 | 24 Nov 10 |
Oops, bad blogger. It’s eight a.m. my time, which is sleeping in late for me — I rolled over after my husband got up for work at 5:30 — not even the smell of coffee roused me out of the warmth of my bed. Can’t really blame me since it’s like 6 degrees below zero here today. However, it’s a veritable winter wonderland — snow is falling, both my college girls are home safe and sound (quite a shock to the Alabama girl’s system, a reminder of those frigid temps when she got off the plane yesterday) the fridge is stocked with good food, we’ve got a stack of movies to watch and we’re looking forward to spending Thanksgiving together, as well as heading to my folks’ house tomorrow for the big meal and being with them, my aunt and uncle, and my 101 year old grandma.
The holidays are tricky because for the last four years I’ve always had a book due around Jan. 1st. This year is no exception I will be hitting the keyboard hard starting Sunday when my nest is empty again. And this is also the busiest time of year in the gun business, so my husband is tired at the end of the day too. With two kids at college, and only one kiddo at home, the number of Christmas programs, parties and commitments has been knocked to 1/3 of what we used to deal with this time of year. I’ll admit I miss it. Especially those grade school holiday programs, with the youngsters singing their heart out.
Now that the girls are older, I’ll also confess…I miss buying toys for Christmas. I loved having their Christmas wish lists on the refrigerator. Thanksgiving has always signaled the official start of the holiday shopping season. After the dishes are done and the guys are snoozing in front of the football game tomorrow, I’ll be poring over the circulars in the paper, from all the stores that are open at crazy hours to offer “good buys” –
That being said, I like to look at the sales, but I won’t actually haul my carcass out of bed at 2 a.m. to purchase wool socks for a buck or a DVD player for $10. We did it for a few years, back before places opened at such ungodly hours. Back when I desperately NEEDED to buy those Barbie dolls and sleds at reduced prices. I feel for the people who work retail on Black Friday, who’ve barely digested their turkey and pumpkin pie and then have to report to work. A high five to all people working in retail!
So, in my blathering way, I’m asking MSW’ers this: Black Friday — love it or avoid it?
All comments will be thrown into the proverbial Santa Claus hat and are eligible for $25 gift card — to YOUR choice of online stores. And if we get more than 100 comments on this fine, snowy day that I’m in the giving mood, I’ll throw in another $25 gift card — 200 comments? I’ll double the holiday joy 
Spread the word!
Have a great, happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
© 2010 – 2011, Lori G. Armstrong. All rights reserved.
Lori G. Armstrong left the firearms industry in 2000. Her first mystery novel, BLOOD TIES, published in 2005, was nominated in 2006 for a Shamus Award for Best First Novel by the Private Eye Writers of America. The second book in the Julie Collins mystery series, HALLOWED GROUND, released Nov. 2006, was nominated for a 2007 Shamus Award for Best Paperback Original, a Daphne du Maurier Award and won the 2007 WILLA Cather Literary Award for Best Original Softcover Fiction. SHALLOW GRAVE, released in Nov. 2007, was nominated for a 2008 High Plains Book Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award and was a finalist for the 2008 WILLA Cather Literary Award. The fourth book, SNOW BLIND, released in Oct. 2008, won the 2009 Shamus Award, from the Private Eye Writers of America, for Best Paperback Original. Lori is a proud fourth generation South Dakotan and lives in Rapid City with her family.
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[...] BLACK FRIDAY BLOG at MURDER SHE WRITES [...]
by Lori Armstrong » Blog Archive » Black Friday…Love it or hate it? November 24th, 2010 at 10:19 amI love black friday but HATE mornings… so thank goodness I can sleep in on saturday, or for that matter, all day!! I remember one of the first years I went with my mom and aunt, my daughter was just a few months old. My husband had to work and I couldn’t find anyone to watch her… so in the blistering cold (as I live in Iowa), I stood in lines with her buddled up in her car seat!! It was the stupidest thing I think I have ever done!!
by Cami Paulson November 24th, 2010 at 10:45 amSee, Cami, if your daughter is a super shopper she can blame you for turning her into one at a wee age!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:37 amHappy Thanksgiving Eve!
by lori s November 24th, 2010 at 12:22 pmI love to look at all the black friday sales. I even suscribe to the blackfriday newlsetter and have friended them on facebook. BUT, in order for me to get up that early it would have to be a dang good deal. Which hasn’t happened in awhile. Why get out of my cozy bed when I can just stay there and order online?
Off topic…Damn Folgers commercial makes me teary eyed everytime I see them.
Which Folgers ad, Lori?
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:38 amLori,
by Sharon November 25th, 2010 at 7:19 pmI know the exact ad you are talking about and it makes me teary eyed as well. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I thought you were talking to me, Sharon, and I’m like…but I didn’t see it.
Maybe I need Folgers to wake up!
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 2:39 pmNope to Black Friday! I will stay in my nice warm bed and wonder about the people crazy enough to camp out in the cold to be first in line to shop at 4 or 5 in the am. I am not above sending a wish list along with the family members who do go, I just want get up at that hour for shopping.
by Jane Marshall November 25th, 2010 at 9:31 pmJane
See Jane, that’s smart!
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 10:27 amIsn’t is lovely to have your college student home? This is our first year with someone away and it is so nice to be able to walk into the house and see him there for a few days. I have been looking at all the previews too but I don’t really have anyone who wants any of the things that are being advertised. I don’t think I miss the shopping for little kids but I defnitely miss the excitement of Christmas morning when they tear into all the presents.
by Maureen November 24th, 2010 at 10:20 amIt is lovely, Maureen, and I’m not complaining at all about how they’ve overtaken every room in the house
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:39 am[...] Black Friday Blog Post at Murder She Writes Share and Enjoy: [...]
by Western Wednesday #40 – plus a contest | November 24th, 2010 at 10:30 amI love Black Friday but I do all my BF shopping from the comfort of my computer chair. I have three kids that benefit from my lazy shopping ways LOL. The thought of getting out and battling the crowds makes me shudder.
by Fiction Vixen November 24th, 2010 at 10:38 amYes, I find myself clicking on the amazon.com “deals” a couple of times a day…I have gotten some really great deals and I’ve purchased them in my pajamas!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:40 amSounds like a great day. We did a family Thanksgiving Sat. when all the kids could be here at the same time. Will go to Grandmother’s house with aunts uncles and cousins on Thursday. I will be avoiding Black Friday like the plague, hate it. I’ll be sleeping in.
by Carol Shenold November 24th, 2010 at 10:36 amI’ll be hauling Christmas decorations out of the closet on Saturday, Carol…
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:41 amLOVE Black Friday! It’s an annual tradition with my sisters-in-law.
by Sharon S November 24th, 2010 at 10:39 amWe are outta the house by 4am and on our merry way to S-H-O-P!!!! We end our excursion by stopping for breakfast and are usually back home by noon! Just in time to take a nap! LOL!
