What a crazy month! I haven't updated in a while... so this one will be a doozy for sure.
Christmas was amazing.... not gonna lie.
Christmas Eve was spent at Carl's house, which I consider an extension of my home since it's only 4 houses down the street from mine and is usually my personal grocery store when I don't feel like venturing out to get something I need.
We were missing a few family members, but gained two newcomers - Angie's parents. I am pleased to announce that my gifts were a hit again this year and I have set a new record that I will never be able to break. This year, one of my gifts caused 4 people to cry. My favorite gift this year to give was Angie's. I found a beautiful black picture frame with etched glass with sayings like 'live laugh love' and 'dance like no one is watching' and all that fun stuff. It was awesome and I would have kept it had it not been Christmas and it's a time for giving and all... blah.
I put 5 black and white photos in her frame 1. Carl and Angie (eyes were colored digitally in pale blue to stand out) 2. CJ (blue eyes) 3. Sami (blue eyes) 4. Group shot of Carl/Angie/Kids and 5. Angie and Skyler (blue eyes). All the pictures were amazing shots. The photos with kids in them Angie had never seen and they were beautifully done by my father in law who is a photographer (Captive Images Photography - facebook it and check out the pics). Angie opened the gift and slowly unwrapped it exposing each picture one at a time. Each picture brought her closer to tears until finally... she cried. Did I get pictures? You bet I did! As long as Carl keeps them they'll be in the scrapbook next year. The sight of Angie being so touched she was crying caused my mother in law, Jeannette, to cry who was my sole crier last year. Not a big surprise but did cause me to give myself an imaginary pat on the back with an internal 'yes!' Once they finished crying and looking at the photos Cecil's grandmother looked at it and cried. Oh yeah.. three criers. Later on when Angie's parents arrived her mother looked at the frame. She cried. Boo ya - 4 criers one gift. I judge my gifts on tears... so this one was a winner.
Being exceptionally gifted in the art of procrastination I ended up finishing Carl's scrapbook at 3p on Christmas Eve... the day the project was 'due.' It wasn't what I wanted... but he liked it and I'll do better next year and give myself more time to complete it (which is what I said last year).
Cecil's Christmas eve gift (Kiss family tradition) was his Charlie Brown Christmas Tree he'd been wanting. I was thoroughly enjoying the agony he was going through for days seeing it wrapped under the tree in a triangular box and being unable to guess what it was at all.
CHRISTMAS MORNING
We woke up early.. although not before Skyler had snuck downstairs at least 3 times like a ninja. Jason arrived right on time which was amazing. 8a sharp and I was so proud. John and Jeannette were.... not as punctual but nervertheless arrived and present opening commenced. The kids received countless gifts that went over amazingly with their favorite probably being their scooters, one Tinkerbell and one Princess, just as it should be! They have continued to ride them around 'shopping' and acting like Musketeers in my kitchen.
On my end... I was completely and totally shocked this year. Not an easy feat. Cecil indeed ended up getting me the DS he was working for on Black Friday that I had previously blogged about. Apparently, Mr. Sexy flirted with an unsuspecting teenage girl in the electronics department and got the DS well before 5a which is how he was able to be with me during the Rockband fiasco. Props to him - my man's still got it. John and Jeannette's big gift to me was a Cricut Create machine! I've been dying for one for a while now and I must admit now that I have one I'm a bit intimidated to use it. I've read the directions... but I can't fully mentally prepare myself. I'll get to it soon enough - I have to... it's my duty to scrapbook. Cecil also got me a diamond ring I said I loved on a commercial. That was an amazing surprise - nothing I ever expected. Jason got me my bootleg of 'New Moon.' I wasn't expecting it since he told me for a month he couldn't find it anywhere. Then he informed me that it was just a 'gag' gift because he had given me some things for my DS. Then he told me it was real. I was completely confused for at least 12 hours until I played the movie and it worked.
I must say my family really pulled off the trickery this year. Normally, I know my gifts before I get them. It's almost impossible to surprise me with gifts simply because I'm an amazing people reader (no matter what Cecil says). The entire month of December I would tell people how I was reading them and what I was interpreting and we'd find out on Christmas if I was right. I sort of was... and sort of wasn't. It was a Christmas based on lies and deceit and I loved every minute of it.
After we opened gifts at home we headed down to Carl's again to give CJ and Sami the Rockband we bought for them since they wouldn't be opening their Xbox until Christmas morning as a Santa gift. They loved it and I can't wait until this weekend to go down and rock out on the mic and drums with them.
Rushing to get ready after Carl's we finally made it down to Hillsboro at my cousin Kevin's house. I hadn't made it down last year - so it was great to see everyone. It was honestly, completely different then past years. It was really enjoyable and everyone seemed really happy. Even my crazy Aunt Ellen and Uncle Jerry were fun to be around - a delightful change.
