Black Friday Shopping

We were in Ohio this weekend so I did not get around to writing in the blog. My wife and I are big Black Friday shoppers. We have spent the night outside of stores to get the best bargains. Even when we do not spend the night outside of stores we always get up around 3am to get out there and shop. To me it just makes sense to try and get the most for the money God has allowed me to have. I am sure there are other ways to do this but Black Friday has really become a 'tradition' for my wife and I. We really get excited about getting our family members presents while spending as little as possible. My wife will sit down after the Thanksgiving meal and plan a strategy. Stores all open at different times and have different sales so making a strategy allows for the best possible outcome. The strategy does not always work, but more times than not it really helps. One strategy we often use while shopping is Missi will shop while I wait in the long line with another cart. That way she can scoop up the bargains, drop them in my cart, we can check out quicker and get moving to the next store. Teamwork is great! The best part for me is being in the crowds. It really is a chance to show God's love. I always smile at people and wish them well. I help whenever I can and try to carry on positive conversations with everyone.

I know in the big picture of things, shopping like this really does not matter. It is not the gift but the thought behind it. The real reason for the season is Christ. However, getting up a 3am, dealing with the crowds, getting the most for my money, is my way of showing just how important the people I buy gifts for are. Besides that, it is a very special time that my wife and I spend together each year.

Tim