Madd World

I went to the mall yesterday with Gabby and Ally.  Being the day before Thanksgiving, I was hoping that the retailers would start their sales before Black Friday in an attempt to increase their profits.  There were, in fact, some very good pre-Thanksgiving sales. 

As we went from store to store, I was struck by the disposition of the people that I encountered.  I was, actually, quite shocked.  Most of my fellow shoppers and the sales people were very, very friendly. 

I guess this is could be attributed to the fact that the mad rush to shop has not quite started.  Everyone was just relaxed and easy going.  No one was stressed out.  In this instance, it really does pay to try to beat the crowds.

Tomorrow is black Friday–the official start of Christmas shopping.  It will be be total madness at the malls and the major retailers.  It is something that I look forward to every year.  I just love to hunt for bargains.

I am really glad that my kids–all three of them—do not want any of those "hot" toys this year.   I had the hardest time last year getting them the Wii.  They decided two weeks before Christmas that they wanted one. 

I did things that I never thought that I was capable of doing.  I got up at 4 a.m. to line up outside of stores, in the freezing cold!  I was one of those crazy people, nationwide, that went on the hunt for a Wii.  I hope that I will not be forced to do anything like that again. 

In my search to try to find the ever so elusive Wii, I stumbled upon another elusive toy—the PS3.   I bought it in the hopes of trying to profit from this.  Thanks to Vic, I did not make any money from this.  He sold it to his co-worker at cost.  :  (   I already had a buyer who was willing to pay more. 

After almost two weeks of getting up early and driving around, my efforts were rewarded.  I was able to get my hands on one a few days before Christmas.  Quite honestly, after all that I went through, I think that I would have bawled my eyes out if I was not able to find one. 

I am still quite fortunate that I did not go through the extremes that one mother did.  She died from drinking too much water in a radio contest to try to win a Wii for her young children.   I cannot imagine being that desperate for a toy.  Although, she probably did not know the consequences of what she was doing.  She died out of love for her children.

Until next time.  Take care.

Hello again.  I’m back.  I have not made any entries lately because I have been busy preparing for a trip.  My sister, brother and I went back to the place that we were born–the lovely little island of Guam. 

We were able to spend a week with our parents.  It was really nice to see our old home again.  It has been almost six years since I left Guam.  It was all so different but, at the same time, still quite the same.  :  )  Are you confused?! 

No matter where you physically move to, the place where you grew up will always be home.  In our minds, home will always be home, no matter how many years that may have passed and all the changes that may have occurred.   

I ran into some old friends and elementary school classmates.  It truly is amazing that after all the years that have passed, we still recognized each other.  :  )  It does my ego good to think that I do not look old.  :  )  If I did, they would not have recognized me.  Yehey!!!

I think that our trip to Guam will most likely be the last.  My parents will be selling the house and moving to the Philippines next year.  This will remove any link, and purpose, for any of us to go back.  While this transition may be sad, it is all a part of life.  Time does not stand still for anyone. 

Until next time.  Take care.