Sharon, I hear this a lot, that it’s a tradition and that sounds like fun to me.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:41 amYes I take off work on black Friday. I love it. I am energized by the fast pace of shoppers around me, even grumpy ones who get out of bed at 1 am to get the job done. It is a family event for my mom, sisters, and myself.
by Lisa November 24th, 2010 at 10:41 amLisa, I remember one time we got up early and stood in line at Shopko for like an hour and everyone started singing Christmas carols. Even the grumpy looking people
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:43 amI avoid it. There are always a limited supply of items and when a bunch of people are trying to get the same items people are more than likely going to get hurt. There are other times to get things on sale.
by Stephanie McCarthy November 24th, 2010 at 10:43 amLuckily, Stephanie, my kids never wanted any of the “in” toys, so those limited deals didn’t appeal to me either.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:43 amI did black friday one time and it scared me so much I’ve never done it again. As I’ve gotten older, I realize that it’s about being with family and really a lot of those sales happen BEFORE black friday if you just watch. At this point I’m done with all mine except for 2 gifts for my hubby. He’s hoping for Black Ops or something like that!
by Heather November 24th, 2010 at 10:44 amHeather, it’d be interesting to see some of those Black Ops guys trying to navigate the best way through the crowds on Black Friday
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:44 amAVOID – AVOID – AVOID !!
There is no deal worth me losing sleep, freezing to death (ok, so I’m in GA so I probably wouldn’t freeze to death but I am cold natured) or fighting with the idiots who take it waaayyyy too seriously. I’ll pay the extra $20 and get it a week later!
And don’t worry L – grandchildren will come along before you know it and you’ll be toy shopping again
Happy Thanksgiving!
by Traci B November 24th, 2010 at 10:45 amTraci, darlin’, bite your tongue about the grandkids comment! I am so not ready!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:45 amNope, I don’t go out on Black Friday. Those people are crazy and would kill to save a dollar!
by Sheri November 24th, 2010 at 10:45 amSheri, sometimes its a lot of dollars…and I wonder if this year will be worse, given the economy
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:46 amUmm I think we are going to go shopping but we never go at the early morning trip. We always wait until after noon and look around. It is rare that there is anything out there that we have to buy.
by Renee' November 24th, 2010 at 10:50 amSmart, Renee, we’ve done that too. I like the stores that have deals all day, not just the crack of nothing.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:46 amTurkey day at my house this year will be as relaxing as possible, Cooking at home so we have all the good leftovers for turkey sandwiches (which is my favorite part of the holiday). Watching the parade on tv & just chilling with the family. I do work retail as my part time job & so I will get done at the office on friday @ 5pm rush over to the “MALL” (yes i said mall) try my hardest to find a parking spot not in another county and work til 10pm. So wish me luck! But no I don’t shop on black friday I cheat I let the husband do it for me. lol Liz
by Liz Montondo November 24th, 2010 at 10:51 amLiz, good luck and I hope the husband has shopping success.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:48 amThis year black Friday is a NO WAY! I am pretty much done shopping, only because we are MOVING in 3 weeks… No way am I Christmas shopping AND moving!
by Sarah S November 24th, 2010 at 10:51 amCan’t blame you for not wanting to add to your stress!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:49 amI’m like you. I like looking at the sales, but I’ve never gone out in it. People go crazy that day. I’ve heard plenty of the horror stories about it and choose not to go out.
by Ashley Shermeyer November 24th, 2010 at 10:53 amAshley, I’ve never seen that greediness firsthand when I have gone out.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:49 amI try to shop on days and at times when the stores aren’t too crowded i.e., when everyone else is at work. This year I’ve been preparing ahead for Christmas, but there’s still some assembly and an lot of wrapping to do…
by ms bookjunkie November 24th, 2010 at 10:54 amI used to shop during the day on the weekdays…very surprising how quiet it was and I could actually think about what I was buying!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:50 amI would rather eat liver and asparagus than go shopping on Black Friday. I’ve become a real fan of online shopping – Amazon must love me!
by Hope November 24th, 2010 at 10:54 amHope, amazon.com loves me too
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:50 amI pretty much avoid Black Friday, it’s highly unlikely I’d schlep to the stores to mingle with the throngs of people. Normally, I’m a complete shopaholic, but I don’t like dealing with crowds and crazed people who only shop this one day a year.
How is Bama girl enjoying the Deep South? Did any of you ever get to Jim-n-Nick’s BBQ??
As another off-topic side note, I finally read Cowgirls Don’t Cry and it was, not unexpectedly, quite awesome.
by kris November 24th, 2010 at 10:57 amNo, she hasn’t mentioned the barbecue joint, Kris, but I’m definitely tracking it down next time I’m in Mobile.
I’m thrilled you loved CDC
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:51 amI love looking at the flyers but have never gone out shopping. I’d rather do cyber shopping on any given day then battle my way through stores! Those early morning shoppers are NUTS!
by Nicole November 24th, 2010 at 11:00 amI’m actually looking forward to looking at the flyers, Nichole!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:52 amBlack Friday…Love it and Avoid it! I love the sales, but avoid the actual shopping. If I do any shopping it will be online. I have went in the past but I think people’s brains sometimes go on vacation that day and everyone starts acting irrational. The last time I went there was a grown man and a little kid fighting over a video game at best buy. Some stores are opening at 3am! Crazy! I’d rather sleep in!
