The Black Hole that is Black Friday

First off, let me put this out there - I'm not Cheri. Yep, that's right, this is a post from Braden, since my blog has officially been retired. Besides, Cheri is asleep.

Let me tell you about my first Black Friday experience. It all started at work when I heard how excited a bunch of people were and how they were going to stand in line for 2 hours to get that new TV. I could've cared less. I don't like shopping, and I really don't like crowds of people shopping. I think I get it from my Dad who taught me how to get the best sales and avoid all the crowds at the same time...shop on Christmas Eve :)

But, then everything changed when I saw it. Plastered right there on the back of the Kohl's ad was a Belgian waffle maker. (Our's had just broken) And it wasn't just any waffle maker. It was one of those ones you flip over after 45 seconds. Like the ones the BYU had at the cafeteria at Deseret Towers. Those of you who have been there are now smiling.

So, I then combed a few more ads and found a few other things for good prices. I would mention them but then I wouldn't ever be able to let Cheri read her own blog again, at least not until next year.

Unfortunately, I had a great experience! I woke up at 3:30, had breakfast, got online and bought Phoenix Suns tickets to play their rival San Antonio Spurs. So, before leaving the house I had already got discounted tickets for my Dad and I. Then about 3:47 headed to Kohls, who opened at 4. They are 13 minutes away. But as I got closer I saw the line at Target and thought "am I really going to do this - is it worth it?" It was a long line. And then I had that moment of panic. Kohls wasn't where I thought it was supposed to be. If I had to waste time driving to another one there is no way there would be any waffle maker's left. AAAHHHH!...but there it was. Tucked away on the end, a dimlit sign, not attracting too much attention. It's amazing how full the parking lots are that early. As I walked from the end of the lot to the front the end of the line was just entereing the store. Perfect. I didn't have to wait at all. There was even a helpful employee who told me exactly where to go before I even got in. It was crazy how many people were walking around with boxes pilled high. Thank goodness I was there early, I mean, I was prepared to battle for my waffle maker, though I would rather not (Cheri may have told you we do waffles and a movie night since she and Taryn can't have cheese - so it was important). Grabbed mine, got one for my mother, and proceeded to the check out. Only 4 people in front of me. Then I made the rookie mistake and forgot to give her a coupon. So, we had to cancel it and start it all over. I apologize to those who were behind me, but the thing was $10 after a $10 mail-in rebate and I had a $10 coupon, so basically it was free.

At 4:22 I got back in my car and drove 5 minutes to Walmart who was opening at 5 (or at least their registers) This place was busier. I had to park further away and people had been in the store for awhile. There were people and carts everywhere. They just seemed to be tossing things in their cart as the walked on by. I figured maybe it's like that old show - Shop till you drop - and they just want to get their hands on everything and return whatever they really don't want later on. Luckily, I wasn't going after any big electronic items so there were still plenty of what I wanted. Grabbed them with a little maneuvering of the carts. Even had time to help a few ladies load a heavy item onto their carts. Then walker over to the check out lane and was 2nd in line. This was the only bad part of the morning - I had to wait 17 minutes for 5 o'clock to roll around. I had some pleasant conversation with some fellow members of the 4 am club and by 5:23 I was home again sipping some egg nog.

So, in just under 2 hours, I got Suns tickets, a rotating Belgian waffle maker, and some christmas gifts. Not too shabby. Now, I say all this is unfortunate because the experience wasn't that bad. It was quite pleasant and a little fun. Which is why I may be tempted to try it again next year.