To Shop or Not To Shop?
Nov 26th 2009
Karen RoseOn Writing!
Yes, I realize for many of you this isn’t even a question. For me, it is. I shudder at the thought of malls and lines and hordes of people out for the best deal. Frankly, they scare me to little bits and pieces.
I’m not a great shopper on the best of days. (Ie, nobody but me in the whole mall.) I enter a clothing store and get the deer-in-the-headlights look. So much stuff. I immediately overload on sheer choices. Terrified of picking the wrong thing, I grab the first thing I see in black and flee, whimpering down the escalator, tucked in a fetal position.
I do pay for my purchase first, LOL.
I have never, never stood in line to enter a store with hordes of people. It’s a terrifying thought! All those people with single-minded intent, capable of sorting through all the choices at super speeds and willing to bash me on the head for the best deal… It’s not a fair playing field. I’d rather be the goalie and face an entire angry hockey team. At least I’d have padding.
And a mask.
Once (ONCE, I TELL YOU), I went to the Moonlight Madness sale at one of the stores in Cincinnati when I lived there. I went with a friend. She was in her element. I reached for one item from a rack (an infant dress for my daughter as I recall), only to have my hand slapped by another woman who grabbed the dress and left me standing with my mouth open in shock. My friend left with bags of stuff. I left with a sore hand. (And my fingers twitching from the gesture I really wanted to make at the hand smacker, but didn’t dare. She could have been armed.)
I have to say I do enjoy shopping at Nordstrom’s in Tampa. There is a lovely saleswoman there who is the very best. She gets my fear and patiently guides me to all the non-black items I’d never have seen on my own. (Like Claudia, but she’s taller.)
As for shopping for other people, I do it. I generally shop via the internet, because I can thoughtfully consider each item without fear of head bashing. I still freeze up from all the choices and usually pick stuff people don’t like, but I try.
So are you going to shop today? Do you avoid the mall on the day after Thanksgiving like the plague? How much of your shopping do you do via Internet? Tell me your war stories, people!
53 Comments »
53 Responses to “To Shop or Not To Shop?”
Tina on 26 Nov 2009 at 11:42 pm #
I would not shop on Friday even if you put a gun to my head.
I’m sleeping until 7:00 am and then going to work.
This is one day a year, I’m glad that I work for the government and do not have to deal with the crazy people.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 27 Nov 2009 at 2:23 am #
Not if my life depended on it.
Years ago, my dh complained we lacked Thanksgiving leftovers (we always did the parents’ house, one, the other, and some years, both). I began making Black Friday “Day After Dinner” so he’d quit lamenting the lack. The kids always managed to bring “waifs” to dinner that night. They still do. There are always “unrelated” faces at our day after dinner.
So I’ll be cooking while the brave (or foolish) are battling for the last totally ridiculous thing their kid or grandkid just MUST have, destroying their own holiday joy—or that of the shopper they “beat”—with this madness. People getting seriously injured for want of a Cabbage Patch doll years ago just turned me off to the whole debacle.
shannon on 27 Nov 2009 at 3:51 am #
I loath shopping and wouldn’t be caught dead in the malls today. I simply do not get people who enjoy shopping. I like window shopping when it is all about strolling along with my cup of caramel macchiato in hand and looking at the window displays but when I have to actually buy something it is no fun at all.
KariE on 27 Nov 2009 at 4:02 am #
I’m not hitting the stores today. I have a guest in from out of town and have made a commitment to babysit for a friend who got stuck working today. Lucky girl.
I find I do my best shopping at the veeeery last minute. Nothing like a little added pressure to get me through to the Christmas home stretch.
I can remember hitting the mall on black Friday just 2 times. The first was when I was 19 and had just broken my lower leg. My friend wanted the use of my handicap parking tag so bad she pushed me all around the mall in the wheelchair. I don’t know who learned a bigger lesson, her by never offering to push an invalid on BF no matter how good the parking, or me by hoping to never break my leg aroung BF ever again. Its a toss-up.
