Well, I did it. I braved the mall this morning. After tossing and turning all night with nightmares of people buying all my presents before I could get to the mall, I sprung out of bed at 5 a.m., got dressed and raced over to the mall. I didn't even stop for coffee. I figured I could get it later. Most of the really good sales would be ending by noon. I had to act fast. Treating the situation with meticulous care, I planned out a strategy. I would park at Macy's. I figured I would beat the rush by arriving so early, but even at 5 a.m., it was rough getting a space, but I pulled it off because I don't mind walking. I was able to scoop up several items at Macy's for 80 percent off--a significant discount. Then, it was off to Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works to use my free product coupons. Well, Victoria's Secret was complete anarchy. Women of all ages were running around the store, pushing, shoving and complaining that there weren't enought sales people. Well, the sales people were likely hiding. I know I would be.
Then I got in line and a little biatch with an attitude almost as big as her tacky Coach bag starting coughing all over me so I would move. Sadly, it worked because I'm a hypochondriac around holiday time. It's the time I'm the most run down and need to make the most appearances. I leaped off the line and waited for another 20 minutes on the other side of the store.
Then I went to Burberry to get a gift and the sales lady cut her finger on a pair of scissors while wrapping another shopper's gift. Poor thing. She had no band aid. We essentially had to gift wrap her finger.

Well, I am happy to report that I got the shopping out of my system until January. My beloved Town Center, which is normally a place of solace and style, will be ransacked for the next 30 days by unrgateful, greedy, impatient out-of-towners and over worked, on-the-edge locals. And we go through this ridiculous steaming hot stress mess why? So we can return it all on Jan. 1st. You're killing me people!