There are many perks to working the entertainment beat of a hometown newspaper.

You almost always find out about things first (or at least second or third). People tend to say nice things about you when they meet you (even if they might say the exact opposite when you leave). And people like to send you things in the mail from time to time.

As I write this, I am looking over at a few of those items on my desk.

See, when a new product comes out or a chain restaurant puts out a new dish or a new CD is released, the companies often pass out coupons for those new menu items to get you to try them. It’s pretty common.

For instance, I am looking at a stack of free or discounted food items from Chik-fil-A and Hardees and a couple others as well. All these places have fine food, but since they are trying out a few new menu items or just want you to stop by for a buy one, get one free, they send a coupon your way.

All too often, I let these coupons expire and don’t find the time to use them. It’s not because I dislike the place, just that by the time I think I can use them, they are expired. The other reason is, for some reason, I have a hard time redeeming these coupons. Personally, I have a hard time going into a store and walking out without spending the appropriate amount of money. I just don’t use coupons well. I have just asked a person to make my food, the company to buy the ingredients and the servers to hand it to me. And all the while, I can’t even give the money for the goods and services I have received.

So, these things sit here and I simply don’t take the time to enjoy a free or discounted meal, sandwich or dessert.

Now, when it comes to things like spices from the good people at McCormick, I don’t bat an eye. I get their spices, I use their spices and I enjoy their spices. I love that they have come out with dried Lavender and that I can sauté my squash with it now. I can’t wait to use the cinnamon grinder with my hot chocolate this winter. And I am in heaven with their Montreal Steak Seasoning grinder for my steaks.

And when I get a new CD, like The Wiyos who are coming to the Upstate at the end of September or the new live Keller Williams two-discer, it’s a great day to be an entertainment reporter. You get to listen to the great music then put it in the Christmas auction for our Employee Relief efforts.

But I can’t seem to get over the free lunch conundrum. Is it because there is no such thing as a free lunch? Maybe I just don’t want salad or other products at that moment? Whatever it is, I need to find a way around it.

If anyone is looking for a free salad or strawberry dessert, let me know. Until then, they will sit here until I learn that free is OK, especially when you are talking food.