I hope everyone here @MSW has a very Happy Thanksgiving!
by Miranda November 24th, 2010 at 11:03 amMiranda, I noticed that a couple of stores are opening at 10:00 pm tonight — on Thanksgiving Day — I feel bad for the employees.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:53 amNope, I do not go out on Black Friday. The crowds are crazy, the people are rude and the times (4 a.m.?!?!) are ridiculous. My hubby gets so few days off a year, I’d rather spend it as a family than try to save a little money.
by Renee Laufer November 24th, 2010 at 11:03 amAvoid it like the plague . I live in a small town and it seem the Black Friday Walmart stories seem to get nastier each year. I prefer to keep my holiday sprite and shop peacefully at home online. I don’t envy the retail workers one bit.
by Stacy S. November 24th, 2010 at 11:05 amMe either, Stacy. But I do like to go out and shop at some point during the holiday because it puts me in the holiday spirit.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:53 amI have a bit of a different perspective being Canadian
we already had our Thanksgiving last month so our frenzy of cooking and cleaning and feeding our families is done. But I have been reading in the paper that the Black Friday sales have been creeping over the border and we will be having some good sales here for black friday! I’m not sure yet if it will be worth it to go out (dragging 2 toddlers!) to the sales. I will have to wait and see if the prices are low enough. I have a feeling that here, as much as they are calling these ‘black friday’ sales, they wont be much different than our regular before Christmas sales.
by Stephanie Johnson November 24th, 2010 at 11:07 amStephanie, I had a few of my fans who live outside the US ask what the heck Black Friday was…and I found it hard to explain!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:54 amI hate Black Friday. I had to work it for years when I was in retail. Ever since then, I’ve stocked up on stuff to keep me busy and holed up in my house all day. People are crazy on Black Friday!
by Becky LeJeune November 24th, 2010 at 11:15 amI enjoy Black Friday, although with the stores opening earlier every year, I am not sure I enjoy it anymore and with inflated prices are they really giving you a discount and with only 3 in stock is it worth the stress and time anymore. It is a family adventure for me, my sisters and Mom, so we continue to go, but our lists seem to get smaller every year. We leave early are after breakfast are normally home by 11am. My son loves to sit down on Thanksgiving day and circle all the toys he would love to have, Santa has his work cut out for him this year.
by Shelly November 24th, 2010 at 11:18 amSanta better get up at the crack of dawn to make sure he gets those must have toys, Shelly — kidding
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:55 amAfter working for 14 years in retail and having been out of it for a while. I still like going into stores and laugh at how crazy people get. I don’t get up at the early hours, I just like going late morning to see the mess people make. It is still hard to believe adults can be such pigs. I am thankful that I don’t have to clean up after them anymore. Also, there are good deals that day, but if you wait or look online you can usually get a better deal closer you get to Christmas. So after all of that I say I love it, but not that early in the morning.
by Leslie C November 24th, 2010 at 11:18 amSpoken like a pro!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:56 amI’ve done the get up early and shop with the masses and I’m so not doing that any more unless I absolutely have to and I can’t see that happening. However, I’ve been checking out the catalogs and seeing who’s giving online discounts. Got my eye on a few things and just got an email about 15% all order if done in the next two days. Great! I can get those sleeping bags for the grandkids and even upgrade them. Nope, shopping online from the comfort of work.
HoHoHo…..where will these packages go?
Terri
by Terri November 24th, 2010 at 11:25 amFrom little bitty Loveville post office where is seems everyone is ordering online too!
Terri, I think of you every time I’m in my postal substation. I’m taking my favorite postal workers cookies next week as a thank you for all the help they give me every year. I mail more promo packages than I care to admit
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:57 amHeck no! I’m usually exhausted after cooking a huge meal on Thursday. The same deals can be found online and in the weeks up to Christmas. We generally spend that day putting up Christmas decorations and eating turkey sandwiches. Good luck to those who do. Be kind to your sales associate. I was that person in college and let me tell ya, by the end of the day, you’re exhausted!lol Happy Thanksgiving!
by Kandy McKay November 24th, 2010 at 11:28 amThat’s what I say too, Kandy, don’t yell at your salesperson. It’s not their fault the store ran out of stuff!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:57 amI will go out and shop on Friday, however I wont leave my house till about 9:00am then I go to breakfast with family, then I go shopping, do I get the best deals, No, but I will usually find some really good deals and the people watching is fantastic.
by AprilP November 24th, 2010 at 11:29 amI agree, April. If I could park myself someplace and watch people, I’d be in heaven
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 9:58 amI am not a morning person so I like going out later in the day. It is mostly to just watch everyone else. If I see something I want then I get it.
by Ruth November 24th, 2010 at 11:31 amAnother people watcher!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:00 amI avoid it like the plague and swine flu! Or bird flu…or…what’s the flu du jour this year? Horse flu? Cow flu?
I have to admit, on-line shopping gets more appealing every year. I’m just not into crowds, the incessant noise level, and the parking hassles! I plan necessary trips between now and Christmas to avoid malls and convergent traffic whenever possible.
Lori, I feel your frigidity. Or will tomorrow. Today is 68 but a blue norther is headed through tonight. Wind chills will be single digit tomorrow but no white stuff to soften the landscape.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
by Silver James November 24th, 2010 at 11:32 amSIXTY EIGHT? That’s summer here!
Kidding.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:01 amI love black friday!!! Me and my sisters always tag team the stores to get the best deals. I think it is very exciting. I always go into it knowing that I am gonna have to fight the crowds and that prepares me. I am always standing in line at 2am with coffee in my hands waiting for the doors to open. I am a huge shopper and that is the only day my husband says go crazy and have fun!!!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone ~ Hugs
by Leagh November 24th, 2010 at 11:34 amOh btw…today we are waiting for the snow/ice/wind to hit our area and that is supposed to last through tomorrow and then it is supposed to be a woppin 4 deg on Friday morning. Burrrrr!!! Gotta love Wisconsin in the winter
I can’t wait to curl up by the fire with a good book 
by Leagh November 24th, 2010 at 11:40 amSounds like a blast and you guys know the best way to navigate, Leagh — good luck, hope you get lots of deals!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:02 amWe don’t have Black Friday in Sweden . Instead, we have a big whopping sale that starts December 26th and ends January 7th. I think. Originally it was focused on clothes, but now it is other stuff too
Then in late february the booksale starts. 
by Mikaela November 24th, 2010 at 11:36 amMikaela, I dated a guy from Sweden.
Just thought I’d mention it — love me some Viking blood
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:03 amI also used to do Black Fri. when kids were little. My friend & I would stock up on Bloody Mary’s so we could handle the crazy crowds, cold weather & day after Thanksgiving hangovers. Now I enjoy the online shopping sprees that have some great deals also
by Cheryl Kenny November 24th, 2010 at 11:44 amNow see, Cheryl, I could totally get down with drinking and shopping!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:03 am[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Murder She Writes, Miranda Grissom. Miranda Grissom said: Check this out @murdershewrites Black Friday…Yes or No?http://bit.ly/hxUz4B [...]
by Tweets that mention Black Friday…Yes or No? | Murder She Writes -- Topsy.com November 24th, 2010 at 11:46 amWe don’t have Black Friday in Canada, either. Boxing Day (December 26) is the big sale day for us, and I avoid it like the plague because it is CRAZY out there. O.o
by Zita Hildebrandt November 24th, 2010 at 11:47 amAs I kid I never understood what hitting each other the day after Christmas meant, and as I got older…I figured out it wasn’t the type of “boxing” I thought it was!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:04 amIt will take a medical emergency to get me to go out the Friday after Thanksgiving. Bargains? Great. I’ll see them online. But actually driving to stores and getting out in crowds? No, no, no!
