A Vent

As a teacher, I'm always looking out for good deals on supplies for my classroom.

Back-to-school sales usually have the best deals around, and today's find was no exception.

Office Depot had folders for 5 cents each. The catch? Limit 5 per customer.

"No problem!" I thought to myself.

Last year, Office Depot had composition notebooks for 10 cents each, with the same limit. They were very accommodating. I purchased 50, but had to do it in 10 separate transactions. A little trouble for the checkout woman, but totally worth it for my wallet.

I figured this year would be the same.

Nooooo.

The woman first said I couldn't purchase more than 5. I politely explained I was a teacher, and last year they let me purchase whatever, just in separate transactions.

She checked with the manager.

The manager said I could buy as many as I wanted, I would just have to leave the store and come back in (and wait in line) every 5(5!!) folders.

I need 80.

No thank you.

I handed them the folders, and told them I was on my way to Wal-Mart. They might be 7 cents there, but they don't make me jump through hoops to buy supplies for my students.

Sometimes I think the world has gone mad.