Black Friday

Or should I say Black and Blue Friday? I braved the masses this morning to cash in on some of the door buster deals being offered by retailers on the day they either make or break their fiscal year... It was mad out there at 5 am! I'd wager that I saw more cars on my way to pick up a gift this morning for my wife than I did on my way to work. It was nuts. Minivans cutting across parking lots to get the spot that just opened up closer to the store and people pushing their way though the crowds to get the ever important door buster deal that really isn't anywhere near the door where the crowds would have easy access to them. Oh well. Not all is lost... I scored a great gift for an amazing price!



Old Navy was even more hectic! Free MP3 players to anyone who purchased more than $20 in merchandise. After entering the store at 5:06, shopping for 6 minutes, and standing in line for another 20, I was told I had to be one of 60 people who got a wristband in order to get one of the players... That blows. Those bands were given out even before they knew people had spent the required money... I sent an email off to Gap Inc. Enterprises to see what can be done to help calm my nerves. I'm relying on the fact that companies think its easier to retain a customer than it is to get new ones. We'll wait and see I guess.



Hmm. Wait a minute. Whats all this talk about shopping and complaining and busting through crowds to get the deals? What happened to the spirit of the holidays? What happened to Thanksgiving and all the time we just spent with our families and loved ones? I guess the good will towards men and the feeling we all claim to revel in when this time of year comes around was just blown out the door by Kohls and their 4 am door busting deals... Its really sad when you think about it...



For those of you who care, my Thanksgiving was wonderful. I joined my parents and brother in UC for a great holiday meal with my mom's side of the family. We skipped the traditional Thanksgiving meal (yup, that means no meatballs!) and went with a lasagna instead. No one really cares for turkey that much so why not eat something you like, right? After dinner we all settled in to watch the Packers beat the Bears and Brett Favre break yet another team record for most consecutive completed passes. The man is amazing... I know why there are so many little kids named Brett running around these days!



After pie and apple crisp deserts, I left to come back to Madison to join my wife for our first Thanksgiving meal as a married couple. Awww.... A dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, and succotash was eaten and an evening of card playing ensued. It was a nice relaxing night without any distractions. Just what the holiday fairies ordered.



I hope everyone else had as great of a day as I did on Thursday and I also hope you keep the spirit alive! Do something special for someone and donate to your local food pantry or toy drive. Clean out your closet and donate those extra coats you never wear anymore so someone can be warm this winter. Lets make this a great season for everyone and not fall into the mass consumerism that seems to drive our cultures happiness...

Happy Black and Blue Friday everyone!