12.12.2006

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks...

I firmly believe that everyone, at some point in their lives, should have two jobs. First, everyone should have to wait tables for a period of time. It makes for a better understanding of customer service (a topic for another day), and maybe, you'll learn to make change (again, another day). Second, everyone should have to work in a retail establishment. Only for a week, at some point between November 28th and December 25th. If everyone had the latter experience, I'm sure that holiday shopping would be a much more pleasant experience for everyone involved.

That being said, you must know that I love to give gifts. I love the whole process of finding "the perfect gift" for each person. I utilize all resources at my disposal to accomplish this goal. This year, I have to say that it is a wonderful convenience, having a darling hubby who works in retail management. Shopping for the sweet boys and their cousins has been a breeze. The internet has also been my friend. After seeing the great decoupage ideas over on Monogram Momma's site, I got creative and made some darling picture frames for Nana & Papa from their boys. DH's gift was also purchased online.

My holiday cheer and goodwill, however, got me into trouble this past weekend. My mother-in-law was set on buying the sweet boys some new shoes for Christmas, and she also wanted to return some items and check out the sales at Carson's and Penney's. This, of course, required a trip to the mall.

I'm going to blame it on holiday haze, because looking back, it was really one of those "What in the heck was I thinking?!?!" moments. I was standing in a mall two weeks before Christmas. On a Saturday. With two children. Rational explanation escapes me. We only shopped in the aforementioned stores. We braved the food court for lunch. It took us over three hours to complete this expedition.

Leaving out of the parking lot, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rear view mirror. My number of gray hairs seemed to have increased exponentially in direct proportion with the minutes spent in the mall. My eyes were glassy. Both sweet sons were asleep before we hit the mall access road. Alas, it was all for naught. We still had to stop at Target.

It's a wonder Santa doesn't drink himself into a stupor.

Cheers!

1 comment:

Allie_in_Ga said...

Bless you for mentioning retail workers during the Holidays. After being that girl for 11 years, it really took all the fun out of the holidays. I can't even go into the mall during this time, because it makes me cringe. I am very thankful that I don't have to do that anymore.