Rec This Thread If You Did NOT Go Shopping On Black Friday.

[Yes We Did]

I couldn't do it. I refused to go out and spend any money anywhere. It's a joke, and I will not participate any more, And apparantly I picked a good time to do so as it can be very dangerous.

It's just stupid... And by looking at the ads in the paper and on TV, I got better deals by shopping online over the last couple months anyway.

Now I'm basically done and get to spend the next month baking bread and cookies and pies and making candy; the fun stuff.

[HopeFor2006]

1. Not me!

I was working all day. :hi:

[classof56]

114. I bought gas at Costco before heading home from family TG.

Buck seventy-one point nine a gallon. Not bad!

Avoided malls like I always do on the day after Thanksgiving. Don't have much cash for Christmas gifts this year, so actual shopping trips will be few and far between.

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday!

[drmeow]

2. I do not believe I have ever

gone shopping on Black Friday.

Hey, my 900th post.

[orleans]

14. i can't remember ever black friday shopping either

(not to say i never have--i just don't remember)

i hate crowds

and traffic

and long lines

and being part of a herd mentality (which is how i would see myself)

[drmeow]

115. You summarized my sentiments exactly

It helps that the big sales usually are on things I don't want or care about.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I shopped for dinner...

That was it!

I never go in the stores when things can be crazy...

And today was one of those days...

Just like the day after Christmas...

[Chulanowa]

4. Well, define "shopping"...

because I did walk up to the corner store to buy bread and Dr. Pepper...

And yeah, you definitely get better deals online. Most of them even offer some nice holiday discounts. Of course, the downside to shopping online is that the folks working the counters and stocking at the local places don't see your money...

So my solution? Shop local small business for what you can, and go online for the rest. Also don't be afraid to wait to shop. People who still think "Black Friday" has the best deals ever are sadly deluded. I find that pre-christmas sales tend to have better prices and far less crowding

[Donnachaidh]

5. we went last year, late afternoon and was stunned

People were milling around like herd beasts, being rude and ugly. The one salesperson we asked for help was visibly exhausted, and drained. He mentioned how tough it was, and I felt terrible asking him to please bring down a box from a top shelf for us. He just smiled and said we were the first people to say PLEASE to him all day. That says A LOT about this country.

We swore then and there we wouldn't shop on Black Friday ever again.

[parasim]

6. I went to Sam Ash and Guitar Center today...

played guitars, drums, keyboards ... Didn't buy a thing. Well, just the Zildjian hat, but I was just replacing an old one that I put in the washer and destroyed.

[Not Sure]

97. huh?!

Oh, "hat" as in the article of clothing. I was thinking hi-hats...

[Lance31]

221. Yep having my latest guitar/sitar custom made

I refuse to buy anything unless I research the heck out of it to find my best price.

[madinmaryland]

7. HUH? You not out supporting the hardworking AMERICANS who are

working today, just to scrap out a living?

[yowzayowzayowza]

8. Carriage bolt, washers & nut, ...

brads, steel wool and electrical connectors. Xmas shopping? #$@#%#$ NO! Since the youngen grew up many moons ago, we haven't participated in the consumer season much atall.

[JeanGrey]

10. Well I'm proud to report that my younguns are grown and I

still love Christmas! I do a huge yard display every year and a tree and the whole ball of wax. I love Christmas, it's true meaning and all the rest that goes with it, I enjoy it and I won't stop enjoying it.

[norepubsin08]

132. If your huge yard display has lights

then you are an eco terrorist as far as I am concerned..if you use electricity for frivolous usage then there won't be as much left for when we need it and are truly running out...FUCK CHRISTMAS it's turned into a commercial excuse to pry money out of us...just ask the worker's family at the Wal-Mart in Long Island what Christmas means to them now!!!

[JeanGrey]

190. You can call me whatever you like, I won't lose ANY sleep

over it. Yes parts of it are ELECTRIC. As far as your Fuck Christmas, that is a nasty thing to say and you are welcome to your opinion.

And If I were the family of that worker I hope that Christmas STILL has it's meaning - especially if I lost a family member to this world and with all hopes he would be waiting in the next!

[JeanGrey]

9. Well I went once. To Walmart. Had to return a window

light display I bought that was broken. It was busy but not hugely so, it was around 5 pm. No trouble parking or returning what I bought and getting a replacement.

I didn't rush out for any of the "sales". I'm too old for that now but I enjoyed doing it in years past.

[CRF450]

11. I got all the toys and clothes I could ever want currently, no more shopping....

For the next month that is...

[Nicole]

12. I never go on Black Friday.

I also skip the after Christmas sales. Too crowded for me.

[silverojo]

13. Black Friday is not only overcrowded

It's also dangerous...and I knew that long before the recent trampling and shooting deaths that took place today. I got sick and tired of having to fight people just to do something as simple as shopping.

[JeanGrey]

191. Now I DO love the after Christmas sales! We get many gifts

from that we keep for years to come. I always have people in the house that I usually don't know and some who need a place to stay so you never know who or how many extra you might have, and I always like to have a little something for everyone.

We usually get to Home Depot as soon as they open the day after to get those fifty cent boxes of lights for the next year! Last year I got three Christmas trees for two dollars each, lights for fifty cents a box and a lighted wreath for 2.00. I have already given the trees away to people who needed them and a lot of the lights.

[barbtries]

15. never do

sap and eat leftovers.

[Speck Tater]

16. We didn't have black Friday here in Oregon. Just gray overcast Friday. nt

[indepat]

17. Haven't shopped on Black Fridays in decades

:P

[Faux pas]

18. Sorry to say, I went shopping today....

needed cat litter badly does that count? ;)

[Pharlo]

19. You needed cat litter, I needed dog food....

Black Friday crowds are a picnic compared to The Damn Mutts if I'm out of dog food. Nightmares of running out of dog food will wake me in a cold sweat...Nothing worse than the guilt trip three pairs of hungry eyes staring at me can cause.

[goclark]

20. We feel your pain

My cousin has a cat that stares him down if there is no food.

[SemperEadem]

153. LOL!!! One of those

"Oh, my bad! You expect me to go out and kill something, like I'm ferral or some shit, huh?" looks.

[Le Taz Hot]

58. It's why I'm grateful I have a 24-hour

grocery store here. I have 7 pair of kitty eyes staring at me, not counting the 2 "fence cats" and countless strays that count on me for their meals. I can't tell you how many times I've gone out at 4:00 am and hauled back a 20-pound bag of cat food.

[kstewart33]

131. Good for you.

If they could talk, they'd say thanks.

[slay]

21. Decided I'd rather go hiking with friends instead

Would not have gone shopping anyways - and hiking is a much better, more fulfilling use of the day anyways. :hi:

[Shiver]

22. The only thing I did yesterday...

...was go to work to pick up my paycheck. It was my day off, so hell if I was gonna do anything I didn't have to. There's nothing I want that I'm not willing to pay a few more bucks for a few weeks from now, if it means I can avoid the stupidity. And nothing I want is in limited quantities - and if it was, screw it.

[DUlover2909]

23. Sorry I can not recommend.

I bought 2 cases of beer, 1 carton of cigarettes, 2 blockbuster rentals, and 2 two-liter Diet Dr Peppers like I do now and then. I spent money but only in the places that I would have ordinarily spent money anyway.