Second time was with MIL. Two words: Never. Again. That’s all I’m going to say.
Happy and Safe shopping to all you brave souls!!!
B on 27 Nov 2009 at 4:35 am #
Don’t get me wrong, I love crowded malls, especially during the holidays. There’s something about the atmosphere, the lights, the annoying Christmas songs that just warms my cold heart. I love going to the mall, though, I don’t really like shopping all that much (unless you mean for Kipling purses, of course, or other cute stuff).
Sales, however, it’s a big no no. There’s something about a sale that brings out the worst in people. I guess I take after my dad,who’s always preferred to pay full price for something — even if it’s so much more expensive — than to be uncomfortable in any way.
When I was in the US for Thanksgiving in 2007, I considered going out and watching the madness. Maybe videoing something for YouTube, but I gave up as soon as I saw the ‘We open at 5am ads”. 5am is nasty. People are nasty. I need comfort and safety.
Karen, colors are FUN!!! You must wear them!
Ah, best thing ever to shop for is BOOKS (ehh, and food) ! <3
Kathy on 27 Nov 2009 at 5:22 am #
If we had a Black Friday, you can be sure I would be far far away from a mall.
The closest thing we have is the boxing day sales which, don’t actually fall on boxing day.
I used to go but I panic then go into crank mode trying to get out , which is not pretty.
Don’t have a credit card, so internet shopping is looking only.
Angela on 27 Nov 2009 at 6:28 am #
Not going to the mall today even if you paid me. The only thing that would get me out is if I had to get food.
Even for that there are crowds. The toy stores are the worst. Can watch a shopping channel and shop from home via phone or internet.
LisaK on 27 Nov 2009 at 7:02 am #
I’m not one to go shopping excessively, either, Karen. I’m not afraid of crowds or anything but so many people around me are. Just. Annoying. Every two feet you have to watch out so that you don’t step onto someone. Grr, me not likey!
Since there’s no Thanksgiving here shopping today would be like any other day to shop, too.
I’ve been kind of forced to do my shopping via Internet since we don’t have a car and live in the country. The town where my school is has one shop for clothes and even there I only buy underwear – the other stuff’s just not my cup o’ tea. Munich is one train hour away from here but it’s far too expensive – the drive, I mean, not the stuff in general. And the town we used to drive to when we still had a car is almost unreachable without one.
So I order my things via Internet.
Con (I’ll only refer to clothes here): You can’t try things on before buying them and see what the look like.
Pro: No annoying people, no queues, peace and quiet. Sigh.
Gannon on 27 Nov 2009 at 7:22 am #
I wouldn’t be caught dead shopping today!! There is nothing I want that is worth putting up with the mayhem that is Black Friday!
I’m a big fan of online shopping. When we lived overseas, it was a lifesaver and I’ve just never stopped using it. You can’t beat the convenience!!
I hope y’all had a great Thanksgiving! Honestly, I’m still full!! LOL
Alicia on 27 Nov 2009 at 7:28 am #
I WILL NOT SHOP TODAY!! No way would I set foot near any store today. I have what they have named “social anxiety disorder” which means I have severe trouble with crowds of any kind. I am medicated, of course, but there aren’t enough meds in the frickin’ world to get me in a store today. I don’t go on the weekends during the holidays either. Too much rudeness! Then I get pissed because I’m standing there looking at some items on a shelf and some lady literally just walks in front of me and stands there looking at the items I’m looking at like I’m not even there!!! What is up with that!! HELLO!! Can’t you see me standing here?!?! Rude! Am I right?!?!
Judy F on 27 Nov 2009 at 7:38 am #
I used to shop on Black Friday all the time. But this was years and years ago. My sister and I would plan our outing the day before. We had it down to a science. But now that her kids are grown there is really no reason for us to be out shopping at 6 am to get that special toy.
