Here's all the things we are so so thankful for...now we're gonna crush strangers in throngs of crazed consumerism.

This.

I resent the forced, wildly manipulated, herd mentality of it all. And that people give into it without thinking.

As beth b says, 'Black Friday' is an illusion. Consumers are tricked into thinking that they are saving massive amounts when much of what they buy is probably cheaper at other times of the year.

Someone I otherwise respect very much made several comments yesterday of an 'it's racist, but hey, it's about a sporting event, so I get a pass' (and is a person of color) nature on facebook yesterday and then followed it up with "I can't help myself, I'm headed to BoxStore."

I just don't understand getting caught up in the fervor.

Like beth, I've worked retail during the holidays and didn't really mind it. There are, obviously, a higher percentage of anxious people, but whatever.

It's just the corporate bullying that bothers me.

eta: I should add that I am not making a link between racism and consumerism, though that is another area rife with racism. In this particular case, I was already looking 'side-eyed' (what a great phrase from up thread!) at that person. The 'uncontrollable' shopping just added extra, 'whuh?'

I did do some online shopping today. I picked up ticket for The Addams Family musical and tickets for another one of those silent films with live Wulitzer music; this time it's Wings. Both were on sale today.

I want to borrow this phrase. It just amuses me.

It's even better with the Russian accent.

Just woke up, forgot to set alarm. Oopsies. Gonna be a short work day, I guess.

I inadvertently went shopping because I never do so voluntarily. My parents wanted us to take their old microwave as a donation to the local thrift store and I went away with a bunch of stuff, as always happens when I go to St. Matthews.

So we picked up an awesome high stool to go next to the pool table. Very substantial (essential with DH), with a nice leather seat and back. I walked in the store and it just jumped out and said it needed to live near our pool table. Then I saw what looked like spectacular ruby wine glasses on 8" or so clear crystal stems. They were plastic! Just incredibly pretty and 8 of them still with stickers on them. I don't allow glass on my patio or boat so they were perfect. Then, as if that were not enough, a huge pillow that must have pictures to explain.

So, it was all stuff for me, but I can say I shopped on Black Friday.

And now to the dog park.....

I hate going shopping all the time so not doing so on Black Friday is the natural extension of that.

Here's all the things we are so so thankful for...now we're gonna crush strangers in throngs of crazed consumerism

But, honestly--how many people aren't grateful that they live in a country where they can shop pretty much any time they want to, and other related luxuries.

It's a perq of being in America. You should totally be grateful for it.

I guess I feel if it's hypocritical to be a crazed consumer, why is it so much worse yesterday or today than it will be tomorrow? You name a day sale day, and boom.

So, the wedding I am officiating tomorrow (on a boat) features a Fall color scheme (natch), but I am wearing all black...as is my custom.

I think it is important for me to fade into the background of the photos, but I do like to make a nod to the overall festivities.

Do the nail polishers among us have a recommendation for a copper colored polish that doesn't require many coats?

I used to LOVE the Sally Hansen 'chrome' series, for just this reason, but they seem to have been discontinued ages ago.

I think something snapped in me after seeing people get trampled in Walmart a few years back. I don't think I have left the house to go shopping on BF since.

Follow up to my nail polish question...is $16 a reasonable fee for a manicure and how much would one tip?

I haven't had my nails done since the early 80s, so I am waaaay out of the know on this sort of thing.

To be honest, my nails are not worth manicuring as a rule. Paper thin and peely. But, since it is a special occasion and I'm unlikely to use any bottle of polish I buy, I figure it makes more sense to get them done.

I think something snapped in me after seeing people get trampled in Walmart a few years back. I don't think I have left the house to go shopping on BF since.

This would do it for me.

I think my, never-again moment was seeing people go completely out of their heads for the Tickle Me Elmo doll...whenever that was.

I suppose it is true that we can be grateful for the luxury of going crazy and being evil to others, but I can't really endorse that freedom.