Sometimes Its Okay

Okay, my turn. I am just back from my first Christmas shopping foray this year. Gotta say, it wasn't bad. I knew I HAD to do it, and couldn't procrastinate any more. When I left work I still hadn't decided to go or not, so when I was sitting at the light, I put the directional on to go right, like I do every night after work to head home. Then suddenly made a decision and flicked the handle the other way and turned left instead. "Just get er done" I thought, and I really did and am embarrassed to admit that.

First stop, Toys R Us. Haven't been there in YEARS, but thought I might find a backgammon board and a cribbage board for Paul there. Keep in mind - board games. Not a bad experience, except for the people who insist that they must stop in front of the door to get situated. Um, people? Could we keep the flow going here? Its COLD out here. No problem finding the games, peeked around a bit out of curiosity and headed to the check out. There I was asked if I remembered to buy batteries, and specific to the backgammon board if I wanted to purchase the extended warranty. It amused me. I was able to say "No" with a chuckle.

Next stop, can't forget the pets, so off to Pets R Us, or whatever. Wasn't too bad, but got picklish with the checkout lady, who was on the phone. She didn't even ask for my ID, which I require in the signature field on the back of my card. Slouch.

Then I braved Sears. I was picking up something for Gabe for Crystal & Mel that I said I would so he wouldn't have to send. And I had a few other ideas I thought might have a successful finish at Sears. And actually, (pat myself on the back) in passing the other day, Paul had said he needed a new bag for travel and although I had forgotten, I was reminded when I saw the display. Go me. AND he had lost his umbrella (I think it is so cute he carries one, he's so grown up). SO, I remembered that too, and picked one up. And I found a few other handy dandy items that will work well, I think. The check out girl was a cheerful little thing. I think she was pretty new, but not retardedly so.

Then on the way home I picked up some Dunkin Donuts cards for various little things. Gotta mention, the mail carrier left an envelope in our box the other day...for a tip. Anybody else or is this just a small town thing? Well, she is getting a Dunkin Donuts card.

All in all, not bad. Sometimes I think the key is to dread it so much it has nowhere to go but up. The absolute biggest thing that bothers me this time of year are all the spacey drivers. Myself included, if I were to be totally honest. If they are like me they are indecisive, and forgetful - all thinking about everything else but where they are going and what they are doing at that current moment, like navigating a 2 ton machine. Scaary. How much do cars weigh anyway?

But V and Crystal, I hear you ladies loud and clear. I hate shopping too. I can think of literally a thousand preferable activities, starting with walking on hot coals. Especially WalMart, where I always feel so, I don't know...rat like, I think. And I get frustrated about what to get, but I've eased up on that a bit. Sometimes I'm on target and sometimes I'm not. But unless I get hit by a bus between now and then, January 1st always comes, and it is all over. One of these years, (Crystal be warned) I'm going to put my foot down and demand that we are all going to MAKE gifts for each other. Way better to put some slamming music on and create something special for somebody special. No? Simple things, like soap, or handmade paper, or bath salts, candles, caligraphied poems all framed nice, beaded curtains, chinese hanging lanterns, shoes. Okay, got a little carried away.

And now I'm going to reward my self for being a good little doobie and 'getting 'er done'. I'm off to pajama land! The boots are COMING OFF, the bra is COMING OFF, the earings...

Peace.