I’ve decided to get both actually, since I hit two of my goals.
And yes, that means I did hit the 10 lb weight loss goal. I actually hit it right on the button, down to 1/10 of 1 lb.

I just need to decide on what from that online store I want, since I know the items vary in quality some by manufacturer.

Time is also an issue. Between wanting to advance my career, get into a masters program, and still keep loosing weight and improving my health through exercise I’m not sure I’d be able to find the requisite range time, especially since the only handgun range I am aware of in my area is on the other end of the city.

While I do want to eventually get in some range time with my own piece, that one is going to have to wait. If you have other suggestions, I’d love to hear them though.

As for the paper bags, many of the stores I shop at still have paper bags available. You just need to request them, or they will automatically assume you want plastic, or just give it to inattentive customers because they are cheaper to make.

As I do my conditioning for a 20 mile bike ride for Diabetes I will likely get myself to the point where I can comfortably ride it not only to the nearby mini-grocery store (which I can already do), but also to further ones for groceries. When I do that I will likely either use my own reusable bags (that I hope will fill the pannier well) or ask for the paper bags it was designed to hold, as that will maximize my carrying capacity per pannier.

When I go to the local store for a few items I have already taken to using my pannier as my grocery bag.

Paper bags also make a great place to let cookies cool after baking them. It insulates any surface you’re on, and absorbs some of the fat out of the cookie, making them just a toooouch healthier.

As for the bags, your argument says it all, they use oil, they’re not cost-effecient to recycle, and I’ve seen protesters protesting against them. Still, they’re more cost effective, and if we can wean ourselves off foreign oil, and start depending on foreign corn, we might have a chance (Bioplastics, yo.). I miss paper, though, it’s renewable, it’s recyclable, and I pack the things with tinder and flamable lint for when I go camping. They make starting fires easy in a good way. Do that with plastic and it just STINKS.

Any ideas/advice on the the reward(s?) to select for myself?

And I’m knocking them because it takes oil to make the material to make them, and nonrenewable resources to make them. It does for more durable plastic shopping bags too, but I can keep reusing those for a really long time if I get durable ones. While I can recycle the lighter plastic bags, some of the material is waisted with each recycling, and it takes energy (again) to recycle them. I also have to remember to bring them in to Walmart and recycle them. They are also semi-transparent and rather flimsy.

I’m not telling the grocery stores to remove them entirely. I’m just saying that I, personally, am looking at getting some items that will be better for me to shop with. Better for me, and better for the environment.

Oh, and why ya knockin’ the plastic bags? They’ve already done away with the good paper ones! Don’t go givin’ them a reason to nix the plastics, too! I don’t like the idea of having to byob (Bring Your Own Bag).