P.S. to Lori, you cold weather braggart—Yesterday and today we’ve had temps in the 80s in my part of Texas. Air conditioning, anyone?
by GSM November 24th, 2010 at 11:52 amGSM – I can’t imagine 80 degrees right now. I’d send you the cold and snow, if you wanted it
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:05 amI will be shopping online.
by runner10 November 24th, 2010 at 11:54 amI’ve already started too!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:05 amWhile I refuse to get up early, I love going out on Black Friday. The atmosphere and Christmas music, it’s a great start to the season.
by Amy Lynn November 24th, 2010 at 11:59 amAmy, I get that same holiday feeling…on another day…
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:06 amMy mother-in-law and sister-in-law (SIL) make a huge mother / daughter trip about crossing the border for Black Friday shopping. They drink martinis, eat at Olive Garden, and shop until they can no longer stand.
by Dawn November 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pmSadly, my SIL doesn’t like me and I’m not invited to the annual experience. I’m not sure I’d stand in line for wool socks at 2 a.m. but I bet I’d indulge in a few martinis
Dawn, that sucks. The booze is probably better than their company anyway!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:07 amI dont go to Black Fridays people are soo rude and push u around so they can get whatever first. I never understood why people get up so early in the moring to wait out in the cold for things to open up
NO THANKS!!
That and im just not a morning person at all!!
Sandy B.
by Sandy B. November 24th, 2010 at 12:01 pmSandy, I’ve never gotten there early enough to get any of the freebie stuff.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:08 amWell, I live in Brazil, so, no Black Friday for me. However, I can’t see myself doing that. When I was living in the US, I was there for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, and, really, there’s no soul on this earth who’d actually make me get up and go. Though, maybe I’d walk around later just to watch the chaos and amuse myself. (My mom and I are like that — we’re the sort that hit the mall on the Harry Potter premieres just to see people making a fuss out of it).
But that’s not what I wanted to comment. I’m 22, right? I like getting toys for Christmas!!! (And my mom gets really mad if I ask for them). I’ll gladly ask for stuffed animals or fairies (I collect fairies). Heck, find me one of those pretty, fairy Barbies and I’m all for it! So, that’s my advice for you! When you’re out shopping for your kids, buy them a toy. Even if it’s a teddy bear, a doll or something small like that, nothing too expensive. I bet it’ll make them smile
by Barbie November 24th, 2010 at 12:07 pmThanks, Barbie, I will keep that in mind
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:08 amThe Black Friday deals sound tempting but the idea of being out there in a long line or in the cold or facing the hordes of other shoppers generally makes me cringe. I am on the list of people who avoid.
by Little Lamb Lost November 24th, 2010 at 12:11 pmYeah, with it being below zero, I’m not so much for standing in the cold either.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:09 amWe will definitely be hitting the sales in our area starting at around 3am. My sister and I start planning for this every year in September and can barely wait for Black Friday. Our mom is not a big shopper, but she goes with us to hold a place in the checkout line for us while we gather up items, always knew she would come in hand some day! LOL! Last year we got caught on our local news channel at 5am at the opening of Best Buy, our friends and family teased us for months about it! Unfortunately it gets harder every year as the kids get older, we still want to shop for toys, but they seem to want the expensive electronics! Hmm…Guess I will have to find someone in the family with little ones! Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving holiday and if you should go shopping, be careful out there because it can be a mad house!
by Tammy Mc. November 24th, 2010 at 12:18 pmTammy, your family trip sounds like fun. For a number of years my parents were always gone over Thanksgiving, so the first year they were here, my mom and I went out early and ended up being interviewed by the newspaper.
And that was the last time we hit the sales
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:10 amI have to say, try to Avoid it, but I usually end up right in the thick of things. For the last 10 years or so, my mom has always had to work it, so she gets up at 3:00 A.M. to be to work on time, for the mad rush at 5. So sometime Friday, by the time I wake up for my food coma I am bored and decide to take a drive and end up shopping along with everyone else. Actually, I do have fun most of the time. I don’t usually appreciate the fighting that has occurred, the hair pulling, the police being called, that sort of thing, but at least I am just like everyone else.
by Season November 24th, 2010 at 12:20 pmNow see, Season, in a purely voyeuristic way, I’d love to see hair pulling fights. For research of course.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:11 amThe only thing I am shopping for on Black Friday is a VIP tote you can get at a store starting on that day. I actually work there and will start my work at 5:30 pm, but they hope to be sold out by noon and it has tons of stuff for a really good price. My sister wants one or I wouldn’t go anywhere near the mall until my shift started!! I don’t think my time and the aggravation are worth the $20 you would save. Most of my Christmas shopping is done online these days…gotta love Amazon!! (and every other retailer with websites!!)
by Amy A November 24th, 2010 at 12:26 pmYour shopping is done? I’m feeling inadequate. Sigh.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:12 amI use to Black Friday shop until about 5 years ago when a lady driving an Expedition clipped the right side of my body in a parking lot because she was too busy talking on her cellphone and not paying attention. A ride to the hospital and a couple of weeks recovery and I was done with Black Friday shopping. Now I shop before Thanksgiving and then price match as things go on sale. I went shopping 2 weeks ago and already I’ve gotten $50 back in price matches and will have more by Saturday when I go in to Best Buy to match some things I bought there last week.
by Sharon November 24th, 2010 at 12:29 pmHappy Thanksgiving to all and safe Black Friday shopping for those who brave it!
BTW, I have to comment on your fine, snowy day. It’s 80 here and my a/c just kicked on. So depressing this late in November. Suppose to be in the 30′s by tomorrow night. We shall see. There is something so wrong about cooking Thanksgiving food and Christmas shopping in 80 degree weather!
by Sharon November 24th, 2010 at 1:04 pmOMIGOD, are you serious? Sharon. I”m so sorry. That is horrible.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:12 amBlack Friday always scared me. You hear the stories of people being trampled and such. But for the past two years, I’ve braved the cold and the crazy people and gone shopping – but I usually limit myself to one store, and I never go alone. And this year, again I’m taking advantage of black friday sales – but at online retailers only. I have been watching the price on the ebook reader of my dreams, and I cannot wait to get it – it’ll be marked down to 120 at Amazon.