The last several years I have worked retail during the holidays and its hectic to say the least. When I was at the bookstore and you had to use the restroom, you walked quickly and made no eye contact. Last year some crazy lady literally stopped me on my way back to the restroom. I explained nicely that I would be right back that I had to go to the back for something. She got real snippy with me. Finally I said I HAVE TO USE THE RESTROOM… Jeesh.
Karen I worked at McAlpins a lifetime ago and worked the Midnight Madness sales. THey were nuts.
This holiday I am working at Hickory Farm in the mall. Luckily I don’t have to work today but tomorrow. So say prayers. LOL
Cail on 27 Nov 2009 at 7:58 am #
I think I’d rather be stuck in a subway car (one of my worst nightmares, if you recall) than go shopping on black friday. I’m hoping the traffic isn’t bad today, so that I can make it to NY to see my family without too much trouble. I have a book on tape ready to go. Did everyone have a good thanksgiving?
Julia London on 27 Nov 2009 at 7:59 am #
I guess if we are here posting, we are not shopping, LOL.
What I don’t understand is why they have these wild start times. Some of the outlet malls here were opening at midnight. Others were opening at 4. Why? Won’t the sales still be there at 7 or 8? That has always puzzled me.
I will be at the gym today, trying to undo what happened yesterday.
LoriHandeland on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:03 am #
Never been shopping on Black Friday. Never will go shopping on Black Friday.
I do some shopping on the Internet but mostly I shop on my birthday (a week before Christmas) with my mom and find all sorts of sales. I don’t have too many people to buy for anymore so it’s not so bad.
Judy F on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:12 am #
My brother told me last night that a lot of the stores are staggering start times to avoid injury or death with people rushing just one store.
I went out last year aroung 11 and still got the price that was on till one. There is nothing out there that would get me up and at a store at 4 am.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:28 am #
Julia, I thought the same thing – if y’all are here posting, you aren’t shopping, LOL.
My daughter and her friend had planned to go to the nearby outlet store last night at midnight. They were having a “come in your pj’s” event and Oldest thought it would be cool to shop in her pj’s. I’d even taken a nap last night so that I could awake to drive them up there. (as I am a good mom, sigh). But Oldest’s friend bailed and I was more than a little relieved. I’d planned to drop them off and pick them up much later.
As it was, I got to stay home all cozy in my bed!
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:30 am #
Judy F – yes, it was the McAlpin’s Moonlight Madness sale. Thought you’d recognize that
That what your brother said about staggering the openings to prevent death makes sense to me – and I find that just plain sad. There is nothing in a store worth getting bashed on the head over.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:38 am #
Tina, I’m with you. I’ll be working today, too.
Gwynlyn – how nice of you to invite all the waifs over
We have lots of leftover turkey, so today we’ll have pot pie! It’s always a Thanksgiving highlight.
Shannon – I’d rather have the caramel macchiato at a table in a quiet coffeeshop somewhere. I do like to stroll and look at stuff when I’m shopping with someone. Then it becomes light entertainment versus a life or death quest.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:41 am #
Kari – totally chuckling at the MIL never again.
B – I’m also more inclined to spend a few dollars more if I don’t have to be in with the crowds, etc. Of course my husband has smugly informed me that he’s done with Christmas shopping. He started last February and watches for normal sales all year. He is a Good Shopper. I am a very bad shopper
I haven’t started yet.
TrishD on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:44 am #
I am not shopping today… I’m working.
I did get up for Black Friday one year. I was living in Grand Rapids and my folks were down and spent Thanksgiving with me. Mom and I decided to get up and head to the mall on Friday. We set the alarm figuring that if we weren’t there when the mall opened at 6am it was no big deal. We were up early enough to go have breakfast before the mall opened! It was actually really fun. The mall wasn’t that crowded and we got so much free stuff for being there so early… from Christmas ornaments to CD’s.
Now I live in a small town and I am not getting up at 5am just to head to Walmart!
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:45 am #
Alicia – you are right!
!
