Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Black Friday

Do any of you participate in this crazy, yet time-honored tradition? I do. Almost every year. Usually with my mom. We wake up long before the crack of dawn, blindly pull on some clothes, throw our hair back into ponytails, and venture out into the dark to snag some deals. When we arrive at our first destination, there is usually a HUGE line of other crazy women out hunting for deals. We wait patiently (or not) in line until the all important hour arrives, 4 am. Or sometimes 5, 6 if we are feeling really lazy. The store doors open and the mad rush begins.

All patience and kindness is out the window and it's every bleary-eyed shopper for herself. Mom and I have our list of "must haves" and rush to those items first. We forgo the carts because you are hard pressed to get one. Once we have managed all the Must-haves, we move on down the list. It is wise at this point to have someone get in line to check out because it will take a while. Last year my coed cousins came with us and stood in line while we continued our powershop. We eventually make it to the cash register, pay, then pack our treasures into the car. Then on to the next store! This truly is the "shop till you drop" day and ends with a nap sometime around noon.

Last year's shopping trip was cut short for me. I had to head home at 6am because my husband got sick. He ended up in the hospital having surgery later than day. Remember that fun?

This year I'm not sure if I will go, and here are my reasons why.
1- My mom is going to California for Thanksgiving and I'm losing my shopping partner.
2- For the first time in MANY years, I actually have to work that day. stupid hospital job...
3- I, like many people, am a bit concerned about our finances right now and fear I will overspend.

Despite all these reasons, I am still draw to the ads. I have spent far too much time today online searching our which stores are already posting their ads (Kohl's, Wal-Mart) and which ones are not (Target, Best Buy). I am still eager with anticipation of the shoppers high that is associated with the day. I get so excited looking at and picking gifts for family off the glossy ad pages. Maybe it's a good thing I have to work. It might just eliminate any desire for me, knowing I will have to work after shopping, do my hair, and wear something other than sweats.

3 comments:

Kristina P. said...

There is never anything that I want badly enough to justify getting up at 3 AM. I am actually a big online shopper. Love me some eBay!

Erin said...

I just moved to a tiny town that only has a Wal-Mart. I won't be shopping this year because I don't want to have to get up EXTRA early to drive 45 minutes to the nearest big city.

Julie and Carlos said...

Na na Ha na NAAA na. I got mom this year as a shopping buddy and we had a BLAAST!!!!! Got everything on our list! Hooray!!!!!