Getting Caught Up

What a weekend we had! Friday off work, but decided after dropping Tim off at his office, I would check out what all the hub bub is about "Black Friday". I had a list for Target for normal (non-holiday) items so I decided to go there first. Geeze, the parking lot at 7:30 AM was insane. I parked as far away as I could in order to get my heart pumping a bit while I walked up to the store entrance. There were shopping carts available which was surprising because on any given Saturday, they usually run out. I went in and grabbed a couple things (toothpaste, TP) and then walked the store to look at holiday items. I made my way over to the magazines to see what Christmas issues were out (cooking magazines) and there was a HUGE line in the magazine aisle, which puzzled me. I made my way in the aisle minus my cart because there was no room. I grabbed a few magazines and a lady asked me if I was "in line?".
"In line for what, do I have to wait in line to get a magazine?"
Then some dude shopping in his plaid flannel pajamas (one of my pet peeves) chimes in, "No lady, the line is if you want to buy anything electronic, like the TV that is on sale."
"Don't you think it is interesting that all of you waiting to purchase a box you sit in front of and watch are blocking the entire aisle of books and magazines for people who actually read?"
No comment from any of them, just stares. So, I pushed my way through the line of carts (excusing myself of course) to grab the Andre Agassi autobiography for Tim and went on my way.

After leaving Target, I went over to Macy's - again, parking lot was a zoo and it was probably 8:00 AM. I had a couple basic items to grab for Tim (birthday gifts), grabbed them and then waited in a line of about 20 people. By the time it was my turn the young man behind the register thanked me for my patience and then when he discovered that what I was purchasing was not on sale, he gave me a discount! Nice experience all around. I went with an open mind, didn't have any expectations and knew there was not one thing I HAD to have like other folks there. There was a sweater table that looked like a tornado had ripped though there and just about everyone in line had a sweater in hand. Maybe I missed out, but I went for what I needed and if they didn't have it, I would have just walked out. No big deal. People were stressed though, the vibe in line was horrible. People rushing around, one person in line, while another person would bring them things and say "how about this for Uncle so and so..." It was at that moment, I was glad I was not in that same space. Too much pressure if you ask me.

I went to a couple other shops that were not as crowded, PetCo and the grocery store and then went home to bake Tim's Birthday Cake (German Chocolate).

Saturday we woke up and went straight to Robin and Kenny's house to celebrate Tim's 40th Birthday! Kenny smoked some chicken and barbecued a big hunk of beef. Robin and I made biscuits and a salad and Kenny and Robin teamed up and made homemade baked mac and cheese and we also had some greens Kenny made for Thanksgiving that were left over. Everything was so delicious! Andy and Laura, next door neighbors of Kenny and Robin came over and the six of us had a really nice early dinner together. We took a break, cleaned up a bit and hung out and then it was cake time. Tim let us sing to him and he made a wish and blew out his candles. The cake was sweet and yummy! Something about cake I just love. It seems so festive and is always a special occasion when we have it. I would like to incorporate more cakes in my life in 2010, how is that for a resolution?
We wrapped the evening up watching "Adventureland" and "UP" and then went to bed. It was so nice not to have to worry about driving home, thanks Robin and Kenny for being such great hosts. In the morning we had hot coffee and birthday cake for breakfast (I love it!) and watched "Let the Right One In". I had seen it on a plane this spring, but on a big screen with surround sound is SO much better. After the movie we had more coffee and chit chatted before heading back to the city.

It was a wonderful weekend. Nice to get out of the city and hang out with great friends.

PS - Robin and Kenny, the leftovers were FABULOUS! I heated them Monday night and they were just as good as the first time around, thanks!