Lori – it must be nice to shop with your mom. You can spot each other from the crazies in the crowd. Didn’t know you were a Christmas baby. I guess there are plusses and minuses to that. Yay that the family will be around for your birthday, but boo that the gifts all come at once.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:48 am #
TrishD – my daughter was cybershopping last night and said the best deal she saw at Target was a toaster for $3. I ain’t going through that hassle for a toaster.
She did stumble on a silk scarf sale online. $1 each, but you take what they give you. We ordered 10, thinking hey, it’s only 10 bucks and it could be fun to see what we get. If they’re nice, we’ll split them up. If not, it was fun to try.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:52 am #
Cail – I had a lovely Thanksgiving, thank you! Turkey, the ubiquitous green bean casserole (love it), mashed potatoes, and this stuff called Potato Filling that DH has made every holiday since we were married. It’s a family recipe, Pennsylvania Deutsch. We had yummy veggies and splurged on really good bread.
It’s this dough that DH buys and lets rise. He first made it when the kids were small, when we lived in Ohio. The rolls plump up in the oven and look like a … well, a butt when they’re done. One of the kids called it “heinie bread” and the name stuck.
One year we couldn’t find the dough and everyone was really missing the heinie bread, but this year we had it. Woot!
Kathy on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:53 am #
oooh, Karen, let us know what the scarves are like when they come!
it would be like getting a treat bag!
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:54 am #
Kathy, I go into crank mode, too and you’re right – it ain’t pretty.
Angela, Lisa and Gannon – I’ll be doing some cyber shopping today. Hubby has been sending me links of stuff he wants for Christmas since last Christmas. I keep a folder and then when I’m psyched up and ready, I go shopping online.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:55 am #
Kathy – exactly what we thought! Will do!
Susan M on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:14 am #
I hate crowds…I hate masses of mean people…I DO NOT shop on Black Friday if I can help it. Today I have to go to the bank to deposit a check and I MAY stop at Big Lots which is next door. But only because I need cd cases. I’m out and I need to burn some cds today. Other than that I’ll be doing laundry, cleaning the floors and hopefully reading some.
JudyPatooty on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:22 am #
No!! No!! No!! I will not be shopping today! Google “Buy Nothing Day.” That’s what’s I’m celebrating today!
I’m dreading going to the mall tomorrow morning, but that’s only for a haircut. I hate the thought of the crowds and the traffic in the parking lot.
Madeline Hunter on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:23 am #
I avoid the malls today. No deal is worth what one goes through, and most likely the prices will be similar later. Yesterday between cooking bouts, I shopped online. Got some gifts, and some cheap stuff for me
A few of the stores have really good online stuff today and I am about to hit them. However, yesterday a few could not handle the traffic. I think if an online retailer has a blowout sale and markets it well, they should first check with tech to make sure their site can handle it if they are successful!
My mom loved the big noisy sales. I have a limit. That deer in headlights moment comes. In the olden days there were small shops for clothing, where a saleswoman would go find you stuff once you were in the dressing room. Old fashioned customer service, and a very different experience. Even the “small store” chains like Ann Taylor don’t allow their sales staff that kind of time with customers anymore. You are on your own unless there is a privately-owned boutique nearby.
B on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:25 am #
Karen, Christmas shopping isn’t fun unless it’s VERY last minute. Every year I go with both my parents (separately, of course) to help and buy their presents: in the TEN days BEFORE Christmas. It’s sooo much fun. Every single year, and I mean no exceptions I can think of, I end up at the mall on Christmas Eve, buying some last minute thing — even if for myself
That’s not being a bad shopper, not really!!!! At least, I’m a kickass shopper!
Madeline Hunter on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:30 am #
Oh, and I could not go out this morning if I wanted to. A new mattress and box spring was delivered. Oh, joy! I can’t wait to sleep on it. Anyway, our house was designed by someone (a man?) who did not notice that the way the stairs were arranged made it hard to bring up large box springs. Last night younger son had to take down a section of banister.Then today, in getting the old one down, they got stuck and I said just do it and not to worry about the walls. They put a hole in the wall, sure enough. Well, I could hardly live with an old box spring half up the stairs. So now I have to get the wall patched. And painted. Oh, well, we were due for a paint job anyway. Just sign me Madeline, at her mellow best.