[spiderpig]

24. I went to the local blood bank and donated a pint.

Got me out of the house (beautiful weather!) and made me feel I was doing something proactive with the day off. Wanted to avoid stores at all costs...

[AsahinaKimi]

25. No money ...No shopping

Simple as that..

[LatteLibertine]

26. I didn't

feel like dealing with moron crowds and besides that there isn't a whole lot out there I want. I'm not going to wrestle people over things that will likely be viewed as garbage in a few months. I hate the mindless consumerism at this time of year.

[Swamp Rat]

27. I stayed at home, listened to music and read.

Tons of great books around me, and access to a wide variety of music.

[complain jane]

28. A trip to CVS and that was it.

I needed more toothpaste.

The rest of my shopping will be online, and I'm starting it this morning.

You couldn't pay me to go shopping on Black Friday.

[Patiod]

93. CVS to find out that it's easier to order photo cards online

and to the hardware store for $1.29 cabinet latches.

[complain jane]

232. Ooh photo cards...

that's a good idea!

[Patiod]

234. Pretty good prices, and easy to order

plus the website offers a lot of different card options.

[L. Coyote]

29. Reply to this sub-thread if you don't shop for the Capitalist Holy Day.

If you just bake cookies and stuff instead, PM for my mailing address :rofl:

Seriously, boycotting the national shopping mania attached to a belief system is a lot easier than falling into lockstep with a behavior contradictory to the tradition.

[flpab]

31. on line sales

I got a great deal on a black Friday sale from Dell on a mini laptop. I had to work and it was crazy just driving to the job on Friday. Clicked on my emails and wow, great deal. No fighting the crowds.

[debbierlus]

52. As a small business who sells antiques & collectibles...shoppers are necessary

Of course, everything you buy from us is recycling plus it is much higher quality then the junk made today.

Shop your small local businesses. Small presents and thoughtful items that touch the heart and evoke memories. You don't have to spend a lot, we carry vintage Christmas cards and early ornaments for under ten dollars.

[DollyM]

148. the mega stores hurt us little guys anyway with the Black Friday stuff

I had a small doll and craft store for about a year until the overhead started to eat me alive. But the two times I did open for Black Friday I found it to be a total waste of time, all people wanted to buy was deep discounted stuff and frankly, my margin for profit is pretty small anyway so I don't deep discount. Us little guys just can't afford to do it. My feeling is that if they want to buy for Christmas, they will buy anyway, especially if it is a high quality product like my dolls. I make it a point to stay home on BF and be with my family. It just isn't worth the craziness. (Or my life!)

[unapatriciated]

125. chocolate chip or peanut butter?

we took this a step further about six months ago and skipped anything made in china. It was hard at first but got easier as time passed, found out we were buying a lot of crap we didn't need.
My kids prefer cold hard cash, helps to pay the heating bills and fill the fridge (cookies gives it a personal touch).

[AlabamaBrightBlueDot]

30. As a matter of principle...

I NEVER shop on Black Friday!

[Hissyspit]

32. Nothing but thrift shops and Goodwill. Crowds were not bad.

It was mainly a camaraderie thing going out with friends, but don't you think my money was better spent for these small businesses that help those with low or no income, than for online busineses? (Although, I have done most of my Christmas shopping online.)

[unapatriciated]

127. those are my stores of choice..

since 1968.

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tomreedtoon]

34. I could have gone, but didn't.

My boss offered me Black Friday off, after working Thanksgiving Day. I said I'd rather have the money for working.

My reason wasn't political at all. Normally, the only thing I shop for are computer parts - memory, USB thumb drives, DVD writer drives. These are for computers I own and some I give to impoverished friends.

Well, this year I have all that I need. So I didn't need to shop. I also don't have money to shop. Without the need or the ready cash, why shop?

In the end, too, I got tired of fighting for bargains that the retailers could have given us all along if they didn't want to create some kind of shopping frenzy. Why reward bad salesmanship and bad retailing tactics? I might pay a little more by buying my stuff on eBay, but at least I'm not rewarding this seasonal crapfest.

[glowing]

35. No, I never do. I did it one year when my sister and I were in college.

She had come down to have Thanksgiving with me when we were in college (I had an apt, she had a dorm room). We figured, let's go shopping for everyone on our lists and get it over with because she had to go back to her school and finish some work on Sat. So, out we went.. we decided our mom was very nice not to ever drag us out on the busiest shopping day for some kind of crazy ritual and for the hottest "deal". Really, we did it to do it together and split paying for items for our relatives... but we vowed never again. AND neither of us have ever gone out on Black Friday again.

Its a slim pickings Christmas anyway. We are all broke and watching our pennies. We will be getting small items and things people really need... nothing big ticket at all. The only one who's allowed to be spoiled is my step-son. He's 4 and all the grandma's go ga-ga over him.. especially my mother, since he's the only grandchild they have at the moment.

[Blue_Tires]

went out only to get some cold meds, and that was it

[Blue_Tires]

36. went out only to get some cold meds, and that was it

[eridani]

37. Bought some dental floss

I make or buy Christmas presents throughout the year, just to miss all the frenzy.

[bklyncowgirl]

38. You wouldn't catch me dead in a store on that day. nt

[The Wizard]

39. Anyone who participates in that insanity

needs increased medication.
Given the choice of getting swept up in mass stupidity promoted by advertising bull shit and not getting something for the same price it will be the day after Christmas, I wait until after Christmas, which after all has its roots in Paganism.

[Dr Phibes]

40. Do I really ...

Do I really need anything? Not really.

My family simply picks names "out of a hat" and then
proceeds to write a nice memory we've shared. We read them
Christmas morning. It's a nice Christmas tradition.

I don't use electric shavers anyway!

[Quantess]

41. I did not. But, it's nice that some people do, since it's supposed to be good for the economy.

I can't afford to buy stuff, anyway.
I worked my seasonal retail job instead. It was actually kind of dead, considering what day it was.

[rox63]

42. I went to the supermarket for some groceries

And stopped by Staples to pick up a package of printer paper, because I was running low. Does that count? It wasn't holiday-related shopping at all. Unless you count the rolls I bought at the grocery store to make turkey sandwiches from the thanksgiving leftovers.

[demodonkey]

43. Didn't go near ANY store of ANY kind and did not spend even one penny for the entire 24 hrs. nt

[La Coliniere]

44. Haven't shopped

on Black Friday, well ever! I hate shopping. Items that I need to purchase as gifts are usually bought throughout the year at locally owned and operated businesses. My wife and I try to support local merchants whenever possible. For instance, we haven't purchased a bottle of wine that wasn't produced along the shores of Lakes Erie or Ontario in more than 5 years (the quality of Western NY , Western PA and Southeastern Ontario wines is superb!). When it comes to gifts, we also support the Buffalo Philharmonic by purchasing concert tickets as gifts. By doing this we're supporting an organization that is usually struggling to survive and treating folks to a social event they normally wouldn't have the money or inclination to attend. I've been "minimizing" our lifestyle for years now; its surprising how much stuff is truly not needed in ones life.

