I guess you could say it starts slowly like any other disease, and eventually makes its way into your everyday life. I don't remember exactly when it started but I am amazed at how fast it has progressed. Worst of all, once afflicted there is no treatment and there is no cure. Has couponing become an epidemic?

My wife started couponing about A year and A half ago. It started slow with promotions like dollar days and special days where they double coupons. Then ramped up quickly to buying 26 newspapers at the crack of dawn on Sunday morning. I am amazed at the sheer speed in which she developed the skills to buy $354.00 of groceries and sundries for $35.00 dollars. Awesome accomplishment indeed but lets get real. I want to show you the price the family pays.

First as the husband of A couponer I would like to say to all the extreme couponers please use your powers for good. Turn away from the dark side! These couponers are amazing at exploiting gaps and loopholes in manufacturers promotions. Promotions that these manufacturers payed millions of dollars for. Not to mention the top minds in advertising that worked on them. These couponers should focus on solving our country's problems not, getting 3 free when paying half price for one. Ladies join together and focus your powers. Use your couponing energy to end war, I think it would take you about A week if you put just half your focus on it. Or just become surgeons and you won't be so worried about how much you can save on tooth whitening.

Henry Ford was asked how much money was enough money, he replied "A little bit more." Well if you live with an extreme couponer i'll ask you, how much storage is enough storage? Answer; A little bit more. Really it has become a major problem. My wifes collection of toilet paper, paper towel, laundry soap, and deodorant has spilled from our linen closet to the spare bedroom closet then to the spare bedroom itself. If I live to be 245 years old I will still never have to buy another can of shaving cream! The basement is quickly becoming what looks like a custodians supply shop. I swear if she tries to take my garage and turn it into a costco i'll... who am I kidding.

Sunday mornings at my house starts with rituals, service, and prayer and i'm not even talking about church. If you live with a couponer or you are a couponer you can empathise with me. It starts early and the next thing you know there are 26 newspapers spread out, sorted, prioritized, and thoroughly managed. I don't know if you realize what 26 Sunday papers look like when they are spread out. Just imagine the surface area of A high school gymnasium, its endless! Then the clipping starts. She's unbelievably efficient but is always composed like a coiled snake. Walk on, set something on, or breath on any of those coupons and she will spring on you full of venom. Wielding very sharp scissors that she is proficient in using. Once our 150 pound newfoundland ran after A ball that my son threw. Tearing through her presorted papers. Papers and coupons flew everywhere and you would have thought the 7th seal was opened to usher in the apocalypse. Swear words that didn't exist were used fluently. Our dogs tail is still between his legs. So now in our household on sunday morning the kids, dogs, and me intuitively make ourselves scarce.

I am happy that my wife gets great satisfaction from her couponing. But if you asked me on sunday afternoon, I would give you different answer. She has saved the family thousands of dollars and works hard doing it. I am proud of her accomplishments and hope to survive many more sundays with her.