Columnist Cassandra Walker
Last Friday was the day after Thanksgiving – shop ‘til you drop day.
The advertisements are full of: half price, low price, lowest price in town, so-low-you-will-have-to-bend down to see it deals.
I tell myself every year that I will not go to these sales because crazy people are always there.
Well, I must be one of those crazy people because I am always there.
I just can’t seem to resist the $5.99 sale on all board games or the first-come, first-served rock-bottom prizes on kids’ jeans.
I find myself arriving at ridiculously early times before the crack of dawn, all in the name of being as close to the front of the line as I can get.
I have my list in tow and my running shoes laced up tight. I even bring my secret weapon … a budget.
I refuse to go over my shopping limit this year, I don’t care how good a deal it is. We still have eight leftover boxes of 50 cent candy canes from two Christmases ago.
I have looked at my list and checked it twice, and then I head out to the stores. Everyone else in my home is still in the bed sleeping off the Thanksgiving turkey.
Not I, because I am on a mission to get the best deals, rack in the biggest bargains and maybe, just maybe, complete all of my shopping in one day.
I fill up the gas tank, check that off my budget list and head to the stores.
I go through the entire shopping experience like a seasoned pro. I neatly stack items in my cart as I dart through the aisles. I clip coupons, ask for rain checks and make sure I don’t take 6 when the limit is 5.
By the end of the day, my gas tank is half empty, my eyes are bloodshot and my feet are hurting, but I have accomplished what I set out to do and stayed just a few pennies under my budget.
I am so excited, but that excitement fades as I remember I forgot two items on my list.
At last, perfection eludes me. Oh well, that is my excuse to go again next year and try again.
Happy Holidays and shop safely.
Thanks for sharing