We only stayed for a few hours since I purchased Cecil tickets to see 'Avatar 3D' for that evening. A poor choice on my part but, it is what it is. Since we didn't make it to the jam packed theater until the movie's start time (minus 15 min of previews)we got to sit in the first row - such a joy. I highly discourage anyone watching a 3D movie to sit in the first row. I thought I was going to be punched in the face by 3D mushrooms. It was still a great movie though and I'm glad we went... although Cecil wants to see it again and sit in a 'real seat.'
AFTER CHRISTMAS
We spent the day after Christmas driving to Martin's Ferry near Virginia and spending the day with Cecil's grandparents, his parents, brother and Aunt. More gifts for everyone and the day was enjoyable.
We've spent the next few days after all the festivities doing some clean up work and playing video games. It's going to be hard to get back to reality. Our anniversary is tomorrow. Cecil works and I just want to play video games. I'm sure he'll agree - and if not I'll recommend ordering a pizza as bribery. Food always works with my special someone.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Black Friday
This year Cecil and I decided to take the plunge... shopping on Black Friday. I researched the deals for weeks and figured where we would need to be at what times to ensure we got what we wanted. A little crazy, I know. The schedule was as follows:
Toys R' Us - Arrive at 11p, store opens at 12a
Walmart - Arrive immediately after leaving Toys R' Us, deals begin at 5a (store is open 24 hours)
Target - Arrive immediately after leaving Walmart, deals begin at 5a
Meijer - Arrive immediately after leaving Target, deals begin at 5a
Sadly, we had to really price out things well since most stores open at the same time and I'm having no luck so far with being in 2 places at once.
So, after waking up bright and early and being on my feet all day it was finally time to head out. We grabbed our coffees, dropped Cecil's car off at Walmart and headed in my car to Toys R' Us. The fact that Best Buy already had tents of people lining the building at 11p and they aren't opening until 5a did not give me high hopes.
Arriving at Toys R' Us the line wasn't bad at all. We were still in the Toys R' Us parking lot and we were probably 100 people back from the door. In a matter of 20 minutes, the line multiplied by 5. Insanity.
The moment the doors opened at 12a several bastards waiting and staying warm in their cars got out and charged the doors. I'm not a fan of cutsies. The police pulled in and put a stop to that. After chanting 'back of the line' for 2 minutes they did indeed get sent to the back of the line. About 50 people decided to linger by the cars and wait for the end of the line to get to the them... fine... but don't cut me. While eyeballing the lingerers I decided that Black Friday truly brings out the best in society. I noticed several newborn babies in the freezing weather, as well as a pregnant chick in a belly shirt. Sexy.
When it was our turn to enter the store the lingerers had again crept up to the doors again. The cops stopped us AGAIN. Instead of sending them to the line they let them in! Obviously, chaos erupted in the line with the cop yelling 'I don't give a fuck, there will still be toys when you get in. It's a fire hazard.' Bad move. I truly thought the cops were going down. Cecil and I ran into the store to avoid getting arrested. We got a decent lot of toys and headed out. While waiting in line for checkout for at least an hour 2 fights started in the store. I watched of course... I'm nosy like that.
After leaving we grabbed a McDonald's breakfast meal and headed off to Walmart with 2 things in mind: A $50 Rock Band for our little cousins and a $90 Nintendo DS... for me. We got there at 2a and saw the stack of Rock Bands in the middle of the isle. I ran my cart up to the stack and stood directly in front of one of the stacks of boxes. There were only about 8 people there - so far so good. Now for the 3 hour wait.. ugh. Being social I chatted up my fellow Black Friday shoppers. The person immediately next to me was an elderly fellow who couldn't speak. Now... I don't know sign language... but I was completely impressed with my ability to have a conversation with this man. His wife, directly behind him was a large woman on a scooter. We collaborated and formed a game plan - they wanted PS3 Rock Bands and I wanted an Xbox 360 Rock Band. Fortunately, I was standing in front of a stack of 3 Xbox 360 sets and they were standing in front of the Playstation 3 sets next to me. So.. knowing the craziness that is Black Friday I had scooter lady position herself to make a barrier behind her husband, and positioned my cart to connect with her scooter and make an enclosure around us both. Protection first right? That way - no one could bum rush us and knock us down.
At some point I decided I needed to stock up on the sale they had for kids jammies. My nice new friends watched my station and I grabbed what I could. Cecil.. waiting in line for the DS was dumbfounded at my ability to create an alliance with handicapped strangers. It's a gift.
