Is there any doubt what we will see on the evening news tonight?
One thing is certain: There will be footage of crowds, or throngs, or outright mobs, pushing and shoving to get into discount and electronics stores, looking for what are advertised as “bargains.”
It’s Black Friday.
Did you get up way before dawn and journey to some city where you could take part in the merchandising mayhem? Did you get what you needed, or wanted? Did you pay more for everything than you intended?
Not I!
I refuse to take part in the Black Friday hype. I can be paid to do most anything, but I could not be paid to participate in this madness. My Black Friday plan is pretty much my plan every day: Piddle on my computer, read, eat, go for a walk in the woods, and look for the horses in the field. Then, some TV, and off to bed. None of it will cost me a cent!
In a way, I am one of the “lucky” ones. There is no family to buy presents for. There seem to be fewer and fewer friends. I remember the days, not too long ago, when I “ran with” a pack of some dozen women, and we all gave presents to each other. It got so that, I was afraid I’d miss someone who would hand me a gift, and I’d have nothing for them. My way around that was, I’d buy a few extra gifts (ones I wouldn’t mind having myself), wrap them up (well, put them in gift bags – no wrapping for me!), put them in my car, and go along my happy way. If a surprise gift came up, I’d say, “Oh! Yours is still in the car!” Then, I’d run out and return with a gift bag.
I don’t remember the last time I shopped until I dropped. Oh. Yes, I do: I was on my way home from a shopping trip to Roanoke when I actually fell asleep at the wheel on Clifton Forge Mountain and ran off the road. Thankfully, it was the “high” side of the road, and I didn’t end up over a cliff. I’ve been afraid to go shopping ever since.
My sister and I are it, as far as family goes. And, we’ve each convinced the other that there is “nothing we need,” so why spend the money. Truth be told, there is plenty I need (a new toaster oven, a new microwave, some warm winter pajamas), but I just don’t say it, and figure I’ll buy them for myself … eventually, when I go shopping again.
On my trip to Covington Tuesday, I was amazed to find so many people in so many places, shopping. I figured I was safe from the crowds, as long as I didn’t wait until Wednesday. Silly me. I jostled among fellow shoppers, some with overloaded carts, in Walmart, and in Food Lion. (Those are about the only places I shop these days). I made it out of each store as quickly as I could, only picking up absolute necessities.
I am lucky my sister has decided to fix Thanksgiving dinner again. She is a fab cook, and we both like the same things to eat. And, there are just the two of us.
Today, Black Friday, will not find me amongst the throngs. A herd of horses is enough for me. And I’ve sure gotta love that!
