I'm a bargain shopper. I always have been. I'm thrifty. I've been known to purchase complete outfits for less than $10. Yes, I said less than $10. When I was younger this was of the upmost importance as most of my money needed to be saved for going out with friends and drinking until dawn. Today it's a matter of the lack of money. You see, now I have things to pay for like a mortgage, electric bills, water bills, insurance, cable, groceries, dog food, etc. So the other day when I realized I have no winter clothes that fit (this is due to the fact that I've lost 42 pounds and all my clothes are too large), I headed to the thrift store.

Upon entering the store I noticed I had my work cut out for me. Shirts, pants, sweaters, pajamas, skirts, bathrobes - you name it - wereall mixed together on the racks by color. Not size. Color. Imagine my joy. I had to go through every single hanger and read labels on every single article of clothing.

Two hours later, with my cart overflowing with clothes, I headed to the dressing rooms. When I reached the dressing rooms, I was kindly informed that I was only allowed to take six...SIX...items with me. I selected my first six items and started trying on clothes. As I finished and stepped out to retrieve an additional six items I noticed that my shopping cart had a lot more clothing in it than when I left it. Hmmm. Yes, someone or everyone, took it upon themselves to unload their unwanted items in my cart. While I was sorting through this added task, I was kindly reminded again that I was only allowed to take six items in with me. My response was to stare at the clerk like a deer caught in the headlights. Did she really think I was going to try on the toddler size jumper?

After several trips into the dressing rooms, I left with three shirts and two pair of pants. All for just under $20. Not bad. And since my plan is to continue to lose weight, I'll be back at the thrift store again. Only next time, I'll make sure to only load my cart with six items at a time.