM), no insurance. No, I don't need any packaging materials. No, I am good on stamps and other postage products. I finally paid and left. I glanced at my receipt. According to the receipt it was going to Elizabethtown, KY 42701. Unfortunately, I was mailing it to Zanesville, OH 43701. Again - how about we just focus on the job at hand and forego the other goods and services? I'll let you know where the taxes end up.