Why I'm Sleepy

There are two things very dear to my heart.  Two things I cherish and pursue at every possible opportunity:

1.  Sleeping late.

2.  Bargain shopping.

For 364 days a year, these two things co-exist peacefully inside my head. 

On Black Friday, they go to war.

Every year, it's the same: there's a tug-of-war inside my l-tryptophan-clouded head as I weigh my love for a day of sleeping in (the kids are out of school! no rushing out the door!) versus my love for the amazing deals to be had at an inhuman hours (Old Navy hoodies for $7.50!)

The most likely scenario is usually that, on Thanksgiving, my left brain carefully gathers the sale circulars and maps out a plan.

And then Friday morning, my right brain hits the snooze button.  Vigorously.

But I did it this morning!  I stuck with it.  To discipline myself, this year I thought ahead.  I called my friend Nan last night and asked if she'd like to meet at Toys R Us at 5 am (they were offering 50% off of A Certain Thing I Cannot Name Because My Kids Read My Blog).  I knew if I were actually meeting someone, I'd be less likely to sleep in.

Nan is a morning person.  I had a moment of panic when I wondered if she'd expect me to supply cheerful conversation.  (At 5 am, she'd be lucky if I remembered deoderant).  Thankfully she's a good enough friend that she required no cheerfulness and gave me all the room I needed to emit a general air of sullenness.   

(Speaking of air, did you know that the air around Toys R Us on November 28th at 5 in the morning is very cold?  And I know this because I STOOD IN LINE IN IT.)

After our victorious Toys R Us expedition, we headed to Old Navy, where we scored some excellent bargains.  (Though we had to stand in line for an hour to pay for those bargains.  Old Navy may know a thing or two about hoodies, but their speedy check-out skills leave something to be desired.)

The last stop was JoAnn's, where flannel is on sale for $1.50/yard.  Or, at least, it was on sale--by the time I got there at the slacker-late hour of 7:30 am, it was almost gone.  I was secretly relieved, because while they were selling flannel at an amazing price, as far as I know they were not selling the extra three hours of days I would need to, you know, actually sew something.

Now I'm home and shopped-out and happily sitting on my couch with my kids, watching a DVR'd version of the Macy's parade (which is, incidentally, very different from how I was spending my November 28th a decade ago--happy birthday, my boy!)

So I'm curious how many of you were wildly demented thriftily wise enough to brave the Black Friday crowds.  Just for grins, answer the survey below:

Comments

[Laura @ Texas in Africa]

I actually deliberately try not to spend any money on Black Friday. It's a small way of saying that there are more important things in this world than the consumerism that drives our culture.

[Candace (Mama Mia)]

I did Black Friday last year for the first time ever and probably won't do it again any time soon. I hit Toys R Us and Target. It just wasn't worth the hassle. Thankfully this year I got about 95% of my shopping done before Thanksgiving! I didn't feel the need to hit all of the stores.

[Amy]

I didn't go out, but my husband did! He got a great deal on a camera with a free printer/copier/fax, and two pairs of running shoes-great for him since he runs marathons. But I'm glad I wasn't out. :) He told me that the ladies shopping seemed calm and relaxed, but the men were impatient and grumpy. I figured the ladies were relaxed because they got to shop without the kids!

[gretchen from lifenut]

I think Black Friday is a sign of the downfall of western civilization.

[Tami]

I did Black Friday last year... this year, all I needed was a new digital camera and I realized that it was only ten dollars more to buy it on Amazon.com than it was to go to Costco and get it. Plus, I needed to order a memory card for the camera, and it was $22 at Amazon, which meant I'd buy something else for free shipping anyway, so it worked out. Plus, I had my wisdom teeth out Monday, slept in a not very comfy hotel bed Wednesday night, and was on the road traveling across WA state for 14 of the last 40 hours. I felt good about my decision to spend a net extra $7 and order the camera online (and to avoid impulse buys in the meantime!).

When I have kids, though, I'm pretty sure I'll be an avid Black Friday'er because we'll have fairly stringent $$$ limits (we don't want to feed into the idea that Christmas is about presents and not about Jesus) and I'll stretch those dollars OUT!

[tas]

HOw about a sixth option? For those of us who are canadian and today is just another work day....LOL

[Tracye]

I went to Wal-Mart. We (hubs and I) were there at 4. It was crazy. I'm not sure I'll ever be at Black Friday stuff bright and early. We were looking (along with 10 other people) for the power wheels jeep for boys. There were 2. In a pallet of 16 jeeps, 2 were for boys, 14 were for girls. It was crazy once 5 am hit.

[Linda Sue]

Do not go shopping on Black Friday - wouldn't think of it - I got up at our normal hour (5 am) had coffee and devotional with DH then we both watched tv news - all the people who were out there in the rain (it was a cold rain here in Texas) buying more stuff. Glad you got what you were looking for - we are of the opinion it might all get way cheaper closer to Christmas with the tight economy and willing to risk it either way.

[Linda Sue]

You must realize - I do NOT have children so my comments are totally irrelevant to you parental units!!