[Preening Fop]

45. Since it was truly, a Beautiful Bright Day, we spiffied up the yards.....!

And now,
Our "Obama/Biden" sign proudly resides
in the middle of one of the
more private gardens.

[remember2000forever]

46. The Only ONE time I ever stood in a line for ANYTHING......

Was a freezing, dark morning in Quebec at the back of a Toys R Us store. It was for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle craze and we were all waiting for the "April" figurine to complete our set. The Canadians very wisely sold the dolls right out of the truck in the parking lot. Very organized.

After Christmas my 5 year old son promptly flushed "April" down the toilet. (In case you weren't alive then, the turtles all lived in the sewer) So between my plumbing bill and my 0 degree shopping experience I said "Never Again".

[graywarrior]

47. Not me.

Never had, never will.

[bertman]

48. Did not go shopping on Black Friday. Don't shop online because the local stores need

all the business we can give them.

[nightrain]

49. nope, no shopping.

The day was filled with traveling and coming home. Did some online looking and planning... I hate crowded shopping anyhow...

[Donkeykick]

50. Went shopping later...

in the day for groceries, but that's it. :shrug:

[Ferretherder]

51. Nope. No shopping.

Just finished up my Duck and Chicken Dumplings and Oyster dressing, and went with Ms Ferretherder to see the folks and watch the increasingly pathetic LSU Tigers lose to the Hawgs.


But no shopping.

[onlyadream]

53. You couldn't PAY me to shop on Black Friday!

I hate shopping to begin with.
:hide:

[Le Taz Hot]

54. Not recommending

I live right behind a major mall and I walked over to Penny's because Levi jeans, which my husband wears, were down from $48.00 each to $34.00. I bought four pairs, saving me a significant amount of cash and nobody got trampled in the process.

So, do I surrender my "librul" card now? :eyes:

[Chorophyll]

55. Took my kid to the park, ate leftovers.

I went shopping on Black Friday a few years ago, unintentionally. Never again.

[crim son]

56. I didn't shop!

I haven't got a dime! :D

[The Doctor.]

57. Never do.

While I believe in spending during hard economic times, I will not go out shopping on BF.

I usually just take the kids to a movie.

[MichellesBFF]

72. Only the Oriental Market

Bought a gift for a luncheon I'm going to Monday, a crate of Persimmon's for my Mom (birthday present), and some pork belly to cook.

Now I need some thyme and chicken broth...

[FedUpWithIt All]

59. I went to joanne fabrics late in the evening to pick up some material and yarn.

I told my kids we are going to be creating things this Christmas. In my favor, because i HATE the sickening greed of Black Friday, i went yesterday (instead of another time) because my dear cousin was in town for the day and it afforded us a minute out together.

The material and yarn was seriously reduced so I bought some extra fleece to stock up for later.

[terrya]

60. I didn't buy anything yesterday. Recommended.

[Dulcinea]

61. Does grocery shopping count?

I went to the supermarket & the farmer's market. I pretty much had the store to myself. It was great.

It was a nice warm day here yesterday, so I played with my kids outside. There's not enough gold in Fort Knox to get me near a mall on Black Friday. I hate the crowds & the obnoxious jerks who'd actually trample or shoot other people to plunk down their money. I'll finish my Christmas shopping next week when I can do it at my own pace.

[no limit]

62. Nope. I have better things to do at 5am, such as sleeping.

I did got get groceries but I dont think that counts.

[Myrina]

63. Kinda hard to shop when I don't have any spare money ...

...

[mnhtnbb]

64. No shopping for me! I refuse to go in the stores day after T-day.

[kcass1954]

65. I didn't even walk out to the mailbox.

I make sure I have everything I need on Wednesday, so I don't have to leave the house. No shopping online, either.

[bobd0]

66. K&R Not only not going to. We didn't.

Online either. We're drastically curtailing not only holiday shopping but all shopping in the face of The Bush Depression. We're buying essentials only until further notice. We'll re-assess IF an when government ever decides to allow the euphemistic "Main St." to join the exclusive club that has become the Bush administration's "recovery" plan.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

67. Isn't Black Friday a plague?

[Lugnut]

68. K&R

I have never gone out shopping on Black Friday and never will.

[yellerpup]

69. I don't need more stuff.

The children in our family get to help other children in the world through Oxfam International. We buy worms, chicks and goats to give to others. Their other aunts and uncles buy them breakable stuff and I do send them books throughout the year when I come across something that is well done and in their range of interests. We have over 60 nieces and nephews (no children of our own) and I wouldn't dream of wasting money on crap. We help feed the homeless, we help stock food banks, we help clothe the needy. Black Friday is unsettling to me. A few relatives think I'm cheap but I don't care. I don't have unlimited resources so I try to give what is needed instead of trying to buy love on credit.

[1monster]

70. I hate crowds... The day BEFORE Thanksgiving was plenty bad enough

for me when I had to go to two different grocery stores to get a couple of items I forgot.

The day after Thanksgiving? THEY AIN'T NOOOO WAAAY!!!

[ProfessorGAC]

71. I Went To The Liquor Store. Does That Count?

But, no i didn't do any christmas shopping, and neither did my wife!
The Professor

[bobd0]

91. Liqour doesn't count. It's a necessity. Like food.

As a matter of fact, around here liquor is considered its own food group.

[ProfessorGAC]

198. Good One!

Nice finisher. Thanks
GAC

[knitter4democracy]

73. Only went out to eat with friends, if that counts.

STBX had the kids (apparently they went shopping), so I spent the day with knitting friends trying not to cry.

[mntleo2]

74. Stayed home ...

...enjoyed my family and took it easy. Unless it is local merchants, Buy Nothing Day is my mantra!

Cat In Seattle

[shanti]

178. me too. didn't even set foot out of the house all day

except to check the mailbox.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

185. I didn't even go to the mailbox. :-P

Quite frankly, I don't care if I set foot in a store, other than grocery, between now and mid-January (when the return frenzy has died down...). The adults are foregoing gifts because we're sick of the hype, and my niece and nephew are getting cold, hard cash.

[aintitfunny]

75. No Shopping

[we can do it]

76. I Didn't Spend a Penny Yesterday

I don't plan on doing much shopping at all. Definately none this week.

[RetroLounge]

77. Did not shop at all on Friday.

Refuse to be part of the insanity.

RL

[Geek_Girl]

78. Most of my shopping is done (mostly on-line purchases)

I still have a few things to get and I think the deals will get better. Usually big shopping days don't have much in bargains IMHO, they're may be a few crappy items with some good deals and then the other items are at regular price. Where as if you shop a few weeks before the sale you seem to get way better deals.

[mainer]

79. whipping cream and onions. That's all I bought.

I can't abide crowds. And quite honestly, I'm not a big fan of massive Christmas gift-giving. I wish we'd turn it into a holiday of just getting together and sharing a great meal.

[ProfessorGAC]

81. I Hope They Didn't Go Together For Dinner!

LOL! Just seemed like a weird pair of things to buy, so i just had to comment!

Onions and whipping cream! Eeep!

I know, i know. There are creamy onion soups. Just made me laugh, is all.

See ya.
The Professor

[ewagner]

80. didn't contribute to the madness

Not ever, ever again.