And speaking of online retailers – Cyber Monday is coming up too, which has some even better/equally good deals for those that hate black friday!
by Morning Glow November 24th, 2010 at 12:34 pmI will be one of the people hitting refresh on Cyber Monday to get the deals!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:13 amHATE IT. But I’m not a shopper, and when I do shop, I pick the least crowded times possible. I’d much rather be home baking, hell I’d even rather wrap gifts than shop.
I’m an embarrassment to the female sex
Enjoy your kids being home! Oh and another holiday with your 101 year old grandmother–she must be so amazing! But wow, it is COLD where you live. I can’t even imagine what it’s like since I live in Southern CA.
by Jen Lyon November 24th, 2010 at 12:48 pmMy 101 year old grandmother IS amazing. She’s sharp as a tack too. She’s funny and sort of tells my mom what to do in the kitchen, which cracks me up. My grandma has prepared a lot of Thanksgiving Day feasts over the years…
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:14 amI kind of which it was snowy here, instead it’s rain and sleet, but a balmy 38.
Not having kids, there is no reason for me to do the Black Friday thing. I can get almost anything for the same price if I lurk on the internet and bide my time. I confess though, my eyes usually pop open at 5 a.m. anyway and I occasionally roll out of bed and go somewhere (last year was CVS, no line, plenty of parking) for a deal or two if the weather is decent. I’m never one of those crazy
by Anne November 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm;- ) people who drive to malls with two or three hour traffic lines to get into them.
I don’t do mornings or Black Friday. I hate crowds. I might wonder out to a regular non-mall store after the rush, but still won’t touch a mall or department store that day!!
by Hope November 24th, 2010 at 1:46 pmI just hate shopping in general. I guess I’m another of those embarrassment to the female sex. I don’t even go to the grocery store until we have no food in the house and I’m forced to go.
Not being a shopper isn’t an embarrassment to the female sex! I’m not much of one for chick flicks, so we all have our ‘things’ –
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:16 amI avoid it like the plague! LOL
Have a great Thanksgiving with your family! ((hugs))
by Sylvia Day November 24th, 2010 at 1:58 pmThanks Sylvia, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours too!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:16 amI Skip It- I live in the Chicago area, and crowds give me panic attacks. One day in a couple of weeks, I’ll go shopping on Michigan Ave ( only whats on sale) with my daughter. She’s 21 on this Black Friday.
by Brenda November 24th, 2010 at 2:02 pmAnd as for the snow, put the snow brush in the car this morning.
Brenda Z
Ooh, 21 on Black Friday…my daughter turns 21 in Feb and she’s already making birthday plans — which oddly enough, she’s reluctant to share with me —
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:17 amI love Black Friday, the kids and I plan out what stores we will hit and then stay up all night and go to bed Friday afternoon.
by Khris Wixson November 24th, 2010 at 2:05 pmAh, a die hard!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:17 amThere is no way in God’s green earth that I will get up and leave my house to shop on Black Friday!!! Well, maybe if I was paid like a million dollars per second, I might….
I totally hate it and considering I hate to shop anyway, that is like a nightmare to me. Nothing is worth that hassel!! I think that people are crazy, online shopping is the greatest invention.
I will be in my house looking at my winter wonderland while those foolish enough to go out can have it!!!
I hope all of you have a great holiday and be careful if you venture into the mass marketing idiocy of black friday!!!
by Ella A November 24th, 2010 at 2:07 pmNow, Ella, you should be more forthright about your Black Friday feelings
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:18 amBefore my family and I moved to Arizona my cousin Michelle and I would get up at 3:00 in the morning and stand in line for whichever store was having the best sale. It was our tradition for five years and I miss it….although not so much the getting up at 3 AM. It’s just not the same going with my husband because he really hates crowds…and shopping.
Now, because of how my husband’s paycheck falls, we don’t even start our Christmas shopping until the week OF Christmas.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
by Terri Molina November 24th, 2010 at 2:08 pmAgain, Terri, I think it’s those shopping tradition stories that drive a lot of the Black Friday craziness, but many people have fun doing it and miss it when they can’t go.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:20 amI have only went out shopping on black friday once and I won’t do it again!! It was insane. We spent more time driving around trying to find parking spaces than we did shopping. The people were pushy and rude. The holiday season is supposed to be the season of peace and goodwill, but black fridays really make you wonder!
by Sarah Amos November 24th, 2010 at 2:15 pmYeah, the parking situation is always a killer, isn’t it?
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:20 amI dont love it but I dont hate it. We do usually go out on Black Friday and get a lot of the Christmas shopping done that isnt done online. But we dont do the early early when stores open madhouse. Thats really for those who are buying a tv or something large. And even if I wanted to do that I cant say I would deal with the rush. Usually by the time we go we still get great deals but the crazyiness is gone too.
by Donna S November 24th, 2010 at 2:19 pmI saw the prices for some TV and my jaw dropped. Good thing I don’t need one or I’d be in line!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:21 amI never go out on black friday, but this year I am using the internet to shop more. The black friday sales are going on online also.
by michelle Smith November 24th, 2010 at 2:50 pmI love the online retailers have gotten into the spirit, Michele.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:21 amOh Yeah!! I check the BF ads online and make a list. Then take the Tday morning ads in the car to circle what I want. We’ve been going out of town for Tday for the last 12 yrs. I usually do early BF shopping alone, then pick the kids up at the hotel, take them to the mall and lunch. This year, Sis in law, nieces and my girls are joining me at 5–not quite the early birds, but close enough.
by Catherine November 24th, 2010 at 3:00 pmWorked BF in retail for years, never really bothered me. It helped I didn’t work at Target =)
Enjoy the kids and weather-here in SoCal it’s a sunny 57 degrees.
How weird is it that 5 a.m. is NOT considered early bird?
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:32 amBlack Friday is not for me. I don’t like shopping and I especially don’t like crowds of shoppers. I do as much shopping as possible online.
And that manic Target woman is really creeping me out this year.
by Laura Griffin November 24th, 2010 at 3:01 pmDitto, Laura, that chick is creepy as hell, and I think they missed the mark with their advertising this year.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:33 amBTW–what a hoot it could be to get your 101yo Grandma with my 103yo Grandma. The stories they could tell!!!
by Catherine November 24th, 2010 at 3:02 pmThat would be a hoot, wouldn’t it Catherine?