Madeline Hunter on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:34 am #
The Kohls.com site just crashed. This is what I mean about checking with the tech staff before the blowout sale. Being very clever, Kohls not only planned this online sale but sent out emails that had a way to make a list in advance yesterday. Hence their site was dying even before the sale from the long browsing. Now they are down with a capital D.
I think I’ll mosey over to some other online stores instead. . . .
Louisa Cornell on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:39 am #
Not on your life! I am SO grateful I am off work today and don’t have to participate in the madness that is Blitz Day at Wal-Mart ! SHUDDER!! Especially as, after last year’s incident in a store in the Northeast (New York or New Jersey, I think?) the campaign at Wal-Mart was planned out like Wellington at Waterloo! We had to watch a TWO HOUR video on crowd control a couple of weeks ago. We’ve never had a problem in our store, probably because the police department is always there and the the town is so small they know everyone by name.
“Mrs. Johnson, if you smack that nice Wal-Mart associate in the head with your purse one more time I’m gonna have to call your son to come get you. Do you really want me to pull Jimmy Joe away from Thanksgiving leftovers and the Iron Bowl on tv to come down and bail his Mama out of jail?”
I have shopped online more and more each year. I balked at first, but my nephew walked me through it and now I do my Christmas shopping almost exclusively online. Safer that way. I’m only 5 feet tall. I could get killed shopping in the mall today!
Margaret on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:41 am #
KarenRose, one of my granddaughters was also cybershopping last night while the rest of us were sorting thru mountains of old photos and scrap books. (Daughter is moving shortly. Too shortly!) Shannon also saw the $3 iron and a toaster for $2. She called me at 8:30 this morning to tell me she actually went to Target at 4:30am and stood in a line that snaked around the parking lot. Naturally, the iron and toaster were long gone by the time she entered. I figure there was 1 iron and 1 toaster per store. But I think evil thoughts like that.
Some people had been in line since 2am. But I think they treat it like a tail gate party. Chairs, food, several friends/family members. I’ve heard people say it’s annual family tradition for them. Heard them. Not saw them.
No way in H-E-double hockey sticks would I go stand in line in the dark and the cold with hundreds of wild eyed crazy strangers for the privilege of, maybe, saving a dollar or 2.
I am an Internet shopper of several years standing. I love when boxes come to the house. Let UPS do the work. LOL
I’m like my daddy. More than 3 people is too long a line.
BTW, Shannon said the checkout line snaked thru every department. sheesh
Margaret on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:44 am #
BTW, I do believe I sense a theme here this morning. Claustrophobes and agoraphobics unite!
Sweet Jane on 27 Nov 2009 at 10:11 am #
That’s exactly what I was thinking about on the bus earlier today! Christmas shopping.
I think I’m like you: I generally dislike shopping, hate it when the mall/shop is packed. But of course I like giving out presents, so I’m stuck in a dilemma.
I don’t know what divine inspiration got into me last year; maybe it was the feeling of having money and living in a foreign country (Poland) that made me Christmas-shop for real for the very first time. I went to so many shops to look at stuff, made up lists and went back there to buy. I was so proud of myself!
This year, well, I don’t know. At the moment the mere thought of it disheartens me. Hopefully I’ll be able to work up some courage before Christmas; online shopping also definitely looks like a good idea.
Janae on 27 Nov 2009 at 10:42 am #
I think I’ve been shopping on Black Friday ages and ages ago, when we were first married and needed some stuff. I’ve never been since then because I prefer sleep. I’ll be spending the day doing some projects around the house – like rearranging my bedroom. There are a couple of items that I need to pick up – like some houseplants and an amaryllis for myself (I used to buy one every year for my grandma, who passed away earlier this year.), but I’m waiting til tomorrow when one local hardware and garden store, continues their no sales tax sale.