[footinmouth]

82. Not me

I refuse to be a part of the madness. We did go out to lunch. Does that count?

[JoMama49]

83. I shopped a little on line, but did not venture out of the house!

[SalmonChantedEvening]

84. Yesterday was Black Friday? SONOFA!

Nobody said a word...

[PghTiny]

85. I almost had to buy something

I was working on my car yesterday and needed to splice a wire back together. A trip to Rat Shack would have solved that problem. I didn't need to buy wire, though.

[csziggy]

86. Nope - spent time with family and drove home with a truck full of family antiques

Mom finally let me have the 1890 Jenny Lind maple bedroom set that belonged to the Great-Aunt I am named for. And a nice club chair and ottoman that have been in the family forever.

The only shopping we did was to go to grocery store on the way back into town so we'd have food for today. I did score a fully cooked turkey for just a little over what a raw one would cost - I need to go cut it up and package it for the freezer in smaller portions.

[Irishonly]

87. Nintendo 64

When they came out was the first, last and only time I ever went out of Black Friday. A Walmart was the only place that had them so I got there about 4:15. By the time 5:00 rolled around the line was all the way around the building. Of course they opened the doors and let everyone in. I was headed for the electronics department and was rammed into by a crazed woman with a cart yelling at me to get out of her way. She wanted a TV. I limped over, got my game system and came home. My whole thigh was bruised. I can also count the times on one hand I have been to a Walmart since then.

[question everything]

88. I did not go shopping Friday, however, I do not recommend any thread

that asks me to.

As I have posted during the primaries, recommendations have to be earned, not asked, or, worse, demanded in capital bold letters as all the Hillary haters did, perhaps still do here.

[codjh9]

89. Didn't shop at all. I heard that nuts were lined up for MILES, at MIDNIGHT, at the insane giant

outlet mall here. Mass insanity!

[DinahMoeHum]

90. I was with my family, "eating the bird",

and having fun watching my 1-year-old grandnephew walking around.

:)

[L0oniX]

92. Just stop shopping and avoid "The Shopocalypse".

http://www.revbilly.com/

I just saw Rev Billy on Free Speech Tv last night. I love it.

[astonamous]

94. Didn't even do any on-line shopping. n/t

[ginnyinWI]

95. shopping on that day is a blood sport--no thanks.

Ha--we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet--honest! We are meeting at my nephew's house tomorrow for our Thanksgiving. Bringing Grandma and everything. Who says it has to be on the day. And shopping the day after is simply crazy. I went out on Wednesday to be sure to have the right toy for our grandson. Good thing I did because I got the last one.

[paregdem]

96. Didn't shop at all...lit a fire in the fireplace and relaxed : ) n/t

[pipi_k]

98. What if I bought

a bale of hay, a bale of straw, a salt lick, a couple of bags of poultry feed, and a small rubber tub (goose swimming pool) at the local farm supply store?

Can I still rec anyway?


I swear..... I didn't even realize it was "Black Friday"


:shrug:

[Mabus]

99. I only left the house to take the dogs out for their walks

I went out twice and when I got to where I was going there were no people.

[bvar22]

100. Nope.

As much as possible, we have stopped consuming in the Corporate sense of the word.




The final straw was campaign/election 2004. We were forced to face the REALITY that neither political party represented us. We were sure something very bad was coming, and started making plans. Over the next two years we sold everything, cashed out most of out 401K, bought Bubble Proof property in a very rural unspoiled/undeveloped area in the South with an abundant clean water supply surrounded by National Forest (plenty of wildlife, long growing season, low energy demands, very low property taxes).

In 2006, we quit our jobs, left the Big City (Minneapolis), and moved to our new place.
The performance of the Democratic Majority in Congress since 2006 only reassured us that we made the right decision.
We ARE registered to vote, and support the Democratic Party 100%, but don't hold much hope that anything will really change. Our focus has become local Humanitarian/Community Issues, and methods of denying support for Corporate America.

We have planted a large vegetable, herb, and fruit garden, have two healthy HoneyBee colonies (expand to 4 colonies next Spring), and keep a dozen chickens. More fruit trees and a large BlueBerry Patch are being added this year. We are freezing and canning this year for consumption over the Winter. Next year we will be solar drying BlueBerries, Figs, and Lavender for marketing.

We will no longer pay for the obscenity this country has become.
We have reduced our taxable income to near poverty levels.
We no longer use "credit", don't have a mortgage, build everything ourselves, buy "used, 2nd hand, or salvage" directly from previous owners, and Barter, Trade, or pay CASH to avoid all taxes whenever possible.
As much as possible, we have stopped consuming in the Corporate America sense of the word.

Spring Promise 2008


After 2 years, we are still on the Corporate hook for electricity, Sat TV, some gasoline, and about 1/2 of our food, but have plans to eliminate or minimize those. Internet access is by cheap Dial Up.

We realize we are very fortunate to be in a situation to do this. We have no dependent children, and are in good health. We miss the advantages of Urban Consumption, but have little desire to return.
We pray that an Obama administration and a Democratic Congress can turn things around for America, but see no signs that this will happen.

[Not Sure]

164. Cool garden!

That's my goal for this spring, to get a potager garden going. I have been honing my gardening skills over the past couple years by growing impossible-to-kill herbs, vines, decorative plants (indoor and outdoor) and this past year I planted a fruit tree. I have some space in my yard that would make a perfect garden plot, so I'm eager to get down to the details and begin acquiring the materials to build my boxes.

Since you've got some experience in this area, can you offer advice on some plants that are easy to grow, high yielding and provide you a lot uses? I love nearly all kinds of foods, so I'm not too picky if I can just get the plants to grow. I'm in north Texas (USDA Zone 7B), so I have a great deal of flexibility on what I can grow.

[bvar22]

174. Same Zone as us (Central Arkansas).

You can grow almost anything with the exception of citrus which will die at about 25 F, though we do have a fantasy about a greenhouse for Louisiana satsumas.

Easy to grow:
tomatoes
Beans (all kinds)
Squash
Melons,cantaloupe, pumpkin
radish
some lettuces
Onions, chives, leeks, shallots, garlic,
broccoli, cabbage (winter)
Peppers (all kinds)
corn
okra

most fruit trees (check with your county extension for best localized varieties)
Figs
Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries

Cilantro, Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, catnip, mint, basil, fennel, St Johns, Lavender, .....

For more info on raised boxes and photos:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=246x5729

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=246x5729



Check out the Gardening Group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=246

[Not Sure]

233. Wow. Thank you for the response! (nt)

[Vektor]

101. I can't stand raucous crowds, and I also worked that day.

So yeah, I did not participate in Black Friday. I never do - too hectic.

[aquart]

102. Went for cookie supplies in the empty supermarkets.

Best day of the year to go to a supermarket.

[Historic NY]

103. I belong to the procrastinator's club, not worth the effort plenty of time left.

[madmom]

104. Not me, I honestly think it should be illegal!

[leftinportland]

105. I must confess...

For the first time ever I went shopping on Black Friday. I went to the 50% sock sale at Fred Meyer (supermarket/variety store chain in the NW). I needed to stock up on socks. The sibling family groups will be getting homemade cookies, treats, and socks for Christmas. Look at it as my little contribution to the Obama recovery.