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:33 amI’ve never done the Black Friday thing (I hate shopping in madness) but this year I plan to try to catch some online deals. I want a Kindle!!
by Scorpio M. November 24th, 2010 at 3:13 pmScorpio, I’m hoping amazon.com has a kindle sale sometime in December!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:34 amLove Black Friday deals hate the crowds the cold and the ungodly stupid hours one must keep to get said deals. I did a nice chunk of shopping the pass 2 day online and at a small mall so i’m doing good i think. I was saving my Amazon gift cards that i got using a the swagbucks tool bar to pay in part for a Nintendo DSi for my youngest today. I was saving for a Kindle but you know how that goes. lol
What’s crazy about Black Fri is some people start and finish all their shopping that day. No thank you. If i got out it’ll only be to one or two stores quickly because i have to be at work at 8:30 am!
Lisa
Happy Thanksgiving!
by Lisa B November 24th, 2010 at 3:15 pmLisa, you get kudos for going out in the madness before you go to work!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:34 amBlack friday was fun when used to go with a friend, but now it’s just annoying to actually have to go to the store to get something and it’s almost impossible to.
by Sarah November 24th, 2010 at 3:40 pmThey run out of stuff quickly, don’t they?
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:35 amEven though I am Canadian and our Thanksgiving is in October we feel the Black Friday too. So many people book the day off of work to travel to the states to shop. My youngest son delivers flyers to houses and last night as we were getting them all ready, there were quite a few merchants having Black Friday deals. That made me chuckle but I guess in this day and age they have to do what they can.
by MichellekCanada November 24th, 2010 at 3:53 pmThat’s dedication, going to another country to shop for deals~
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:35 amI don’t go out on Black Friday. I avoid crowds and stay home where I am cozy and safe.
by pearl November 24th, 2010 at 4:25 pmI always say I won’t go, and then something pulls me out of my cozy house and I end up out in the retail world. Sigh.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:36 amI live in Canada, and not close to the border so no black friday here. The nearest big city is a 5 or 6 hour drive away, so I usually miss the boxing day sales too.
by chey November 24th, 2010 at 4:42 pmI wouldn’t drive that far either, Chey
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:37 amI love Black Friday. I changed my work schedule so that I have Thursday night off and so does Hubby. We hit Midnight Madness (which starts at 10pm now) and continue until 0600 then out to breakfast. Our secret for the fun, we have almost all of our shopping done so we are out for the excitement and the action.
It is a strange personality quirk since usually I am lazy and don’t want to go to the Mall when there is Amazon and QVC but I love the action, the pushing and buzz.
Perhaps I should ask for a gift card to a shrink for Christmas
by Barb Hill-Kidd November 24th, 2010 at 4:50 pmBarb, that does surprise me, but it sounds like fun and I hope you share some of the stories about what you see on the James Gang this week
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:37 amOh, I might go out, but not into those doorbuster sale/insanity/madness…
by Shiloh Walker November 24th, 2010 at 4:55 pmMe either, I no longer have the need for $2 Barbies
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:38 amI avoid shopping on Black Friday. I love the deals, but can’t deal with the crazy crowds and I don’t want to be trampled while fighting for a coveted sale item.
by Jane November 24th, 2010 at 5:00 pmAnother no vote!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:38 amWe always go shopping on Black Friday and have for as long as I can remember. We avoid all of the crazy sales and just enjoy our day together.
by Valerie November 24th, 2010 at 5:12 pmValerie, my mother has refused to go again, and well, the teenagers *say* they want to go but we never do
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:39 amI love Black Friday!!! I know Im crazy but some of the deals I can not pass up. This year I am forcing my husband to go with me while the kids are sleeping. When they were younger and gifts alot less expensive I always slept in but now that they are teenagers
( I need all the savings I can get. Happy Thanksgiving!!
by Angela Pascoe November 24th, 2010 at 5:12 pmI love that you’re looking forward to it, Angela!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:39 amI might shop online on Black Friday but go to a brick and mortar store on Black Friday – NO WAY!! Besides I have to work on Friday.
by Joyce November 24th, 2010 at 5:28 pmLots of people have to work on Friday, Joyce, and that always surprises me for some reason.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:40 amThis year will be my first Black Friday outing and I am torn between getting excited or totally thinking I am crazy for even thinking of getting out of bed at 3am. However, this year we could stand to save some money so out I go. I have to say the stores start opening earlier and earlier every year! So crossing my fingers and praying I survive the madness! Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!
by Laura Redwine November 24th, 2010 at 5:36 pmLaura, I hope you get there early enough for some great deals!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:41 amI’m a Black Friday fanatic too! I just hope the weather holds out long enough for me to make it this year or else I might have to do online Black Friday:) I like hunting for those good deals and it’s something me and my family have done for a long time. Although now I’m seeing more and more stores that are open earlier or start on Thanksgiving with the savings… I’m not sure if there will be a Black Friday anymore if they just continue doing it on Thanksgiving and if the deals are as good online or better than in-store than what would be the point in getting out of bed at all? Hopefully the tradition sticks.
yadkny@hotmail.com
by Yadira A. November 24th, 2010 at 5:39 pmAgain, I feel bad for the employees whose family time gets cut short because of economic greediness…
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:41 amLori, I miss the trips to Toys R Us. We have some youngsters in the family, but what they want isn’t at the toy store.
I will be doing Black Friday for the first time this year because we are sooo behind. Usually by Nov. 1st we are done Christmas shopping, this year we have barely started.
by Jill James November 24th, 2010 at 5:41 pmJill, darlin’, I could hate you — DONE shopping by Nov. 1st? Heck, I”m usually still shopping on Dec. 24th!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:42 amAt the rate we are going this year, I could be shopping on Dec. 24th too. LOL
by Jill James November 25th, 2010 at 2:22 pmJill, the funny thing is I always knew I’d be out and about because my dad always calls me at like 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve day and says….What should I get your mother for Christmas? He’s gotten better in the last few years though!
by Lori G. Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 10:26 amI love Black Friday…it is a tradition. Living in a small town, shopping is limited so it is fun to get out with friends and family to live the madness. I always have a shopping plan and items I want, never am disappointed if they run before I get mine. That reduces the stress by not needing “must have” items. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
by Tina Carter November 24th, 2010 at 5:46 pmHave fun, Tina! My cousin goes to the “big city” for Thanksgiving every year and she’s done with all her shopping in 6 hours.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:43 amHate it! You couldn’t get me to go shopping on Friday.
