One of the Saddest Times of the Year...

photo courtesy of Griszka Niewiadomski

   Well folks, we're fast approaching one of the saddest times of the year, Daylight Savings Time: "Spring Forward" your clock by one hour on March 13th at 2AM. We will lose an hour. I am filled with a certain measure of bitterness and angst when it's time to "spring forward" one hour, and think of all the ways I could use that extra hour that is being stolen from me. It's really difficult for a person who almost constantly "feels behind" to "spring forward." Just when I get all cozied up to that hour that was returned to me in November 1 from earlier in March of that year, it's ripped away from me. The insanity. The madness. The angst. Goodbye, one hour of my life that won't be returned to me until November. I'll miss you.

QUICK FACTS:
~In the US, Arizona and Hawaii are the only 2 states that don't have to abide in the constant cycle of "falling back" and "springing forward." No mind games with their clocks, their internal body clocks, no sirree. You lucky pups.
~We have President Lyndon Johnson to thank for this Daylight Savings Time thingy, who is responsible for establishing this time shift continuum aka: The Uniform Time Act in 1966. Ben Franklin conceived this whole idea  waaaay back in 1784.
~Nearly 70 countries participate in Daylight Savings Time.
~Some of the proposed reasons of why we even participate in this time ritual are: fewer accidents happen during daylight hours, so this is an attempt to extend the daylight hours by making this adjustment twice a year; to save energy/electricity costs; it is agriculturally more beneficial; Doctor Who made a little oops many, many years ago (okay, that last one was my theory).

Walmart's Shipping Pass is a Keeper For Us!

   I've had Walmart's Shipping Pass for several months now, and I have to say I love the convenience and (no minimum) free shipping on Shipping Pass items! The $50 yearly cost has more than paid for itself, and I love getting my Walmart purchases delivered to me in three days' time (or less, which has happened on several occasions!) I can say it's a winner for those who have to drive a long-ish distance to get to the nearest Walmart, for those who are on a constant time crunch, and for anyone who likes to save money, because I have found some items that are online-only and at significantly lower prices than anywhere else.
   In comparison, for those of you who are Amazon Prime members, you may find it particularly interesting that many of the add-on items (that require a $25 minimum qualifying purchase subtotal)--can be more costly on Amazon.com than purchasing these same items at Walmart.com through the Walmart Shipping Pass program. I recommend that you check the Walmart.com site first for the odd bag of flour, package of printer paper or dishwasher tabs on Walmart.com before trying to find $25 total worth of stuff to meet the Add-on requirement of items you may have not been planning on spending that day. I have, and have saved a lot of money now that I've joined the Walmart Shipping Pass program. I absolutely plan on renewing my Shipping Pass this summer at renewal time--it's been a real money and time-saver for this frugal family.

If you want to learn more about Walmart.com's Shipping Pass program, here's their (copied and pasted) FAQs:
"

Overview

Following is an overview of the ShippingPass membership service. You should review the Terms & Conditions here for a more detailed description as well as service limitations prior to signing up for ShippingPass.
What is ShippingPass and how will it make my life easier?
You told us what you wanted and now we’re delivering it. ShippingPass is our brand-new membership program designed to bring you unlimited fast, free shipping for one year.
How much does ShippingPass cost?
It’s just $50 for a whole year of unlimited free shipping.
Eligible Items

What products can I order using ShippingPass?
We focused on the bestselling products customers like you want most in categories like Baby, Clothing, Electronics and Health & Beauty. Marketplace items are not eligible for ShippingPass.
How do I know which products qualify for ShippingPass?
Just look for shipping passnext to the item.
More details on what is eligible with ShippingPass:
FREE 3-day shipping
Items sold by Walmart.com that are marked eligible on the product page and at checkout
Nearly all addresses in the continental U.S. except those marked as ineligible below
FREE standard shipping
Select items that are not included in ShippingPass will ship for free but with standard (4-6 day) shipping. You will see this noted in checkout
Ineligible items & addresses
Addresses in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories, possessions and protectorates
APO/FPO addressed with U.S. Zip codes
P.O. Boxes in the continental U.S.
Items with freight charges
Items fulfilled by Walmart.com Marketplace sellers
Personalized Items
eGift Cards
Any item that is not marked eligible on the product page or in checkout
International destinations
Shipping & Returns

When will my items arrive?
Your order will arrive in 3 business days or less.
Do I need to order before a certain time to get 3-day shipping?
Yes, order before 12 noon your local time.
How do I track a shipment?
Log into My Account on Walmart.com to track your order.
Is return shipping free?
Yes, it's free. Learn more.
Payment

Do you offer a trial membership?
We are not offering a free trial of the membership at this time.
Which payment methods can I use?
To purchase the ShippingPass membership all major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Maintaining Your Membership

How do I cancel my membership?
Visit our Help Center to contact Customer Care.
Will my membership automatically renew?
A year goes by fast! So, yes your membership will auto-renew to so you have no interruption.
How do I turn off auto-renewal?
Auto-renewal can also be managed in My Account."