[tilsammans]

106. No hellin' way!

After working in retail years ago, no way would I go anywhere near a mall on Black Friday. :crazy:
This year, I didn't even leave the house.

[WillyT]

107. Nope...

:kick:

[Not Sure]

108. I went to Circuit City at 6 am on Friday

Our DVD player broke Thanksgiving night and I got an el cheapo model at the closest store to my house the next morning. But I really didn't need to do any other shopping since I already bought the lion's share of Christmas gifts for my daughters a couple weeks ago.

I'm not opposed to Black Friday shopping, but the notion that people need to do it all in one day, fight over this year's Tickle-Me-Elmo, or go overboard and get a second mortgage to buy stuff is ridiculous. My MIL and FIL do that every year, despite our objections to turning Christmas into a consumerism feeding frenzy for our daughters.

Your last sentence reminds me of what I'd really like to learn to do: bake bread. I'm not handy in the kitchen, but this time of year I miss my Mom's baking and I sure would like to create the same kitchen sights and smells for my kids that I grew up with. That's where the real memories are.

[librechik]

109. I rarely buy anything new

a, cheaper (and sometimes better quality) stuff and b. recycling in this consumer society is more compassionate.

Everyone should watch the british documentary series "Century of the Self" to understand how we got here. We are being played, and i try not to participate in the madness. There are better and safer ways to run the world.Too bad it's going to take a colossal disaster to make us go there.

[ksimons]

110. does taco bell drive thru count? :)

if not, then i'm in the clear!

[SOS]

111. "Black Friday" is BS

It is a marketing ploy cooked up in the 1970s to sell more crap.
It's nice to be old enough to remember a time when this disgusting consumerist sickness didn't even exist.

[scarletwoman]

112. I've never gone shopping on the day after Thanksgiving, can't imagine why anyone would want to.

Of course, I dislike crowds, and really dislike shopping; so avoiding shopping on "Black Friday" is totally a no-brainer for me. I'm usually working that day anyway; and if I'm off, I far prefer relaxing at home and doing some creative cooking with the Thanksgiving feast leftovers.

sw

[MNBrewer]

113. Do groceries count?

if not, no.

[jeffrey_X]

116. We stayed at home today.

We might go into manhattan later this afternoon.

[gollygee]

117. I had to get some groceries

So I did get something, but I didn't "go shopping".

[TBF]

118. Shopping only encourages them.

After the billionaire bailout I'm not feeling particularly generous. I bought toys for the kids online to take advantage of no tax and free shipping. That's it.

[GinaMaria]

119. Hell No

I ate leftovers, wore my PJs all day and watched Season 1 of Dexter curled up with hubby on the sofa. People on my list (kids and charities only) will be getting gift cards/cash to buy what they need when they need it this year. My husband and I don't exchange gifts, we give to a charity instead. When family or friends ask what we want for xmas, we tell them we have everything we need and to use the money to help someone else. That's the best gift we can get. Help out an animal shelter, soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan, toy drives for kids, or a local food pantry. Things are bad out there for a lot of people. If you have plenty of food, clothes etc and have a regular paycheck coming in, think about those going hungry or those who will have a harder time surviving this year.

Peace out for a psychedelic tie dyed Friday or pink pajama Friday or mellow yellow Friday, or Green bean casserole Friday.... This day needs a new name.

[Autumn Colors]

120. Not me

Never left the house yesterday.

[AnnieBW]

121. I picked up prescriptions and tampons

at CVS. But I did shop on-line, mostly because I got deals on stuff that I either couldn't find around here, or would have had to go to a mall for. But, most of my Christmas shopping is done anyway. I just need to find something for my Dad.

[Catbird]

122. Once bought a car on Black Friday

A few years ago we went car shopping on Black Friday. There were few customers and no crowds. It was a great time to look for cars. People were shopping at the malls and discounters. We actually found a Prius on the lot and bought it. It's still running fine. I did not go shopping this year, however.

[yorkiemommie1]

123. No Way!

unless you count a quick trip to radio shack for a much needed phone battery!

I live a few steps from a major mall and no way would i risk my life for a few 'bargains'. I can't even think in a crowd anyway.

[norepubsin08]

other than what I absolutely need

I refuse to buy anything else from now until January 15th. I buy gifts for lots of people the rest of the year. Business is basically evil..it's only goal is to screw you out of your money!!! Most people who own a business, are just greedy fuckers looking for ways to entice you to buy shit you don't need.
Me: I work for the state...a needed service!

[Bluzmann57]

195. Thanks for sticking up for taxpaying citizens

Or not. I used to own a business, and yes I wanted to make a bunch of money. But I also gave a fair deal to my clients and for a couple of my elderly clients, I did work gratis from time to time. If you don't know what the word gratis means, look it up in the dictionary, assuming you know how to use one. If there are no business owners and customers paying taxes, then state jobs go away too sunshine. Just thought you'd like to know.
Fyi- I owned a lawn care and snow removal business. I sold my assets because I couldn't afford health insurance for myself, my employees, or my family. But if and when things improve, I may try again. I'll make sure I don't go to your house to solicit business.

[McCamy Taylor]

124. Agree. This is a good year to make it yourself.

[Bucky]

126. Either I was protesting commercialism... or I was at home recovering from surgery.

Hmmm, judging by the online shopping receipts in my email box, apparently it was the latter.

I really shouldn't be left alone with a credit card, a bottle of hyrdocodone, and an internets portal. Shopping while high might revive the economy before Obama can get in long enough to bag the credit for the recovery.

[Tigress DEM]

128. I always avoid shopping on Black Friday.

I just don't like fighting crowds and as a general rule try to find off times to do things so I can take my time and enjoy better service etc..

[JimWis]

129. No way. Although I did pick up a few groceries. And it was really

quiet in the grocery store.

[ThatsMyBarack]

130. I shopped a little online.

Does that count?

[lcdnumber6]

133. I spent a lovely day with my best friend

and her family....well, we had a drink at a bar together, but no shopping!

[Janice325]

134. Heck, I didn't even want to go to the grocery to get a few much-needed

grocery items. I was afraid they might even have crowds at my local Publix.
k&r

[Ravachol]

135. There is no Black Friday here, to speak of...

And I can't rec... but I sure as hell didn't go shopping.

[ooglymoogly]

136. Just for some ideas for after xmas shopping and missing the entire xmas shopping madness

I spent the day getting my herd of bobbing reindeer ready for the yard and never left the house. 4 stags and 8 deer which I purchased after xmas last year for 10 cents on the dollar (I know back to the future) Am taking the standard xmas tree lights off and putting LED lights that take almost no electricity which I also purchased after xmas last year at 50-75% off; I bought all they had at many different drugstores, target, walmart and others; Everywhere they sell xmastree goodies. All in all I spent comparatively nothing and got everything I wanted for this xmas. Just some ideas for next xmas. As most of you already know, you have to wait a bit after xmas to get these kinds of deals. But for those of you who only see lights across the Bering Straits in Russia; They start off at 10-25% and every week or so they go down more until they are just happy someone is carting them out the door. The red and blue spectrums LED's are especially good for your house plants which is the real reason I went after the LED's last year. I have a veritable forest of orange, lemon and banana trees and other tropical and sub tropicals that I have to bring in the house in the winter making my house look pleasantly bizarre. The lemons and orange blossoms are wonderful whenever they bloom and under the led's that is often. So if you cant stand the xmas madness but love the dazzle and sparkle of xmas and happy everaftering while afterxmasing like me; stay cozy by the fireplace for this xmas; But then I am happy to be an old recluse; This of course will only somewhat work for many,especially those with big families and of many of you already know of this windfall. The only real info here is the LED's, but hey, it's the xmas season.