Other than that most of my Christmas shopping is finished. I need to get things wrapped and shipped to my family in MT. One year I sent the package the day after Thanksgiving, and it arrived in mid-January, looking like it had been run over. My grandma’s amaryllis pot was destroyed. That was priority mail. This year since it’s so late, I think I’m going to send it UPS. I still have to shop for my dh because he’s so hard to shop for. He swears it’s because he doesn’t buy himself anything. I’m not sure that I agree. He’s just really picky, IMO.
KimC on 27 Nov 2009 at 10:47 am #
We went out for a little bit this morning. We figured since we were up… We only got pet beds at Menards and I got some rubbermaid from Wal-mart. Y’all are right though. People are SO rude. What the heck happened to common courtesy?
K-Rawk-send me your xmas list and I’ll take care of it, K? *G*
Julia-that reminds me…
Madeline-please send some of your zen-ness my way. Hope you like the new bed!
SheridanLA on 27 Nov 2009 at 11:25 am #
Yesterday, around 1:30 pm, I was driving to join my friend and her family in Hollywood for Thanksgiving dinner..outside the Best Buy, they were already lining up with tents, pinic baskets, coolers, sleeping bags and whatnot waiting for the doors to open this morning. Really? That 17-18 hours of your life is worth saving a couple of bucks??? Seriously????
ugh. I spent my time in retail, including one very misguided stint at Toys R Us in college.. there is very little joy in black friday (which I always took more as a portent of evil rather then “puts us in the black!)
Fiona on 27 Nov 2009 at 11:41 am #
The only shopping I’m going today is grocery shopping. We’re having a sleep-over birthday party for my youngest son. I need fresh fruit for crepes (my DH makes the best) for breakfast tomorrow, and I have to pick up the cake.
I don’t know where I’ll put the cake, though. We still have half of yesterday’s pumpkin pie and half of the key lime pie we had on youngest son’s actual birthday.
Dinner tonight will pizza.
DH and I went shopping on Black Friday 21 years ago. We were looking for engagement rings and wedding bands. It was dreadful. Human traffic jams are no fun. We didn’t buy rings until January!
I will do some online shopping today. My email box was full of coupons and free shipping deals this morning.
Karen Hawkins on 27 Nov 2009 at 12:30 pm #
No. Not if you threatened to boil me in peanut oil. Online, however, I’m a clicking fool!
For those of you who shop, I wish you Good Hunting and Big Bargains!!!
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 1:13 pm #
Back from the gym!
Ha! I think we are the voice of reason here, people. I have shopped on line today for a kayak. I’m getting one for DH for Christmas. But I haven’t bought anything, mostly just researched.
Oh no, Madeline! So… were there any treasures behind the wall? Any skeletons? Inquiring minds want to know. Nosy minds, too.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 1:15 pm #
Louisa, snicker. Loved your bail outa jail vignette.
Margaret, I do know people who do this BF shopping thing like a family tradition thing and good for them. Me, I’d get too cranky with the wait. And a checkout line snaking through the store? I don’t even like the word snaking, much less the thought of waiting AGAIN.
TerryS on 27 Nov 2009 at 1:32 pm #
To me the Black Friday madness has always been more about media hype than anything else. In general the media just feeds the frenzy and people do get caught up in it.
I bought a newspaper yesterday (very little news and LOTS of ads), found the handful of items at 3 different stores that “interested” me and went to bed late secure in the knowledge that if I didn’t get any of the items it wouldn’t be an earth shattering disappointment. I slept in this morning and didn’t hit the first store until 8:15. I was able to drive to the 3 different stores, get all of the items I wanted, plus stop at the grocery store, get gas for the car, hit the drive thru and get home by 10:15.
No mad rush. No heavy traffic. Easy parking. No slapped hands. No rudeness, pushing or shoving. In general, just a lot of happy people enjoying themselves and a lot of camaraderie.
Now back to the real world of cleaning, laundry, leaf raking, dog walking, etc. I enjoyed the break without breaking the budget or the bank!