[TRS]

Just as it is wise to stay in and have a low key evening on New Years Eve - because all the amatures are out - and dangerous --- I feel that I am too serious a shopper to be out there with all the amatures on Black Friday!

I also agree with Laura and Gretchen - that it's my bit of defiance. No one tells ME when to shop!

Lastly, I'm not organized enough to shop today. That would require caring about the flyers that are already in my recycle bin.

Never mind that... awake? Are you kidding?

[Sheri]

You didn't include my option: Go to work! Yup, banks ARE open the day after Thanksgiving!

[Amy in West TX]

I did shopping online this morning, got an amazing deal on the new iPod Touch on Amazon, 50% off! I hadn't planned on buying that one, I was planning on the Nano, but went ahead for the child who asked for it. She's done. That's about all she's getting. I got some good deals on a few other items. I just went to Walgreens, had to pick up a prescription, and picked up a few things, I couldn't pass up $10 for a crockpot for my college-aged son

[Eunice]

Most of what I wanted was on sale on the internet too. Shopping with my coffee is the way to go!

[Laura V.]

We all got up at our normal hour and after some relaxing, we all went to the gym. We put the kids in the gym's childcare and hubs and I worked out!

We'll go out to Kmart later to look for one specific item, but that's it, no other shopping today or braving the crowds with 3 kids in tow.

[Forgetfulone]

I vowed not to go anywhere this morning since I went last year and it was just plain ridiculous... but... my step-daughter wanted to go to Kohl's. We weren't there when they opened at 4 AM (like I was last year), but we were in and out between 6 and 7 AM, then home for a nap. As my kids get older, they want the things that don't go on sale, so it doesn't do me much good to get up early anymore.

[everydayMOM]

No Black Friday for me!! No bargain is worth that kind of hassle! I realize it's kind of a sport to a lot of people though, so have fun!

[Rhonda]

I thought of you today when I was in line at Target! :)

I had planned on not going this year, but my littlest really wanted the Baby Alive Potty...I wouldn't get it at $60, but Target had them for 39.99...so off I went. They opened at 6, I was out by 6:15, hit walgreens, then starbucks and back home to hubby by a little before 7! then off to work.... (my kids are with grandma)

I just "cherry-pick" for those key items that are enough of a discount/need to get me out...

I was so sad to hear of the Walmart employee death in the north...I have never seen it that bad here in the rural south- but I think tough economic times will make it a bit crazier...

[Paige Tyler]

No black friday deals for me because we decided we are going on vacation for Christmas instead. The kids might be in for a shock this year!

[Carrie]

I boycott Black Friday! My holidays are not for sale - for any bargain in the world. Today a man was trampled to death at a WalMart by crazed shoppers... what does that say about society today? I'm trying to teach my kids that the holidays are about family, religion, togetherness, and kindness; not about shopping.

I do sometimes pine after the sales though...

[Teri]

Oh my! I got up yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, slammed that bird in the oven, slapped on some lipstick (need that power boost), chugged a Mt. Dew & was standing in line at K Mart at 4:45 AM. Store opened at 6. In 24 degrees. Why? Idon'tknow. But I hope my little kiddos and grandbabies, one step-granddaughter-to-be thinks Mommy/Gramma rocks when they open their gifts! BTW, I made it home before 7, had a traditional dinner for 20 on the table by noon.
So I got up today & did the WalMart & KMart sale again.

[Jenny]

My husband woke me up at 3am. He wanted to know if it was time yet. I was not impressed. We made it to Walmart, Target, Macy's, and the mall. We found some nice deals, but we missed a few we wanted. We've been home for a nap, but now the Irishman is ready for round two. I've created a monster!

[Summer]

Well I don't fit any of those answers. This was my first ever Black Friday experience and I was excited about it. I got everything I set out to get and am loving the prices!

[Tammy]

This afternoon I spent an hour and a half in the cutting line at Jo-Ann Fabrics in order to get my flannel. It was a great bargain...I'm glad I didn't go there in the morning, because they said it was WORSE!

I've never been compelled to go anywhere in the early morning. Not even for a good bargain!

[Andrea Mitchell]

Your Black Friday is the same as Boxing Day (Dec 26) in Canada. We avoid it. Although, I think that if I had the option to go bargain shopping BEFORE Christmas, I'd be there. I don't understand the point of going shopping the day AFTER Christmas when I already have tons of new presents!

That being said, I wouldn't go until the sun is up. It takes that long for my coffee to kick in!

[Headless Mom]

The "No way"s are winning! I'm not a freak!

[Headless Mom]

Oh! and I forgot to say happy day to your boy. My HB1 turns 9 today (28th!)

[shelly]

i got up at 5 and checked to see if the bb goal we wanted was on the internet..it was 1/2 price, no tax 1/2 off shipping...pushed the button and went back to bed

[Whitney @ Baby Tunnel Exodus]

I'm typically a big fan of Black Friday, but this year I didn't think any of the deals (for the things on My list anyway) were good enough to rise before dawn for. I get that retailers are desperate, but so are consumers... however. We're not dumb either. Marking something up twice as much and then selling it 50% off goes over like a lead balloon for me.