[dana_b]

137. I'd rather....

scrub toilets, pick up dog poo, go to work or watch golf while sober than go shopping on Black Friday.

[marybourg]

138. Had to order a 2 qt saucepan online

since my 11 month old Cuisinart one has become so deformed, I can't fit the lid on. I didn't expect it to last the 45 years my original aluminum set of pots did, but geez, 11 months? I guess it's my fault, though, I keep using it on a hot stove! :sarcasm:

[bunnies]

139. Never have... never will. No way in hell. nt

[DissedByBush]

140. I did

Gifts for the kids at a discount. But then I went at 7 p.m. when there were somewhat slimmer pickings than in rush hour. But I still managed to get a few things cheap without having to brave the riots.

[clydefrand]

141. Not me. I don't go shopping during less crazy days much.

[jpak]

142. Fuck Black Friday

:evilgrn:

[TwilightGardener]

143. Went to Old Navy and Target, then out to dinner--a fun family outing, actually.

Not as crowded as you would think, we found parking spaces right away, the sales were good, the lines were short.

[sunnystarr]

144. Stayed home and happy ... (nt)

[UpInArms]

145. I went out and dropped off a month's worth of recyclables and

bought 3 used VCR tapes at a consignment store, does that count?

[Incitatus]

146. I get all my shopping done before Black Friday.

There's too many people acting like savages at Christmas sales.

[rhett o rick]

147. Not my family. nm

[silverweb]

149. I never do.

Never did. Never will.

[BrklynLiberal]

150. I am not THAT much of a masochist. The insane crowds would really upset me.

[SemperEadem]

151. I stayed here and did some work on a training manual I need to write for my job

There is no way I would get out in that madness. I'm doing all of my christmas shopping online this year. Gift certificates for most folks. Makes life easier.

[mayahbird]

152. No Way

No way would I get out in those crowds!!!! It will calm down in a couple of days and the sales will still be there.

[DesertFlower]

154. can't remember the

last time i went out on Black Friday.

[lenegal]

155. Just the supermarket

Unemployed. Nada cash for Xmas

[earth mom]

156. Nope-I did NOT shop on Black Friday. But my husband did...

he went to a local store after work-not Walmart-and bought a few groceries, the new "Wall E" movie for our kid and some gas. I can't stand the whole Black Friday B.S. and went once a few years back to try and get a cheap DVD player that I didn't get and swore never ever again. I hate crowds and I really hate pushing shoving mean crowds! I also hate that this country has become more shallow and materialistic with each passing year. And I'm happy that I turned my back on conspicuous consumption about 20 something years ago when I started shopping thrift stores, antique stores and garage sales. My entire house is furnished with old vintage stuff with the exception of things like beds, bedding, sofas, and kitchenware.

So there really isn't much at the local stores we'll be buying this year. Hubby wants a vintage watch which I'm looking for on eBay and I want some craft supplies which we have to order from Canada or back east. I feel good that we're helping small time business owners with our purchases. However, our kid will be getting movies, games and books which we'll order from Amazon...oh well. :shrug: We've also been thinking of buying a cheap Dell laptop for the family gift from Santa because we all want to get online after dinner and I'm tired of fighting over whose turn it is to get the Mac. Other than that, we'll buy my MIL something nice and that's it, since we long ago gave up buying stuff for friends and extended family members.

[Ilsa]

157. we all stayed home. nt

[sandsavage]

158. Nope never left

the house.

[Scout]

159. i used to take the Monday after Thanksgiving off to do my shopping...

it was never that much, but i hate the crowds. Now i'm not even doing that ... hubby and i are only buying for our sets of parents, and each other. And we're not going to spend very much.

[Idealism]

160. I'm a rampant procastinator

I shop the day after Christmas

[prostock69]

161. No shopping. Took the kids to see the movie "Bolt". Very cute and funny!

[SpankMe]

162. I'm not shopping at stores that caved-in...

...to the AFA's threat letters demanding they use he word "Christmas" in their catalogs and advertizing. I didn't go shopping on Black Friday anyway because I hate shopping in general. But, fom Black Friday through New Year's, I avoid these cowards. It's not practical for a full-time boycott. But, I'm happy to provide my holiday dollars to businesses with some backbone, like the Gap. Many retial businesses do half of their business during the Christmas season. So, if you want to hit 'em where it hutrs, December is the time to avoid them.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/3136

[Grinchie]

163. Shopping for what?

More crap made overseas that has no interchangeable parts, overpriced, made with plastics that have used shortcuts and formulas that make it toxic or weak?

Clothing made in sweatshops in Pakistan, Afganistan, Botswana, India, China, or Swaziland?

To buy tools that have inherent design flaws, sharps edges that will cut you, or are produced primarily for show? Sawblades but nothing to sharpen them with when they get dull?

Cheap lighting fixures that consume large amounts of energy and use lightbulbs that are not even sold in the same store where you find them?

How about a car from a company that had a working Electric Vehicle but ground it up into little pieces and somehow lost/destroyed/buried the tooling, skill and schematics that it posessed in the 1990's to produce it? (GM)

To buy food that contains unlabeled Genetically Modified Ingrediants that are being tested everyday on unsupecting humans, Children, Adults, and Elderly alike?

Or the best reason, the inability to find "ANYTHING" that is made in the USA, except for maybe a charcoal chimney, genetically modified food, or depleted uranium.

I can find all that stuff in the dump in about 6 weeks. I don't need to buy anything like that, since other stupid people always do, and discard it in it's entirety when they discover that it doesn't perform as well as it looks.

I spend my money on good food, good water, H2O2 and O3. When you are healthy, you can take the time to make stuff for yourself, and when you do that, you suddenly have great respect for the people that lived less that 40 years ago before the great dumbing down of America started to occur.

[LWolf]

165. I haven't been anywhere since Thursday,

or spent any money since Wednesday at the grocery store. My meager "holiday" shopping was complete the week before Thanksgiving. I got some gifts for my grandson, and one gift for the adult family member whose name I drew out of the family pool.

That's it. I have some old holiday cards that I should be addressing today.

Since I won't have a tree this year, I'm completely done spending anything at all on winter holidays.

[valerief]

166. And get trampled to death for a discounted gizmo? Not me! nt

[zorahopkins]

167. Give To The Poor And Hungry!

It saddens me to think that there are people out spending money on stuff *hen there are so many poor and hungry people.

DON'T SPEND MONEY AT STORES!!

GIVE -- and GIVE AGAIN -- to the poor and hungry.

note: As a protest against the continued occupation of OUR *hite House by the corrupt, illegal, and immoral Bush/Cheney regime of thugs and cronies, I am refusing to use the letter bet*een "V" and "X".

