I love to shop! Who doesn't? But for me it isn't about what I buy, it is more about the hunt. If I have had a rough week, nothing will help more than a trip downtown. It does not have to be at a mall or exclusive store. It can be either a big sale at one of the super stores or even a lucky find at the local second hand store. You are probably thinking "how pathetic". My kids used to think the same thing until they got married and had a bunch of kids.

Well, since the whole country seems to be tightening it's collective belt, there seem to be many more bargains out there. It is very difficult for me to buy any thing that is at regular price. It actually physically hurts. So I scan the ads, look for coupons, hit the sales (especially those that 15% discount on already lowered prices) and stretch the dollars.

Then I go with a particular attitude of I know it is out there, I just have to find it. So with that in mind, and thinking of all the pounds I will burn as I walk down the long isles, browse through thousands of items, and sort through tons of wares, how can I go wrong? When I get home I will have finished my exercise, therapy and shopping all in one go.

I believe there is an art to bargain shopping. When I go shopping, I put on comfortable shoes, make sure I have the right glasses so I can make sure the item I am looking for does not have any nicks, holes, or stains. I also like to chew gum, because it keeps me in a rhythm, but I try hard not to blow bubbles or smack the gum to avoid attracting unnecessary dirty looks.

Of course, a bargain is not really a bargain if I don’t need it, or will never use it. So I make sure that what I take home will be appreciated and have a purpose. Most of the time I am looking ahead for birthday presents or Christmas gifts since I have several children and grandchildren. I have found many treasures that someone probably had sitting around in their homes unused and unappreciated. Then I have seen how that same item given as a gift was truly adored.

Few things in life are as fulfilling to me as realizing I have been a great bargain hunter. I’m not sure why it is, it just is.