Black Friday

I fell in love with this 3 years ago. Pregnant and determined I set out early in the morning to get to Toys R Us by 5am. I had fun standing outside with others - a nice group of people to talk to - wondering what everyone was there for. I had so much fun I did it again the following year - and the year after that - and then again this year. And again - I enjoyed myself - everyone I ran into was so nice and surprisingly perky for 4am. That's right - the adventure started at 4am this year.
I couldn't imagine not going - I love the excitement of it all. I will say, that my first year I decided I'd never go to those places with the big ticket items - the ones people are crazy for - I saw people lined up outside of Best Buy my first year - the line was around the corner at 4:45 - and the store didn't open until 6am. I could only imagine how long they've been there.
The only problem with shopping during the early morning sales time is that I do a lot more impulse buying than normal - and I normally do a lot of impulse buying. Luckily, I have no shame in taking things back to the stores - and did so this morning. I'd say my best deals were found at Carson's, Ann Taylor Loft, Gymboree (nice winter coats for the boys for $15 each!), and The Children's Place. I was most disappointed at the Disney Store - who clearly raised their prices, or lowered their sale prices, to offer an "additional 20% off of everything in the store" (except for DVDs, but they don't tell you that 'til you check out). I was so disappointed with what I got there that I returned it all and then went ahead and purchased it all AGAIN, today, for a cheaper price. Go figure.
I had such a good time this year - getting all of my "must gets" - and being pretty happy about the whole day, or uh, the whole morning. I was home by 9:30 - and that's only because I treated myself to breakfast alone. But, I was sickened to hear about that guy in New York - and then the other incidents of Black Friday.
But, you know what's fun to do? Hand out left over Halloween candy to the people working the registers. Offer to grab an extra Star Wars Lego Set if you get there first (for a stranger). Give a worker who's complaining about their back hurting a Thermacare wrap that you have in your purse. Print extra coupons and give them away as you're finishing your day.

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After my adventure I went to the doctor. She thinks the rash is "an allergic reaction to something." I can't quite figure it out, but I did try to use vinegar in my rinse cycle for our towels a week or so ago - maybe that's it. Maybe I used too much?
Also - I know I mentioned trying stuff on while I had that rash, but I knew I wasn't contagious, because I'm the only one in the house with it!