The best of both worlds?

There are very few times that I envy Americans. Not that I think it's a bad place to live, I just think Canada suits me better (mosquitos notwithstanding). That said, I itch for deals, bargains, coupons and FREE FREE THINGS which I really don't think Canada has... at least, not in the same way.

We Canucks have our loyalty clubs, which force us to be loyal to stores in hopes of someday cashing in on free services, groceries and the like. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my points, but there is something to be said for the thrill of the hunt, clipping enough coupons, doubling them and then finding out that your cart full of groceries cost you a whopping $4. It's somehow not the same to spend a year collecting points to get that same cart of groceries for free. It's kind of like earning money vs finding $20 in your pocket you didn't know about. it's the same money, but the thrill just isn't there. Not to mention, it's almost anticlimactic to REDEEM your points once you get a big, satisfying pile of them all stacked up together in a happy little group.

I keep trying. I watch my fliers, and scour them for the best deals, hoping that in some small way I can work the system enough to make myself happy. For example, a few weeks ago at Sobeys, I bought 3 packages of KD for $2.98 and got 300 points. (about equivalent to $2.00 in free groceries). Ok, so I didn't just buy 3 but I stopped myself from buying more than I'd actually eat though, which made it a success.

Someday I'll find the fulfillment I'm craving. Even if it means a trip south of the border. But until then, I will live vicariously through my SIL who is a master. Check out her blog.

Is it so wrong to want both? Because as much as I want the coupons and the tricks and such... I also want my $500 in free groceries. I really gotta go spend that soon, before inflation makes it worth less!