Shop ‘Til You Drop
Yesterday, I did something I’ve never done before. Yes, folks, I went to Black Friday. :confused2:
Even though I love the Christmas holidays, I few Christmas shopping as akin to slicing off my arm with a butter knife. 
It may be that since I have 10 nieces and nephew to shop for, my family, grandparents, and so on–I just feel exhausted at the end of it. I feel like I can’t enjoy Christmas and relax because of that axe hanging over my head. So this year, I decided that I would get it over with, and literally shop until I finished all of it.
I woke up at 5:20 a.m. and drove to the shopping center. At 5:45, the parking lots were FULL. Okay, so I was expecting crowds, but I didn’t believe most people were capable at getting up that early. Clearly, I was wrong. But here are some tips I learned from the front lines:
1. Get your shopping cart in the parking lot. There aren’t any in the store because the 429 people who got there before you have swiped all of them.
2. Bring a list. Know what you’re looking for and have a plan of attack. Shopping on Black Friday is like maneuvering a battle field. There are SALES, people, and you have to move swiftly to get the good deals (Note: I bought both Harry Potter movies for $5.88 each). 
3. Befriend the people in front of you and behind you in line. You’re going to be there a while, so you might as well be friendly. And, as I learned, when you see something you forgot, they’ll save your place in line while you run and snatch it.
4. Do NOT bring small children. Or any children. They don’t have the capacity to wait in line longer than four minutes. If you are wise enough to get up at 5:20 to escape the house, it’s fine to let your husband wake the little darlings, change diapers, and dress them in clothes that are out of season and two sizes too small because he forgot to check the dresser for appropriate clothes (what? Could that have happened? Naaahhhh….:rotfl:)
5. Walk everywhere. Once you have found a coveted parking spot within a five mile radius of Toys R Us, do not under any circumstances believe that you can find another one. It ain’t gonna happen. Today is a day for exercise, frigid air, and the triumphant feeling that you are DONE with shopping! 
Let’s just hope my husband doesn’t see the VISA bill. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 9:44 am | Viewed 1394 times
Peggy Says:
Hope you were able to get everything on your list, Michelle!
Stacy Says:
LOL on the Visa bill…I know what you mean!
Rene Says:
I usually go, but I skipped it this year. No one had any deals I couldn’t live without. I have most of my shopping done and I didn’t feel like getting up early to save $5. Last year I got some awesome deals and got in line around 5:15.
Caro Says:
We usually avoid it like the plague, but my laptop was back in from the repair depot, so we had to go to the Apple Store to pick it up. We played it smart, however, and parked across the street. We figured walking the extra distance was quicker and less stressful than trying to find a parking spot — especially since we had to go around 11 AM because the machine wasn’t ready before then.
Michelle Styles Says:
First week in Dec, around supper time is generally dead or at least it was when I worked in retail. I find if you know when to shop, it goes much quicker.
But I salute your bravery, courage and tenacity. I think the full car park would have put me off…
Robyn Says:
You forgot one, especially if you’re going to shop for electronics at WalMart: LEARN KARATE.
Emma Sinclair Says:
But isn’t it a great feeling knwoing you’re finished? Congratulations fellow shopper!
Mary Says:
You are one brave woman.
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
LOL, Michelle :crazyjumping:
Steph T. Says:
You are a brave, brave woman. My husband and I try to get all our shopping done in one marathon night - usually as close to Christmas as we can cut it.
Hope your Thanksgiving was great!!
Danica Says:
You woke up at 5:20 AM on a day off????? Oh Michelle, we MUST talk.
Kelly Says:
I’m glad I come from a family of avid readers. I can just log on to Chapters or amazon and do all my shopping there.
Melissa Says:
Wow, Michelle, you were BRAVE. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten up at 5 a.m. to go shopping. While I did go shopping later on Friday, it was well after things had calmed down. And I still got great deals!
Suzanne Says:
Good luck with that Visa bill.:shocked: