Black Friday

It's not a secret that I enjoy shopping. My sweet husband hasn't purchased an item of clothing in 16 years and he is just fine with that. The "clothes fairy" magically puts items in his closet and he is delighted.

I love a bargain, I love consignment shopping, I don't even mind grocery shopping. However, I have never been enticed into shopping on Black Friday because of the crowd, the parking situation and waiting in line for 30 minutes
would sour me on the joys of shopping.

My friend Shirley is a Black Friday warrior. Armed with her list of items that are fabulous deals she and her HUSBAND have a game plan and attack the stores. They drop and run. The husband drops her at the door, she runs in for the good deals and ta-da! they are finished in no time.

Shirley can have a conversation with anyone so waiting in line doesn't bother her. It is a form of stress relief for other people since she is outgoing and fun.

I asked Shirl if she went to Herberger's to go to the top of the escalator and buy the musical dancing hat. Regular price $50 Ha! as if anyone would pay that price. Black Friday price? $14.99!! Yippee, they had some left and she just dropped it off (6:42 a.m.) so I can wear it to ring bells today.

Life is good.

Jury Duty - Me?

The official "you have been chosen" letter arrived yesterday. Be ready for jury duty starting December 27, 2010. I have told three people I was selected and all three of them burst out laughing.

Am I offended? Not at all. I did the same thing when I saw the return address.

It is my civic duty. I have no official hardships that prevent me from serving. If I have specific ailments that prevent me from being a good jury member I need to have a doctor's note. Can I convince either one of my friendly physician's to write me a note for being opinionated, easily bored, fidgeting, wheezing or going to the ladies room a lot?

I reminded my husband that I knew Susan Smith was lying 'lo these many years ago about killing her kids. I could tell by her fake tears. What if I suddenly jump up and scream LIAR! Would I be kicked off jury duty?

Probably not. So, on CHRISTMAS EVE after 4:30 p.m. I will dutifully call the number listed on the letter and wait and see if anyone actually picks me to sit on a jury.

Ready for Winter

Garage door status checked by professional? check

Sump pump hose ready for winter? check

Extra layers of fat added to stay warm this winter?
double check

Mouse poison in garage to kill unwanted critters? check

Hats, mittens and scarves ready to wear? You betcha!

Bread machine on counter to make tasty, warm and comforting bread? check

Projects and books to keep me busy in case I get snowed in? check

Ingredients ready to make homemade fudge? Yes indeed.

Snow and Cold? Bring it on!!!

Simple Pleasures

A cup of strong coffee shared with a friend.

Laughing. More laughing. Not wetting your pants from laughing.

Receiving a hug from a sweet 94 year old lady.

Being the big winner of chicken foot dominoes!

Language

Some of my pet peeves regarding language are:

People who say: "to make a long story short" and then go on and on and on. If you hear someone say that phrase better get comfy because you aren't going anywhere soon.

People who waste words: "I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Frank the Fiddler Player..." How about "Here's Frank!" or "it's my pleasure to introduce Frank to you this evening"

People who are mumble: eoaiufoaughj said.

People who use ain't, people who use went and gone incorrectly and tied for most annoying word ever- irregardless or funnest. They aren't WORDS regardless of what Sarah Palin thinks.

No, I don't have proper grammar all the time. If there are words I know I don't use correctly I use other words instead.

So your challenge this week faithful blog reader is to speak up and not waste words :- )

How can

I have the flu if I got my flu shot 6 weeks ago?

Pressure

Recently I was in the check out line at Kohl's.

The clerk asked "do you want to use your Kohls charge"
no thanks, I don't have one

"would you like one"
no thanks

"if you open one today you can get 15% off"
no but thanks for asking

"would you like to give me your email address"
NO THANKS
"oh, I see, you're one of those"

After a deep calming breath my reply was: If you mean by one of those people that I just want to purchase one item without being pressured than yes - read her name tag insert her name here - I am one of those.

Oops, I think we forgot to wish each other to have a nice day.

Potty Training

Who is in charge of the house if a child isn't potty trained at 4 years old?

C'mon already!

Need help getting your little darling to go poo-poo in the potty chair? Ask me.

Reasonable rates. Kind but firm method. No bribery, games, toys, no making it an enjoyable experience. It's going potty for Pete's Sake not a trip to Disney world.

From: the voice of experience whose younger sister was trained by me at 10 months and my daughter at 12 months old.

Change

I am now a red head. Pictures soon.

Losing

In an old Andy Griffith episode Pa talks to Opie about being a good sport. Opie was discouraged because he lost a race and was sulking and refusing to congratulate the winner who won fair and square. Pa had a heart to heart talk with him and sure enough, Opie saw the light and did the right thing.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone did that? If you lose a race of some sort instead of mumbling, calling for a recount and acting like a fool just step up to the plate and say "I lost, you won, congratulations" End of story.

I guess some of us need a trip back to Mayberry!

Shopping with Strangers

One of the added features to shopping at consignment stores is that quite often people "shop with strangers". I don't mean you grab someone on the street and say "hey you, wanna shop with me" but rather engage them in conversation once you are in a store.

Recently I was in a very cool store and this woman headed to the exact same sweater hanging on display. I thought about lunging at her screaming "MINE" but instead waited until she tried it on and sort of lurked in another aisle. I said "looks good on you" (no I didn't add but it would look great on me) and we discussed where in the world she would wear it.

With her husband shooting daggers at her since he had been dragged along shopping she returned it to the display but not before she gave him the look.

I cheerfully said "sir, did you know there is an area up front to sit and read Field and Stream magazines" hint hint, nudge nudge let you wife shop in peace buddy. The woman gratefully smiled at me and we continued the "oh, you should buy that" special shopping with strangers conversation.

Who bought the sweater? I think you know. Who had fun shopping with strangers? We both did.

Duct Tape

Whew, my days of duct tape are nearly over! While my hard-working husband has been diligently and enthusiastically serving on council, campaigning and working 40+ hours a week my objectives have been:

1. Keep my mouth shut on political subjects (and people) in public.
2. Maintaining a calm, clean home, making meals, being supportive and helpful.

Which is the hardest?
Correct!