Happy Birthday Wishes & Blessings
Whitney

[Nic]

I'm with tas only I'm Dutch and I had a regular work day today as well...

[Kristi]

Our Toys R Us opened 15 minutes early and I was the first person to check out. I was out of there at 4:55, five minutes before they were supposed to open.

[Mommy]

Yes I was out shopping today. Like you I love to sleep and struggle with the thought of an early morning:) But my Mom on the other hand would not miss this day for the world. She had me up at 3am to get to Bealls by 4am. I hate the mornings but LOVE the fact that I got something for everyone on my list but 2 for under $90. You could not do that on any other day:)!!!!

[Carrie]

o.O I posted about my shopping today ;) I was at TRU at the same time as you...only in order to be one of the first 5 in the door I was in line by 4:15am ;)

[km]

This year I had to work....YIKES. I am NOT a morning person and I'm still recovering.

[Melene]

My husband and I went this morning for the first time ever and it was to purchase a gift for the family, but I chose it.... a Pink Dyson! I am so happy.

[Mel]

I went shopping and had a brain freeze and thought wow let me take the kids with me...ahhhhh

[Lani]

I got some GREAT bargains for my Christmas shopping list this morning. Walmart was INSANE at 5 AM, but Target at 6 was a little easier.

The air around Target from 5:30-6 AM was pretty dang cold too.

[Lani]

I just read all the other comments. I get a huge thrill out of getting up early, knowing what I want, going straight for my item and being in line to check out 10 minutes later. Plus, I'm a bargain hunter anyway. I usually buy everything I can at garage sale and resale shops, but for gifts, I can't do that. The sales are so crazy amazing, it's well worth the rising early and crowds. (At least for ONE day a year)

[kathy]

I would much rather sleep in and get average deals later in the day...

I am not really into the rushing and stress early in the morning. Especially after stories like the one on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27955316/)

Give me my soft pillow and warm blanket any day!

[Robin]

I've gone in years past and last year was at Best Buy at 4:30 (that did NOT pan out all that great). This year though...nope. Hubs had to be at work by 8 so that meant I would have to come back and pick up the kiddos if I wanted to continue. By myself with two kids in tow does NOT sound like fun. IF I could go kid-free AND there were things I already had on my list then I would go. It's pretty fun I think...not the 4:30 idea but around 7 would be great.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for prices dropping closer to Christmas anyway.
:0)

[katherine from senior elefante]

ha! two years ago, pre-kids, my HUSBAND got me out of bed to be waiting for a sports store to open at 5am. we got almost all of our shopping done that year on black friday, but i think i almost fell asleep at one check-out!

[Ellen]

Glad to find this blog! I have a husband who loves to get up at 5:00 a.m. and brave the crowds. This year, he found a bunch of DVDS for under 5 bucks and a $50 DVD player at Target, which we desperately needed. We have a five-year-old with mild cerebral palsy who will only eat a meal if he's watching a DVD player (I know, not ideal but you do what you have to when you have a special-needs kid). And, tragically, the DVD broke. All is OK in our household again. I blog about my son, if anyone's interested, over at www.lovethatmax.blogspot.com.

[Stephanie]

I never go shopping on Black Friday. I figure if they can offer such deals on that day, they can darned well offer them some other time of the year, and I refuse to play their little games. So there. PHTTHHTT!

Besides, I hate to shop anytime unless it's online.

[Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates]

I just can't handle the craziness and the possibility of being trampled. I had a lovely lazy day of sleeping in and watching movies from the couch - aaahhhh. I will save bucks by getting less gifts and doing homemade things.

[Tara]

Does going to walmart at 2:00 pm to buy clorox wipes and disinfecting spray to combat the stomach flu that rampaged our Thanksgiving count???

[Phyllis Wilbanks]

Hee hee..just got half-way through your post when I realized your blog is RED today.

I did not do Black Friday shopping, but evidently I am still a bit groggy from the turkey. LOL

[Stacy]

My husband and I went to the mall at about 9:30 to visit with a friend who works there and had to be at work at 4am. The crowds were actually manageable at that time of morning.

[Brandy]

I go with the women of my family. Aunts, sisters, grandmothers,mothers, and cousins. We have a "Shop til you drop" party the weekend before to plan out where we are going to be going and where to meet up. We even bring each other presents for the party. It is much fun.

[Liz C]

I was up at a normal time, but my standard practice (20 years now) is to STAY IN all of Thanksgiving weekend. It's a good chance to fiddle with the homemade Christmas projects.

DH and I did go out in the afternoon, to run into Joann's and pick up a $90 sewing machine case for under $30 for DD-12. There's no fabric that Joann's carries that would make me give up 4 hours of my life to get it, though, at any price.

[Lorie]

I went with my sisters and we had a GREAT time together and got a TON of great deals. I am hoping I will be caught up on my sleep by Monday! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[Aunt LoLo]

I'll admit it - I bought nearly 20 yards of that cheap, cheap snuggle flannel at JoAnn's - I just canNOT resist the pull of baby shower gifts that are only a few bucks to make, instead of $20! They'll be going up in my Etsy shoppe as well, too.