Loathsome Shopping

I walked into Fred Meyer this afternoon with the intention to return/exchange a gift. As I approached the exchange/return line a wierd feeling welled up in the pit of my stomach... I knew it would take longer to stand in line than make my bed and I already loathed the idea of what I had to do next. I had to shop. Never the less, with my store credit in hand I headed to the aisle where I thought I would find a suitable replacement for the thoughtful yet not-quite-right gift. No dice. What I was looking for was in stock but on sale cost much more than I was willing to "spend" as maybe my gifter thought (and rightfully so). So as I walked down the aisle I noticed that said gift was refunded to me at the sale price, an entire ten dollars less than full price. ~ Feeling the sting of a return gone wrong I began to wander. Some of you out there might call it shopping. I call it much worse, but I will remain G rated. ~ After talking on my phone for a short time and looking in the "organize-it" section I headed off to the only section in a store I don't feel the pangs of anxiety sweep over me. Comfortably "wandering" the office supply section I selected some things for a venture I'm set to begin in the next couple of days. Then I went back to the fore-mentioned section only to wander with panic beginning to creep up my back... I must go home with a replacement. ~ Again, no dice. Where the heck would "they" put that thing any way? ... One more time around the section and I found a suitable replacement, all the while cussing the store manager for putting said replacement in such a ridiculous place. ~ Don't they know I hate to shop?~ And so I headed to check out and picked a line I thought would be easily navigated and scarcely populated. I was right on the lack of consumer presence, but I neglected to calculate the lack of intelligence behind the register. Trying to stifle the annoyance eminating from my face I looked around the area not caring really about what I was looking at, just trying to be kind to the poor dear who probably started at her job this morning... it would be sad to think anything else. Sadder even that I had to remind her to wring up said replacement worth $40.00 that I probably could have walked out of the store without paying for.

I hate shopping.

I went home with the needed items, happy most of all that I was able to purchase several things from the office supply section (without guilt) though no post it notes on this trip. ~ Never the less my husband is grateful to have a wife that would rather not shop and my sister is happy to give me tips when I do actually go get a pair of jeans or a shirt or something like that.

For now, I'll just stay right here.

Christmas Get to Know Ya

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper and bows

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial... Real trees make my hands break out when I decorate.

3. When do you put up the tree? This year is the first year we've decorated since we moved to Portland. I had Logan in storage before Thanksgiving to get the decorations out. I promise to wait longer next year.

4. When do you take down the tree? Probably the weekend after Christmas this year.

5. Do you like egg-nog? I'm with Kristi - Blek!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Little Pony Castle and Ponies.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep.

8. Hardest person to buy for? I love giving gifts... but that means I have to go shopping...

9. Easiest person to buy for? Again with the shopping...

10. Worst gift you ever received? Perfume.

11. Favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas: Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney...

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Again with the shopping!!

13. Have you ever recycled a present? No.

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's Turkey Dinner, Mother-in-law's Pican Pie

15. Clear or colored lights on tree? Colored around the trunk, clear around the branches. Try it... it's beautiful.

16. Favorite Christmas song? What Child Is This...

17. Travel or stay home? At home this year.

18. Can you name all of the reindeer? Um...probably...

19. What is on top of your tree? An angel.

20. When do you open presents? One on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas... a tradition from both our families we love to do with our boys.

21. Most annoying thing this time of year? Rude people in stores.

22. Favorite ornament theme? No theme

23. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Turkey Dinner...mmmm... gravy...

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I wouldn't dare inflict the task of shopping on my behalf upon someone else.

It's probably too late to tag anyone else... but if you want to post please do.