Silly Mom Thoughts

I am no longer a Black Friday Virgin! Friday morning, my mother-in-law and I were out the door by 3:30am and on our way to the mayhem that was Kohl’s. We stood in the parking lot, shivering cold, waiting patiently for the doors to open. I had my list all planned out:

1st Stop: Kohl’s-4am

• 10 pack of frames $14.99 (reg 39.99)
• Griddle $9.99
• Wii remote charger (50% off)
• Cute Sketchers shoes$19.99 (reg $49.99)
• Stocking stuffers
• Crayola Color Wonders finger paints $5.49 (reg$10.99)

I didn’t get everything I wanted, but what I did get was such a great deal, it was definitely worthwhile. I got some other things that weren’t on my list, but seeing as how they’re gifts for family, I probably shouldn’t list them! Kohl’s was insanely packed. Mom and I found our things within 30 minutes and probably would’ve shopped longer, but our arms were full and there were no carts or bags to be found anywhere. (Note to self: Next time, bring reusable shopping bags to Black Friday shopping.) At about 4:45am we entered the checkout line.

We didn’t leave the store until 6am. Yes, you read that right, we were in line for an hour and fifteen minutes. Turns out we were in a line that went nowhere. Awesome. Now, I’m a pretty patient person, but when the line is that long, I refuse to let people cut in front of me. There was a lady who walked up to the line and stood there, waiting for someone to let her in. When the people in front of us asked her, “Did you know the back of the line is over there?” she replied, “Well, I’ve been standing here for 10 minutes, I’m not going to the end of the line now.”

What the heck? Why do some people feel so privilaged that they don’t have to follow the rules like everyone else?

Despite our long line ordeal, we did make friends with the people around us. The girls in front of us snagged a cart and offered to take Mom’s stuff off her hands so she didn’t have to carry it. We chatted about school and kids and all kinds of other stuff that you normally wouldn’t get a chance to chat about with complete strangers.

At checkout, I got $20 in Kohl’s cash. The lady in the line next to me asked, “Do you live here?” When I replied that I do, in fact, live in the area, she handed me $30 more in Kohl’s cash. That’s $50 of free money to spend on Christmas. I don’t know if that woman realizes how much her small random act of kindness means to me.

So, onward and upward. Next stop: Toys R Us.

2nd Stop: Toys R Us 6am

• Enchanted $10 (reg $20)
• Batteries $5
• Fischer Price Purple SUV $10 (I got a different one for a dollar more)
• Easel with a set of free markers, crayons, paints, and paper $34.99 (reg 54.99)
• Stocking stuffers

No problems at TRU, although we did stand in line for a little while (which was to be expected).

3rd Stop: Starbucks Coffee Break 9:00am

• Starbucks Eggnog Latte
• Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal
• Ornaments

Our dogs were tired and we needed breakfast and a pick-me-up, so we stopped by Starbucks. We were super smart and stopped at one that was outside of two busy shopping towns, so it was empty and got to chill in the comfy chairs.

3rd Stop: Macy’s 9:30am

• Nothing on my list!

I was dissapointed in Macy’s sales. Mom bought a couple of things for me and for the newest grandbaby, but boy was Macy’s a hassle. We had a bit of an issue with one of the workers who was obviously not having a good day and gave us a huge run-around, but fortunately another employee’s kindness made up for it.

4th Stop: Old Navy 10:30am

• Gifts for Mom, Dad, and brother (lets just say it’ll be a cozy Christmas this year with the sales ON had)

After Old Navy, we called it a day. 11:30am made it an 8 hour shopping day! We were zombies for the rest of the day. I had hoped to go to Best Buy and Target, but we were just too wiped out.

All-in-all, I think it was a successful shopping trip. I’m thankful that Black Friday was more subdued this year, and we didn’t get caught up in the Toys R Us shootings or Wal Mart tramplings that happened in other cities throughout the US. The thought of that just makes me sad.

So, a few more small things and my list is complete. Hooray!