What A Deal

No, not the tariffs.  

No, not the return of Eden Alexander.

No, not the Qatari luxury plane.

Instead, I'm going to treat you to a shopping story.  For a while today, the world seemed to turn properly on its axis.

JannyLou and I decided to gift all the 5th graders this year.  What started out as bikes with all the trimmings for the 65 graduates (a logistical nightmare) morphed into a class by class raffle for a bicycle/helmet/lock combo, open to everyone who met their goals (a gentler, kinder way of easing them into the Honor Roll way of judging they'll face as 6th graders).  

Everyone will receive an oversized, extra-ordinarily soft, individually rolled and tied, brand new blanket.  Months ago, Penzeys Hug blankets were on sale  $25 for two.  I bought 31.  They have been sitting in my garage, reminding me that I was 34 blankets short.

Last night, the social worker's text reminded me that there are only 6 more days of school, and 2 of them are a water park field trip and graduation.  I assured her that I was on it and asked for help getting it all to school.  A text or two later, and a plan was made.  All that was left was to shop.

Kohl's always has blankets like these, priced to move at $12.95 each.  Today, I took my much too small but all that was available shopping cart to the back of the store and found the usual sign replaced by one announcing a new price - $9.99.

I loaded my cart, choosing bright and pleasing patterns, left it by the cashiers and filled another cart, and began to check out.  The woman at the register turned out to be the manager, which I guessed by watching her do three things at once while also running 34 blankets over her scanner.  This is where the fun starts.

Did I know that I could save 40% on this purchase if I opened a credit card?  I could pay it off right there at the register using the GRIN debit card, once I was approved.  

I laughed and asked if they also made charitable donations, since these were going to a local elementary school.  Sure, I can do that.

A minute later, with a further 10% knocked off the bill, I was the proud possessor of a Kohl's credit card, the balance of which was, after a quick swipe, paid in full.

I bought 34 blankets for $129 and change. 

Sometimes life treats you well.