[AZBlue]

168. I have no money to go shopping.

Only luxuries for me are food and the vital meds.

[kestrel91316]

169. The only "shopping" I did yesterday was $2 of produce at the Persian market

and a $1 lottery ticket.

[SharonRB]

170. I stayed in my bathrobe all day yesterday

Today, however, was a different story. I went shopping, but it was pretty much like a typical Saturday.

[cynthia]

171. no shopping whatsoever

When I decide to do some shopping for gifts, I plan to shop local at the small businesses near my house. They need the income to stay afloat in this struggling economy. I intend to go easy on the gift-giving

[Cheap_Trick]

172. I went with a friend that I hadn't seen in over a year due to moving.

We went to Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, Office Max and Wal Mart.

We had a good time.

No one got hurt.

So no Rec here.

Some people really should get off their high horses.

It can lead to nosebleeds being up that high, and the fall can hurt.

[LynneSin]

173. Our family goes to Bass Pro every Black Friday

I was up and didn't have to drive so I tagged along. I picked out a set of thermal underwear for one of my Xmas presents. Figured I could use that for the Inauguration.

[liberalhistorian]

175. I have never understood the

"Black Friday" mentality. I have never in my 43, almost 44, years got up at oh my god in the morning to stand in a fucking retail line in the dark for some stupid bargain that I really don't need anyway. And I never will do that.

[Skittles]

176. no; it absolutely disgusts me

[leftrightwingnut]

177. I have avoided Black Friday for many years.

This year was no exception.

[Cleita]

179. I had to go get catfood and some soup at the market. There were no crushing

crowds because most people got everything they needed before Thanksgiving. Other than that I even postponed getting gas for the car.

[Joanne98]

180. Not me!

[PatrynXX]

181. black friday hours maybe, but not waiting in line

If I had the chance I'd be in the back of the line. Ain't getting killed on the front lines. Now uh patience is a virtue. Shop around pays better and have the crap on black friday tends to be crap.

Now online, better deals there and certainly not dangerous :P

[wryter2000]

182. The last time I did was probably 35 years ago

Even back then, I hated it! Vowed never to shop on the day after Thanksgiving again.

I was planning to go on-line and buy a few things, but I even put that off.

I went grocery shopping today and got a gift card for the man who does my lawn. He says his wife loves it when they get that from me every year.

[Fearless]

183. Oh seriously now...

While I'm not one with mob mentalities, I fail to see the point of this thread and this idea.

[Wednesdays]

184. I guess you didn't read the responses, then

Either that, or you chose to ignore them.

[Fearless]

186. Or perhaps I think the idea of supporting such activities cannot be helpful

If you can afford to spend money, you may want to now before we are unable to get many of the things we can now even if you have money. I'm all for people not spending if they can't, but I'm also getting tired of hours cutbacks and the rise of unemployment. I could go on... My point is that this sort of mob mentality is foolish and dangerous to an economy which is already teetering on the edge of failure.

Peace,
NTF

[trayfoot]

187. Nope! Never have and never will!

[Arctic Dave]

188. Kick it.

[NikolaC]

189. Didn't Go

We spent the day at home with our son, two cats and our puppy just vegging. It was really a nice and relaxing day, which would not have happened had we chosen to dive into the madness.

[BobTheSubgenius]

192. I am very contrary....

.....when it comes to that kind of thing. I resist the push and pull of consumerism anyway, so it's not hard for all the shop-till-ya-drop crap to strengthen by resolve.

[Bluzmann57]

193. Got up, went to work

Went to a fundraiser for the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, came home, took a shower, ate, watched tv, went to bed. Overall, a pretty boring day, except for the fund raiser.
And going to work wasn't bad at all. Made over $400.00 in a single day. I can take that. Going to shop locally as much as possible this year anyway. There are some fine merchants here in the area and they need money too.
Shameless plug time-The Mississippi Valley Blues Society needs money to put on a spectacular Fest in '09, the 25th annual. We lost a boatload of money last year because of the floods and the bush excuse for an economy. If you are interested in keeping the Blues alive, go to www.mvbs.org. Any little bit would help. Thanks.
If anyone is offended by my shameless plug, or begging, or whatever, sorry. But Da Blues is an American art form which needs to be preserved.

[DemBones DemBones]

194. I've never shopped on Black Friday and never will.

The best day to shop for Christmas is Christmas Eve because everyone knows this is it and they are not going to waste time fighting over things. The crowds are smaller, too, in my experience, and people are in a good mood; it's crunch time so they may as well make the best of it.

[Chisox08]

196. Nope I've stopped going to Black Friday sales after I started

working retail. The store I worked for pulled most of the items in the ad from the sales floor. Some of the stuff that was on sale the sale price was higher than what the normal price was earlier in the year.
The reasons for the huge crowds and stampedes is the fact that stores hold back the supply off the sale items until the sale is over. last year we had toys that was specially marked for black friday well into Feb. because we were to;d that we could only sell x amount of them. It is all a scam to get people into their a stores.

[lennytee]

197. finally got out this afternoon...

Spent Friday with my 86 y/o mother - "are you sure you don't want something more to eat?" Did what little Xmas shopping I do online - something for wife and 2 grown daughters. Finally got out this afternoon (Sat). Went to Wal*Mart - OK I know... but the beer is a lot cheaper there... (I guess that's my latent pragmatism breaking through.) No crowd, looked like there were more grocery shoppers than stuff shoppers.

[Mari333]

199. oh NO I bought some Theraflu on Black Friday.

I have the cold from hell. :)

[stillcool]

200. I thought about going ...

to the mall to people watch, but I wasn't up for it. I'll probably go sometime before Christmas. It can be quite entertaining.

[bagimin]

201. Just another workin' day.

[blossomstar]

202. Couldn't PAY me to go.

[pleah]

203. I never shop on black Friday.

:)

[Heathen57]

204. We were going to order a new

kitchenAid mixer over the internet and Wally World had one advertised for $130.00 which really is a good deal (a bit less than half price). They wouldn't allow you to order until Friday Morning. I was up anyway so I thought I would just order one.

Surprise!! They showed out of stock on the internet and they wouldn't backorder. I was supposed to go to the store anyway. Needless to say, even that discount wasn't worth it. I will hope the old one holds out for the season and maybe get a new one after the rush is over.

[carlyhippy]

205. I did not step into one store yesterday

I did the early morning thing twice....some of the rudest most aggressive people are in line and they are cranky and hopped up on coffee before they ever get to the store....grabby people who will push and shove just to make sure they get that understocked toy for their kid...nope, didn't feel like it.....I will wait until the week before christmas when the sales are really going.

[astral]

206. I never go for that $h!+

Never went, never will!

[Yes We Did]

207. ROFL!

I posted this, commented once... and now I have 465 recs. LMAO!

[Withywindle]

208. I don't do mob shopping scenes.

Most of my friends and family are in the same boat as me (broke) and so what we do is more on the lines of cooking good meals for each other or finding some inexpensive way to spend time together. When we're feeling a little flush, we might do books or music or handmade stuff.