by Estella November 24th, 2010 at 5:46 pmNot even if there was a sale on Lorelei James books? Just kiddin’
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:43 amI hate going Black Friday shopping but my mom drags me with her every year and this year will be no different . aahhhhhh
meandi09@yahoo.com
by jennifer mathis November 24th, 2010 at 5:56 pmHere’s hoping you find something worth losing sleep over
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:44 amI thought it was fun, but this year, there is less money, and the times are just crazy. 6am….ok, but 3 or 4am, for something I probably won’t get anyway. I think I will sleep in
by Jeanine November 24th, 2010 at 5:57 pmI think my college girls will still be up at 3 a.m, so maybe I will send them for the deals
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:44 amI have to work Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday so I doubt I’ll be doing any shopping…I work in the books section so it could be worse.
by Ivy November 24th, 2010 at 5:59 pmIvy, sounds like you have everyone’s dream job!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:45 amNay for me. I don’t like shopping in crowds and I don’t even want to imagine the gridlock in the parking lots.
by Jen X November 24th, 2010 at 6:07 pmAnd icy parking lots are worse yet, Jen.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:45 amI hate it. I worked retail for over 7 years and it sucks. I will be getting up early on Friday but that is because I have to work, so I will be in the office by 7:30 with bells on. There is only going to be 6 of us working & most of our customers assume we are closed so it will be nice & quite. If I can’t get it online after Black Friday it will not be bought until January.
by Connie November 24th, 2010 at 7:14 pmHave a productive day, Connie. And I assume there will be deals galore online come Monday.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:46 amI don’t get off work until 8:15 AM so I plan on going home and going to bed. I’m lucky I only have 1 niece and 1 nephew so that is done!
by Christy November 24th, 2010 at 7:59 pmI never worked the graveyard shift, but I always worked Thanksgiving Day and the day after in the restaurant business, and went straight to bed after the shift ended.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:47 amNo Nothing will me me get up at an ungodly hour no matter what. I used to check all the papers and get the great sales if some were still left to purchase; if not just went to another store.
by Diane Sadler November 24th, 2010 at 8:02 pmwe’re the same, Diane. I’ll admit to peeking at the Target circular online…
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:48 amI don’t hate black friday…as long as I’m not involved. I’m spending my black friday doing a tour of the wineries with all my girlfriends. I couldn’t think of a better way to relax…and no one needs to get up at an unreasonable hour (plus there’s WINE involved)
by Carla C November 24th, 2010 at 8:25 pmWine? That sounds heavenly, Carla, have an awesome time!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:49 amno, to Black Friday! I do most of my shopping online anyway. And I start in July . So I am pretty much done by now.
by Sharon S. November 24th, 2010 at 8:41 pmWe’re no longer friends, Sharon, if you’re that organized and start your shopping that early
Kidding. Love people like you
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:49 amI’ll be heading out for the Black Friday sales only cause my stepdaughter wants me to go with her. And I work at WalMart so I’ll be there working but not until 4p.m. Friday. Hopefully alot of the craziness is finished by then.
by Barb L November 24th, 2010 at 8:51 pmBarb, I will be thinking of you on Friday, knowing you’ll be working and facing the teeming crowds!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:50 amI did Black Friday when the nieces and nephews were younger – remember standing out in the dark, freezing .
I may glance at the ads, but I generally avoid the shops Thanksgiving weekend.
by MaryC November 24th, 2010 at 9:03 pmYeah, 6 degrees below zero and dark? Not happening for me either.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:51 amI would like to be able to do some Black
by Tiss November 24th, 2010 at 9:18 pmFriday, but I have to be at work at 5 am, and it seems that every year, I have to work it. Then if I wanted to go to a Walmart, I’d have to drive 100 miles +. LOL. I have never really went to one. Have looked at the circular’s and asked someone to pick me up something, but never braved the crowds myself. Maybe someday.
Tiss, when I was younger and had more energy, I usually worked the morning shift the day after Thanksgiving, so when people came in for lunch from shopping I got to hear about all the craziness
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 10:21 amI hate it.. the sales are good don’t get me wrong, but after working in retail for ten years I cherish being able to sleep in. While others wait in line to buy now I just go online and shop. So many retailers offer good deals on line and you can even shop on Thanksgiving. So I wish all my girlfriends a good time on Friday if you need me I’ll be sleeping.
by Jenn L November 24th, 2010 at 10:09 pmIt’s funny how many former retail workers choose to sleep in
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:51 amI….have mixed feelings. That’s as good as I’ve got LOL
by Chelsea B. November 24th, 2010 at 10:23 pmas you can see, Chelsea, I’m the same way!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:51 amI am staying home. There is nothing out there I want to fight for. Family is more important than going nuts for a sale that if you wait a couple weeks will be on sale again. But to all going shopping have a fun time, don’t get trampled and hope you find what you went for.
by loretta L November 24th, 2010 at 10:59 pmLoretta, I do love how some families make Black Friday a tradition, and that would be worth it.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:52 amI love going shopping on Black Friday although we don’t get there as early as some people. I enjoy seeing if I can find some good sales and spending time with my sister and nieces.
by Sherry S. November 24th, 2010 at 11:34 pmAnother family fun vote!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:53 amI like the idea of Black Friday but I avoid it. I don’t want to be step on. I don’t think little old me can take it LOL ! I remember shopping with mom and we were looking some bowls set that were expensive. We had it in our hand and this crazy mad woman walk by and grab all the bowls, right under our nose. And then walk away with it. Mom and I look at each other and said “WTH!?”….
Happy to hear your daughters are safe at home with you guys for the holidays. Have a wonder Happy Thanksgiving with your family, Lorelei
by Julia - Yen November 25th, 2010 at 1:19 amThank you Julia! I’d probably snatch the bowls right back — but I’m tougher online than in real life too
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:55 amI avoid Black Friday, way too many crowds and online deals are just as great!
by Jeanette Juan November 25th, 2010 at 2:02 amIt never used to be that way Jeanette, I’m glad things are changing.
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:56 amI’ll be sleeping in on Black Friday. I used to go and wait in line when the kids were little and I could get good deals on toys. Now, most of what they want I can get online at a good price.
And the stores open too early – some at 3 & 4 am! Nope, I’ll stay in my nice, warm bed this Friday.
by Leslie November 25th, 2010 at 3:33 amI still miss the toy shopping though
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:56 amI like to check out the sales online. But, I won’t go out in the crowds. It’s too crazy!
by savonna November 25th, 2010 at 5:02 amAnd you’re young, Savonna!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:56 amI do like the deals, but I am not a die hard. Some years I go, and some years not so much. The thought of getting up at some crazy hour is so not what I want to do that I have to force myself out of bed! So, I guess it all comes down to how great that deal is. Have a great turkey day!
