Over the years I’ve heard and read horror stories about Black Friday. I vowed some years back to never take part in such craziness.
This year curiosity got the best of me – I went shopping on Black Friday. Actually, I eased into it. I didn’t make it to Wal-Mart at midnight or even 5 a.m. I went at 8 a.m., looking for the crumbs left over from the earlier feastings.
On the Road Again by J.O. Parker
By the time Debbie and I arrived at the Grinnell Wal-Mart there were more employees than door buster specials left in the sale bins. We still found a few items on our Christmas lists.
In my single life I started shopping a week or so before Christmas. That all changed when I put a ring on Debbie’s finger six years ago. We not only went shopping on Friday morning (I had to work the rest of the day), we spent most of Saturday in Des Moines loading up the van with Christmas goodies. I kind of felt like Santa Claus – well, I am a jolly ole fellow.
Anyway, my mother-in-law, Debbie and I arrived in Des Moines around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. We made a stop at B-Bops in Altoona for a quick lunch before heading to Hobby Lobby.
That place is bigger than the Dallas Cowboys’ new football stadium. We divided up with about 25 minutes to shop. It took that long to get from one end of the store to the other.
That was followed by a quick stop at Sears. I needed a new filter for my air cleaner in the cat room. The cashier said if I would apply for a Sears Card I could have the item for only .89 cents. I declined and paid full price of $15.89 plus tax. That’s a much better deal than 21 percent interest.
Next was a stop at Christian Photo on Douglas Avenue. Then it was on to Valley West Mall where we shopped at J.C. Penneys, Younkers and Games and More. Then it was off to Kohls for a restroom break and more shopping.
Sarah Palin was in town and I wanted to meet her and have her sign a couple books. We arrived at Borders in West Des Moines around 8 p.m., only to miss her by about 5 minutes. I was disappointed to say the least. The ad said 6 to 9 p.m. I asked and was told that Sarah’s publicist changed the hours with little notice. Debbie tried to cheer me up by assuring me that Palin would be in Iowa again. I hear that she will be in Spirit Lake later this week if I want to make the drive.
On a bright spot, Debbie ran into a classmate and friend at Borders, who had also arrived late to see Palin. At least we all had a good chat.
Then it was off to Target. Debbie had been waiting all day to get to Target and the backend of the two-day sale.
Oh, it was a bargain basket of goodies. There were CDs on sale for $6.50, and DVDs for $3.99. I even found a few goodies not on my list. I think I spent more money on myself than on gifts.
By 10 p.m. my mind and body were working me over. I was hungry and my tummy was growling. The deli ran out of popcorn and I needed a burst of energy. But I was being a good husband, letting my wife shop as a plate loaded with a big chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes danced in my head. I settled for leftovers when I got home after midnight.
Debbie and I were discussing our Saturday shopping excursion while watching football Sunday evening. I was kind of complaining that when she makes a list, she goes and goes – kind of like the Energizer Bunny.
“That’s the way my family has always done it,” she explained.
I was saying something about being hungry and wanting to go out to eat.
“I didn’t know you were hungry,” she explained while apologizing.
“It’s alright,” I said, explaining that it would have been nice if we had stopped for supper.
“We didn’t have time,” Debbie said. “It was getting close to Midnight and my sale was about to end.”
Debbie needed to say no more. She was in Des Moines to Christmas shop. There was no time eat or even go to the restroom. There was shopping to do and bargains to find.
All this holiday cheer reminds me of a Christmas shopping trip several years ago. We had gone to Kay’s Merchandise in Urbandale looking for a few bargains. The place was going out of business and there were deals to be found.
Debbie was shopping while I checked out the recliners. I sat in one to try it out and before long I was sound asleep.
I don’t know how long I had been asleep when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was the store manager checking to see if I was OK. I explained that I was tired and my wife was busy shopping. He wanted to make sure there weren’t any problems.
Another time I was at Valley West Mall in Des Moines. Debbie had dropped off some bags before taking off on a shopping excursion, explaining that she would be right back. I found a spot in one of the mall’s comfy leather sofas. Soon, I was in a deep sleep, as thousands of shoppers milled about. I must have been out for an hour. Luckily my bags were still in my hands when I woke up. What a Kodak moment.
There’s one thing I’ve learned when Debbie is shopping. At least I know where to find her. I have been briefed on the master Christmas shopping list. Now, where’s that sofa?
Next year I’m starting my Black Friday shopping at 5 a.m. In the meantime always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” even when the Christmas sale ends.
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