Madeline Hunter on 27 Nov 2009 at 3:20 pm #
It is 4 pm here. I spent most of the day clicking around. Most of the relatives’ gifts are bought! Bargains and free shipping in almost every case. I am feeling very smug to have done this without fighting traffic.
Karen, the hole is down by the baseboard going up the stairs, and no, there were no treasures back there. I think I have someone who can fix it easily and quickly. At least I hope so. But I rested on the new bed and whatever, it was worth it.
Claudia Dain on 27 Nov 2009 at 5:10 pm #
No shopping for me today! I did Black Friday once and did get some fantastic bargains. The mall wasn’t bad, once you were -in- the mall. It was the parking lot that was crazy.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 5:25 pm #
My gym is across from Target and Best Buy and I thought it would be hellacious getting through the traffic today, but there was no problem. Maybe that’s because it was noon and all the shoppers were home taking naps already from waiting in line at freaking 4am.
Yay, Madeline! I’m glad your new bed is comfy. I got a sleep number bed a few years ago and have seen a big difference in how I sleep and how much less I hurt when I wake up.
Gotta get on line and do my shopping. I have lots of browser windows open, with some full shopping carts. I guess I have to get my wallet out and pay now. I do like that I can do this from my office chair, which is also comfy.
TerryS – I’m glad you had such a pleasant, non-slapping experience! Maybe people were nicer this year after the tragedy at that NY area Wal-Mart last year. One can only hope!
Michelle B on 27 Nov 2009 at 6:36 pm #
I really enjoy the Black Friday shopping. DD#2 and I have a great time every year. We planned the campaign yesterday and left the house at 4:15. Target was our first stop and the only place we waited in line, well besides the place we went for breakfast. We got a few good deals, but did miss out on some at the later stores.
I have to say that most the shoppers were as jovial as we were. This is our first year in Huntsville and all the store associates were very pleasant.
Karen R, try Dicks for the Kayak. There were very few people there when we were in the store this morning.
Lisa G on 27 Nov 2009 at 7:16 pm #
I used to shop early on Black Friday when my children were little. Now that they are all grown up it’s not so fun! I now stay away and let everyone else fight the long lines and toy tug-a-wars! Not for me anymore. No Way, No How!
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2009 at 8:29 pm #
Michelle B – “planned the campaign” – LOL, can tell you’re a military wife! I’m not sure if we have Dick’s around here. We had them in Cinci, but I’ll have to see if we have them in Tampa area. We have Sports Authority here. We’re on the coast, so there is a kayak place down in Sarasota. Next week they’re having a 3-day event where all the manufacturers come in to show off their kayaks. (Now that could be taken a different way, eh? Ha!) DH and I will go down and check out the various options.
I will not be kayaking with him. I get motion sick too easily. Physics says that me heaving over one side of the kayak will cause it to roll the other way. Either way, no thanks.
Fiona, happy birthday to your little one!
Lisa G – did you slap anyone back in the day? Or were you a cagier stealth shopper?
Emily Bryan on 28 Nov 2009 at 6:32 am #
I may be carrying the shopping gene, but I’m the only one in my family in whom it is not expressed. I am the Anti-Shopper. Whip me, beat me, don’t make me shop. However, this year, I did it on Friday and lived to tell the tale on my blog!
Love all the Goddesses!
Merry Christmas!
Brigit on 28 Nov 2009 at 11:13 am #
I ventured out about 1 p.m. to a Bath and Body Works (I was out of smelly stuff). It was not as crowded by then and the sale was still on. I heard the sales lady say that earlier in the day they thought they were going to have to hire the people who were shopping to get everyone through the lines.
That was the only store I hit, even though I really wanted to go to Borders. I knew better.
Oh I had hubby drive me there, circle the parking lot until I got out and then pick me up… wasn’t even going to try to drive and park.
Pesky on 28 Nov 2009 at 2:41 pm #
Vene, Vide, VISA baby! I came, I Saw, I Charged. Always do the early morning shopping, helps burn the too much turkey day.