Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!!!

So, it's the time of year to take stock of what we're thankful for. I'm immensely thankful for the best little girl in the world (I know it's not really true, I'm just biased), Peanut. There's my wife, Jen, she who is my greatest friend and unwilling straight man to my absurd sense of humor. Of course our Big Sweetie (Leia) and Fat Pants (Maggie). The rest of the family, even though some of them can be quite trying. All of our friends (you know who you are). The readers of this blog (those who comment and those who lurk), thanks for feigning interest, as it helps keep me interested.

Mainly, I'm thankful that I won't be out participating in the "Black Friday" madness. I don't shop that day because people are just too crazy and I don't really need the crappy $20 dvd/vcr/blender combo that's being given away at my nearest big box retailer. Who goes out and deals with these people anyway?

Oh yeah. I do. While it's true that I won't be shopping on Friday, I will be working the book store that day, so I will be in the thick of the holiday shopping madness. With this in mind, I'd like to share a few thoughts that may help your (or at least my) day go a little smoother.

1. Please remember that the retail employees are people too. We're very sorry that you've been waiting in line since before the crack of dawn, but we've been here longer than that. We are just as tired, stressed, and potentially cranky as you are.

2. Your particular need for more stuff isn't more important than the next person's need for more stuff.

3. Nor is it more important than a sense of human decency.

4. Hang up the cell phone when someone's trying to wait on you/ring you up. We don't care about your conversations with someone in the next store. Hang up, and let us help you.

5. Be patient. It's the second busiest shopping day of the year, did you really expect to not have to wait in line? Calm down, we'll get to you as soon as possible.

6. Have fun. The holiday season is here. No matter what your particular religious beliefs, it's supposed to be a happy time of year. Non of the material stuff matters. Just be glad you made it another year. Kick back and relax, so we can all get through this with little to no pain.

That's it. Be safe out there.

What are you thankful for? Any great shopping tips or stories?

By the way, if you heard it on Bob and Tom, but couldn't get to the website, here's Chick McGee in a turkey suit.