I've learned my lesson!

I am convinced that it does not save time or money to take shortcuts, at least I have not learned how to make shortcuts work for me. I have had several frustrating situations in the last couple of weeks happen to me and I have resolved to not take shortcuts again (at least not any time soon).
Okay, so my husband was sick a week and a half ago and we went to the store to get some cold medicine. Well, I was comparing brands it seemed that buying the store brand would be just as good as the name brand, considering it had all the same ingredients. Well, this particular medicine had no affect at all on him, whether or not it just didn't work because it was not a name brand or I just bought the wrong stuff I'm not sure, but I have concluded that when it comes to medicine I'm not going to buy the store brand again. So, here I was trying to save us money by buying the cheaper stuff, but instead I ended up spending twice as much time and money when I had to go out the next evening and purchace another cold remedy for my husband (this time it worked).
Here is my other frustrating situation: A few nights ago I had to go to the store for a few groceries and diapers. I went to one store for the groceries and they also carry diapers but they were $1.50 more than I would normally pay and you got 8 less than I usually get. So, I decided was going to save $1.50 and get 8 more diapers by going to Walmart which was 2 minutes away. So, I drove over there and thought, hmm, I'll just park in the back of the store by the Walmart car shop (where they sell tires and work on the engine), and go in that entrance. This will save time driving around the store and trying to find a spot. It seemed like it would be much quicker going this way (which by the way is something I never do). So, I also had my 17 month old with me so I carried him in the store and didn't even get a cart, I'm going to be quick I thought. Well, I got the diapers then I remembered that I needed toilet paper too. So here I am carrying toilet paper (12 double rolls pack), a package of diapers and Moses. I let him walk some, but again, I was trying to be quick and things were getting heavy! So I made my way to the back of the store where I came in and when I got there the only register that is in the back was closed! I couldn't believe it! So, there I was with two big packages of diapers and toilet paper and Moses and no cart! I was overcome with grief and anger, I just dropped to my knees beside Moses and let my packages fall... Then when I realized that there were no employees around to see my dilemma, I "girded up my loins" so to speak and began the journey to the front of the store to check out. I was so angry at myself for the choices I made that brought me into Walmart to begin with. So, I carried my load down the aisle and around the corner and I can't even remember if I prayed or not, I was just so mad at how things were turning out, and the Lord in his goodness provided an empty cart just down the next aisle. I whispered a thank you Lord and piled in my goods, made my way to the U-scan and "quickly" paid for my items. I finally was able to head back to the rear of the store exit and back to the car. This whole ordeal took about 25 minutes or so. I was exhausted by now and I had also worn my most uncomfortable pair of shoes, certainly not made for walking! Oh, and then get this, when I got to Walmart, the diapers I usually buy were way up high on a shelf that I couldn't reach and there was no one around to ask for help. So after I waited for a few minutes, I decided to buy the next cheapest brand. So, I really only ended up saving like $.30 which by no means was worth the time and hassle that I ended up going through! Next time I'll take a hit at the other store, pay $1.50 more and get 8 less diapers all for the sake of preserving my sanity!

These two situations were very frustrating because I was trying to be a good steward of our money but it ended up backfiring in my face! I am learning that I need to just make sure I either do more research beforehand (like find out what is the best cold medicine to buy) and make a good purchace the first time so I won't end up spending twice as much to make up for poor planning or a bad buy.