Around 4a the group started getting bigger. Everyone had manned their stations and collaborated to make sure they got what they had been waiting hours for. We all watched each others backs as the bum rushers scoped us out. An obnoxious drunk college kid decided he didn't want to wait for 5a. He grabbed a Rock Band and ran. One of the 3 managers/workers saw it and chased him and we all watched in anger as he disappeared between the racks of clothing. As the worker came back, box in tow we clapped and cheered. I made sure to let all my new friends know that if that weirdo came back I was giving him a swift kick in the nads. His friend heard me... disappeared... and they never returned. Good ridden.
As it crept closer to 5a I decided that in light of the previous indecent I would throw out a loud and deliberate warning to the ever growing crowd. At that moment, I noticed someone had moved my cart and was standing next to me. Bad move. I glared at her and said 'uh, where's my cart?' She moved it up a bit and I banged her with it as I put it back where it was stating, 'See this? That's my purse and the rest of my shit. The cart stays here.' That was the end of that. Don't mess with my barrier... it will get nasty.
With that being done I threw out my warning to everyone in the immediate vicinity that might be injured. I advised that I would be bear hugging my Rock Band, turning 180 degrees to the right, putting it in my cart and shoving my cart backwards to get out of the way.' With that said.. most people did take a quick step out of the way - who wants a large purple bruise from a cart? No one. The worker that had been chatting with our group was unfortunately in my direct line of fire on my escape route. I kindly let him know while show him my estimated trajectory, 'you have been warned. No mercy at 5a.'
At 4:56a everyone started making the countdown. Apparently, the person that yelled 'it's 5a' was mistaken. Everyone lurched and grabbed their boxes. My hug, twist, throw, push and exit strategy was flawless. I successful exited the mob and parked my cart by the vegetables to await Cecil's return.
At this point I saw Cecil making his way to me. At the exact moment our eyes met I heard someone shout 'It's not 5a put them back now!' from a worker. Confused on what to do Cecil and I locked eyes, put on our game faces and gave a quick nod. I bolted, cart in tow. As I passed Cecil all I heard was 'go go go' and that's what I did. I weaved through the clothing racks trying to avoid eyes with anyone that worked in Walmart knowing that if I could hold out for a few minutes we'd be safe. When we made it to the other end of the store I knew we were clear. We high fived, slapped ass and continued shopping. A true 007 moment.
We made our way to Target and everything went smoothly there. The 5a rush had ended while we were in Walmart and we shopped for the rest of our list delighted that we at least obtained the Rock Band that we wanted. Cecil was still a bit miffed at not getting a DS... but it was fine. I wasn't upset.
As we pulled into our driveway the sun was starting to rise. 8:00a... we'd been up playing football, cooking, eating, shopping and running for a straight 24 hours. I was almost so tired that I wasn't tired anymore. I walked into the house with the gifts and saw Skyler sitting on the couch with my mom. Damn it... little sneak. We ran the gifts upstairs and told my mom about our night. We slept for a few hours and began life again as usual.
In the end, it was worth the chaos, near fist fights and incredible back pain. Cec and I had fun together which I think made it more special. I still don't think my energy is back 100% even though a week has passed since the fiasco. I'll get there. And anxiously await next years 007 operation.
Toys R' Us - Arrive at 11p, store opens at 12a
Walmart - Arrive immediately after leaving Toys R' Us, deals begin at 5a (store is open 24 hours)
Target - Arrive immediately after leaving Walmart, deals begin at 5a
Meijer - Arrive immediately after leaving Target, deals begin at 5a
Sadly, we had to really price out things well since most stores open at the same time and I'm having no luck so far with being in 2 places at once.
So, after waking up bright and early and being on my feet all day it was finally time to head out. We grabbed our coffees, dropped Cecil's car off at Walmart and headed in my car to Toys R' Us. The fact that Best Buy already had tents of people lining the building at 11p and they aren't opening until 5a did not give me high hopes.
Arriving at Toys R' Us the line wasn't bad at all. We were still in the Toys R' Us parking lot and we were probably 100 people back from the door. In a matter of 20 minutes, the line multiplied by 5. Insanity.
The moment the doors opened at 12a several bastards waiting and staying warm in their cars got out and charged the doors. I'm not a fan of cutsies. The police pulled in and put a stop to that. After chanting 'back of the line' for 2 minutes they did indeed get sent to the back of the line. About 50 people decided to linger by the cars and wait for the end of the line to get to the them... fine... but don't cut me. While eyeballing the lingerers I decided that Black Friday truly brings out the best in society. I noticed several newborn babies in the freezing weather, as well as a pregnant chick in a belly shirt. Sexy.
When it was our turn to enter the store the lingerers had again crept up to the doors again. The cops stopped us AGAIN. Instead of sending them to the line they let them in! Obviously, chaos erupted in the line with the cop yelling 'I don't give a fuck, there will still be toys when you get in. It's a fire hazard.' Bad move. I truly thought the cops were going down. Cecil and I ran into the store to avoid getting arrested. We got a decent lot of toys and headed out. While waiting in line for checkout for at least an hour 2 fights started in the store. I watched of course... I'm nosy like that.