There WAS a time I could afford to spend hundreds of dollars on gifts--and I really enjoyed doing it, the whole "quest" aspect of finding just the perfect thing for each person. But (a) those were Clinton-economy days, and (b) the "perfect thing" was pretty much never found in a mall or a big-box chain store, except occasionally bookstores.

[southerncrone]

209. And I never plan on doing it.

In my youth, before it got too crazy, I enjoyed it. I haven't done it in 30 yrs. It's just too crazy.

[nevergiveup]

210. no way, no how, no never

[DesertRat]

211. I did some online shopping but didn't go out. n/t

[Roland99]

212. Never even left the house.

[Frisbee]

213. Never have,,,

never will. But I REFUSE to rec a thread asking to be rec'd. The should be banned. Sorry.

[Initech]

214. I went out but I certainly didnt buy anything.

[RetiredTrotskyite]

215. I Don't Do Black Friday, Either

Good for you!I have never done Black Friday sales and after hearing about the person who was killed in a Wal-mart yesterday, I never will. My DH works for them but will be getting out the end of the year.I worked as a cashier last Black Friday and it was like some mob scene out of "Soylent Green". These people are INSANE!

I get most of my stuff online or during other sales during the year that I am certain won't end up being major clusterfucks.

[DAMANgoldberg]

216. as a OTR trucker...

I had to roll to a Home Improvement Warehouse DC. Generally speaking, I am on the road during Thanksgiving, so I can be at home for Christmas.

lake park/lowndes co GA

[memory]

217. No WAY!!

[CoffeeCat]

218. Sorry nope, I shopped until I dropped...

A local department store puts a $10 off $10 coupon card in the Thanksgiving Day paper, that is good
only on Black Friday from 4:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.

I purchased 40 newspapers and got 40 of these coupons (I also donated the newspapers to our local Animal Rescue League).

I do this every year, because I end up paying next-to-nothing for essentials for our family--such as socks, mittens,
underwear, kids clothes, bath towels, sheets, kitchen items, etc.

I spent 7 hours in the store, and I made out like a bandit.

Some of my major scores:

--Tommy Hillfiger twin sheet sets for my kids beds-- $1.50
--Tommy Hillfiger bath towels--$2.00
--Sterling silver earrings--50 cents each
--Kids ski gloves $1.50
--Kids jeans $4-$5
--Packs of socks 50 cents
--Kitchen Aid Can Opener $1
--Bamboo cutting board $2
--Fiesta Ware serving bowls and coffee cups-- $1-$3
--Godiva chocolates--FREE
--Godiva coffee-- $1.50
--Kids sweaters/shirts $2-$4
--Carter's baby pajamas 50 cents-$1
--Calvin Klein men's underwear pks--$3
--Bali bras--$2 (regularly $40)

This sale saves our family so much money on kids clothes, sock, underwear, towels and kitchen items. I'm a total bargain shopper
and I could care less about brand names. I buy cheap! However, with these coupons, the designer stuff is cheaper than
what you can buy at Godwill!

I buy all of my kids jeans for the entire year, at this sale. I also donate many things to needy
families and churches in our area.

I also have a great time doing this. No apologies.

[tbyg52]

220. Best wishes to your and yours! Just hope we're not in a downward spiral.

In any case, I blame the corporations.

[CoffeeCat]

229. I firmly believe that we're in a downward spiral...

I see no way out of horrendous economic circumstances.

If we're lucky--the pain will be equal to the Great Depression. I think we're headed for an abyss that will be
unique to our complex times. Life was much more simple in 1929. Today, we live in bigger houses, commute farther
to work and rely on more expensive technology for basic communication and entertainment. Plus, most people have
garnered massive debt, unlike in 1929. IMHO, our economy was artificially inflated with a booming housing market,
and people spending money they didn't have (credit cards, home-equity loans). That's all ending.

My strategy is to hoard cash at home and also to stockpile essentials that I can get at rock-bottom prices.

That's why most of my money was spent on socks, jeans, bedding and other clothes for the kids (I purchased their size and one size up as well)
and also bras and underwear. I did get some earrings, but hey--I spent a total of $3 for six pair. The Godiva
chocolates are for teacher gifts.

We've got enough food, paper products, grooming products to last 6 months. Now, I'm working on other essentials--like socks,
batteries, OTC medicines, etc.

Today, Kmart in our area is doubling all coupons up to $2. Last month, they did this. I got $350 worth of essentials (mostly food, cleaning
product, shampoo, tp, etc) for less than $40.

I consider it my job--to prepare our family for unemployment or other bad economic conditions.

I'm sure some might find that nutty, but I'd rather prepare some and have nothing happen--then be unprepared and have the you-know-what
hit the fan.

Good luck to all of us!

(If anyone is interested, you can get fresh broccoli and cauliflower at Super Target for 30 cents right now. Go to afullcup.com This is where
the Target online coupons for the veggies are. Click on the Target link and follow the directions. You can print as many of these coupons
as you want. Also, you can print out these coupons (but only one at a time) at the Target stores. Go to the kiosks at the front of the
store. Click on "Shop Target" and you can get to the coupons from there. That way you use Target's printer and paper, and not your own).

[mduffy31]

225. And in my opinion

You have nothing to apologize for. You are doing what you feel is right for your family. Good for you making out so well!

[tbyg52]

219. Would not dream of it in a million years,.

Thought I'd replied! Apparently not! :hi:

[Eyerish]

222. Yay for being the 500th Rec!

I'm not doing any Christmas shopping this year, I'm making everything. Cheap and cheerful...

[sheldon]

223. No way in hell...

No sense making something that sucks, suck even worse by fighting crowds to do it....

[mduffy31]

224. Does it count that I had to go to get some ink for my printer

but I didn't participate in any of the hoopla?

[Waiting For Everyman]

226. Too late to rec, but... Never have yet, and don't plan to.

Special sales are manipulative, which I resent all year long but especially about the holidays. I hate crowds and I'll simply do without whatever it is rather than deal with that.

[Mrspeeker]

227. hell no

I would never shop on black friday and I wonder were and the hell anyone at this point would have money to shop period!

[Photovoltaic]

228. My Two Cents

Well, I'm in Japan, so I couldn't really participate. But I never have before, and my family faithfully avoids Christmas shopping like the plague.

On a more preachy note, its time for Americans to abandon our consumption. Excess on the American scale doesn't help our economy, it steeps it in ever thickening layers of uselessness. No one wants that job in the mall. Why make them do it just so they can have a job? That's a fake economy. The price of things is so high we are forced to create non-existent value via entertainment and services so that other people can eat. This is basically progressive taxation, except you get useless junk, and big chunks of the "tax" (money paid for said useless junk) gets siphoned to the richest one percent.

[buckettgirl]

230. I was working n/t.

[babydollhead]

231. kick

[youthere]

235. Kick!

[DemzRock]

236. My wife dragged me out. It was better than last years, which was the worst..

for bargains for a while, but I hate missing sleep.

[MadinMo]

237. Went to the movies, does that count?

The theater was only about 1/4 full, which amazed us. The mall parking lot, which we passed on our way to the theater, however was full full full.

[treestar]

238. I never have - I love that day for just relaxing

Being the middle of a long weekend where I don't have to do anything.

No way would I mess it up by going shopping or doing anything involving huge crowds (which I tend to hate, anyway).