Free Stuff

Ask anyone who's lived with me recently. I love checking (and using) the coupon section in the Sunday paper, aggressively seek the best buys at the grocery (I love hearing that "You saved $42.78 by using your Preferred Card!") and willingly take the free samples from marketing teams on Michigan Avenue. I can't tell you how many bottles of those fancy sport drinks I have brought home (free). One morning, a team on one corner was giving out little bags of Chex Breakfast Blend, while another group handed out little samples of flavored coffee creamers. Then Dunkin' Donuts got in on the act and gave out coupons for a free cup o' joe. I was there. So today when marketers in the Loop were giving out the new M-Azing candy bars (of which I have already received three free full-size bars), of course I got one. I'm so brazen, I go right up to the people with their distinctive T-shirts and oversized, color-matched messenger bars and ask them what they're giving out. So I slipped my fresh candy bar into my CVS bag (having just run an errand) and went to Mass. After Mass I had another errand, and spotted an M&M T-shirt on the corner by the Daley Plaza. Cashing in called for a quick change of itinerary, so I crossed the street and waited for the next "walk" light. Good thing! That pause for the traffic light gave me time to notice the nearly naked protesters just steps away from the Candy Man. (I mean it, they were only wearing their underwear.)
I decided it would be better to forego the extra candy bar.
Just once.