After leaving we grabbed a McDonald's breakfast meal and headed off to Walmart with 2 things in mind: A $50 Rock Band for our little cousins and a $90 Nintendo DS... for me. We got there at 2a and saw the stack of Rock Bands in the middle of the isle. I ran my cart up to the stack and stood directly in front of one of the stacks of boxes. There were only about 8 people there - so far so good. Now for the 3 hour wait.. ugh. Being social I chatted up my fellow Black Friday shoppers. The person immediately next to me was an elderly fellow who couldn't speak. Now... I don't know sign language... but I was completely impressed with my ability to have a conversation with this man. His wife, directly behind him was a large woman on a scooter. We collaborated and formed a game plan - they wanted PS3 Rock Bands and I wanted an Xbox 360 Rock Band. Fortunately, I was standing in front of a stack of 3 Xbox 360 sets and they were standing in front of the Playstation 3 sets next to me. So.. knowing the craziness that is Black Friday I had scooter lady position herself to make a barrier behind her husband, and positioned my cart to connect with her scooter and make an enclosure around us both. Protection first right? That way - no one could bum rush us and knock us down.
At some point I decided I needed to stock up on the sale they had for kids jammies. My nice new friends watched my station and I grabbed what I could. Cecil.. waiting in line for the DS was dumbfounded at my ability to create an alliance with handicapped strangers. It's a gift.
Around 4a the group started getting bigger. Everyone had manned their stations and collaborated to make sure they got what they had been waiting hours for. We all watched each others backs as the bum rushers scoped us out. An obnoxious drunk college kid decided he didn't want to wait for 5a. He grabbed a Rock Band and ran. One of the 3 managers/workers saw it and chased him and we all watched in anger as he disappeared between the racks of clothing. As the worker came back, box in tow we clapped and cheered. I made sure to let all my new friends know that if that weirdo came back I was giving him a swift kick in the nads. His friend heard me... disappeared... and they never returned. Good ridden.
As it crept closer to 5a I decided that in light of the previous indecent I would throw out a loud and deliberate warning to the ever growing crowd. At that moment, I noticed someone had moved my cart and was standing next to me. Bad move. I glared at her and said 'uh, where's my cart?' She moved it up a bit and I banged her with it as I put it back where it was stating, 'See this? That's my purse and the rest of my shit. The cart stays here.' That was the end of that. Don't mess with my barrier... it will get nasty.
With that being done I threw out my warning to everyone in the immediate vicinity that might be injured. I advised that I would be bear hugging my Rock Band, turning 180 degrees to the right, putting it in my cart and shoving my cart backwards to get out of the way.' With that said.. most people did take a quick step out of the way - who wants a large purple bruise from a cart? No one. The worker that had been chatting with our group was unfortunately in my direct line of fire on my escape route. I kindly let him know while show him my estimated trajectory, 'you have been warned. No mercy at 5a.'
At 4:56a everyone started making the countdown. Apparently, the person that yelled 'it's 5a' was mistaken. Everyone lurched and grabbed their boxes. My hug, twist, throw, push and exit strategy was flawless. I successful exited the mob and parked my cart by the vegetables to await Cecil's return.
At this point I saw Cecil making his way to me. At the exact moment our eyes met I heard someone shout 'It's not 5a put them back now!' from a worker. Confused on what to do Cecil and I locked eyes, put on our game faces and gave a quick nod. I bolted, cart in tow. As I passed Cecil all I heard was 'go go go' and that's what I did. I weaved through the clothing racks trying to avoid eyes with anyone that worked in Walmart knowing that if I could hold out for a few minutes we'd be safe. When we made it to the other end of the store I knew we were clear. We high fived, slapped ass and continued shopping. A true 007 moment.
We made our way to Target and everything went smoothly there. The 5a rush had ended while we were in Walmart and we shopped for the rest of our list delighted that we at least obtained the Rock Band that we wanted. Cecil was still a bit miffed at not getting a DS... but it was fine. I wasn't upset.
As we pulled into our driveway the sun was starting to rise. 8:00a... we'd been up playing football, cooking, eating, shopping and running for a straight 24 hours. I was almost so tired that I wasn't tired anymore. I walked into the house with the gifts and saw Skyler sitting on the couch with my mom. Damn it... little sneak. We ran the gifts upstairs and told my mom about our night. We slept for a few hours and began life again as usual.
In the end, it was worth the chaos, near fist fights and incredible back pain. Cec and I had fun together which I think made it more special. I still don't think my energy is back 100% even though a week has passed since the fiasco. I'll get there. And anxiously await next years 007 operation.
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