party like a coinstar

In my latest clutter-busting effort, I gathered all the loose change in the house and headed to a nearby Coinstar. I don't use change efficiently when buying things and I hate carrying loads of coins in my pockets. As a result, our drawers turned into overflowing treasure chests of chump change.

My first coinstar experience was amazing. Yeah I know I have no life. Unloading 30 pounds of coins was truly cathartic. I sifted the filter tray like a goldminer as the machine munched on my coins. Sounded much like a slot machine converting a jackpot. I laughed with pride when the coinstar closed its opening and the display screen incredulously told me "My you have a lot of coins! Please wait while we catch up with counting..." The screen also displays the breakdown of coin denominations. I grabbed the rejected coinage - bally casino coins, D&B tokens, subway tokens, yen and other unidentified currency - and reminisced of past travels like a sentimental dope.

I was there for what seemed like an eternity. I shook off any embarrassment as onlookers were wowed by my hoard of coins. I had to take a brief intermission and cashed out to let an old man jump in with his measly gatorade bottle full of change. Then I jumped back in and finished off my loot. It took about 30 minutes and I came away with $300. The cashier's eyes almost popped out when I redeemed my slip. I wasn't expecting that much cash and I immediately parlayed it into a nice dinner out. At the restaurant we toasted Coinstar and chowed down. Yes, we are easily amused.