Amy M
by Amy M November 25th, 2010 at 7:55 amMy regret is buying “must haves” and then finding out it wasn’t a “must have” at all…
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:57 amI used to go out every Black Friday! My friend and I would meet up around 6am, grab coffee, stand in line for any freebies, grab lunch and people watch. Good, clean fun. The last couple of years family obligations have gotten in the way. We are going to try again next year.
by Jen B. November 25th, 2010 at 8:38 amI did that a couple of years with my cousins and it was really fun!
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 10:57 amnope to black friday (to many people)
by REGINA ROSS November 25th, 2010 at 11:18 amWhat’s interesting to me, Regina, is there are crowds like that in big cities all the time…we’re spoiled out here in the wild west
by Lori Armstrong November 25th, 2010 at 11:30 amNO, NO, NO….there is no deal or savings that would possibly entice me to deal with that mess!
by Theresa M November 25th, 2010 at 12:51 pmI think the all caps really relays your feelings Theresa
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 10:28 amHey everyone!! Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!! As far as Black Friday goes I have never been. For one, I don’t like getting up earlier then I have to and second I get a little panicky in crowded places, especially if people are pushy and crabby. To those who are, good luck and may the force be with you = )
Rachel
Lorelei I am behind on your RR series I am almost finished with AJU and I LOVE IT. I’m supposed to be getting a Kindle for christmas so I’ll be able to get the rest that are out.!!!!!
by Rachel Riddles November 25th, 2010 at 8:55 pmThanks, Rachel! I hope you do get a kindle
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 10:22 amI totally avoid Black Friday. Too many people, too much stress. I’ll shop online or do the store thing later.
And I’m with you. I miss buying toys for my daughter. Christmas just isn’t as much fun when she’s almost an adult. Of course, I still buy her at least one stuffed animal – because I still like to get stuffed animals for Christmas. LOL
by B.E. Sanderson November 26th, 2010 at 8:54 amI’m glad I’m not the only one who misses buying toys!
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 10:23 amBlack Friday is a sport I do not participate in. Any ‘deals’ would require waay too much effort to counterbalance any cost savings. In fact, I spent this morning finishing up ‘Snow Blind’ [which sent me looking for more Julie Collins and eventually linking to this blog] and watching Julie’s life evolve and mysteries solved and cosmic balance finding its own path, was a splendid Black Friday.
by E November 26th, 2010 at 12:54 pmWow, E, I’m humbled you spent the day reading Julie’s adventures — thanks so much for following the link!
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 1:34 pmAh Laurie, I get to enjoy a lot of ‘paths not taken’ and alter egos in your books. Love those strong, independent women. I go my own way in many aspects but the world of your characters really something inside resonate and feel free, as I go for the ride. Thanks for your work! e
by E November 27th, 2010 at 2:34 pmI love the idea of going out shopping on Black Friday but I am not a fan of battling crowds. I am more about shopping online on Cyber Monday.
by CrystalGB November 26th, 2010 at 1:04 pmI keep hoping a couple of things go on sale Monday, Crystal.
by Lori Armstrong November 26th, 2010 at 1:35 pmwe don’t have black friday in Indonesia
so yesterday (now, is Saturday morning already !) i just stayed at home, with my 17 days old baby, and 4 yos son.
be a good mom at home
by Mariska November 26th, 2010 at 8:07 pmCongrats on the 17 days old baby, Mariska! It’d take an elephant to drag me away from admiring a new baby!
by Lori Armstrong November 27th, 2010 at 10:00 amOh, I hate shopping to begin with so the whole Black Friday thing makes me cringe.
I stick to internet shopping on the day and try to block it all out…
by Babs November 27th, 2010 at 6:09 amI’ve already gotten good deals on online, Babs
by Lori Armstrong November 27th, 2010 at 10:01 amI love shopping so I’ve done black friday 3 years in a row but I never seem to find good deals unless its on electronics so I don’t think I will be waking up earlier again… Some friends told me to do internet shopping but to me its not as fun
by Himeko November 27th, 2010 at 2:07 pmStanding in the snow and cold isn’t fun either
by Lori Armstrong November 27th, 2010 at 11:42 pmI love black friday
We usually would spend Thanksgiving in Seattle with my grandparents and it was our thing to wake up early with my mom and grandma and my sis every year and just go crazy, just us girls doing what we did best. Things have changed. My grandma is in a home and can’t walk anymore and I live two states away from my mom and sis. It’s not the fun rush it usually was growing up 
I haven’t been to a black friday in the last three years because I’m away from all my family (really what babysitter is going to watch my kids at 4 am?) and my husband has always had to work on the day after Thanksgiving. So I would sit at home and pout because I wanted that mad rush. Last year, I couldn’t take it and ended up dragging all three of my kids with me and 9 am to the store. It was a nightmare, my kids were tired, cranky and in the “I want that, and that” stage. I did get some good toy deals and my kids whined when I put them in the cart. I told them we were shopping for neices and nephews and if they wanted it, they needed to put it on their x-mas list. Which they did. Imagine their surprise when Santa got them exactly what they wanted. Sneaky me, was really shopping for them. It was a stressful trip and I needed a glass of wine when I got home from braving the crowd and trying to entertain my kids and shop at the same time. Imagine my surprise when I found out my husband took the day after Thanksgiving off this year. I was so excited to hit the sales and get out of the house for a few hours and get a break from my kids all at the same time. WooHooo. My mom and sister called me at 4 am all the way from two states away and it almost felt like old times. They were already out and about and pumping me up as I was getting ready to leave my house. I jump in my car at 5 am, make it down two blocks and have a warning light go off in my truck. Not just a warning light, but also a high pitched alarm with that warning light. I had to turn around and come home and spend the next hour trying to rouse my husband up to go look at my truck. Needless to say, we ended up having to get my truck taken care of and black friday was all but forgotten. Maybe next year
by Jolene Allcock November 27th, 2010 at 7:39 pmVery sweet of your hubby to take the day off, Jolene, but man, that sucks about your truck!
And you get “sneaky mom” props for putting the toys in the cart with the kids right there!
by Lori Armstrong November 27th, 2010 at 11:45 pmMy daughters manage to talk me into Black Friday shopping every year. They claim its great mother/daughter time. I think they are nuts.
by Sherry November 27th, 2010 at 11:23 pmSherry, I know you secretly love it
by Lori Armstrong November 27th, 2010 at 11:42 pm