I spent a good portion of my Monday following my wife around at Oak Brook Mall, sifting through gift items. It's a cliche scenario because I don't enjoy shopping and my wife does.
She insisted that I tag along. She even bribed me with a lunch that included fries and beer. It worked. But so much for the fun afterward.
Forgive me for being defeatist, but it's hard for me to comprehend the joy in looking, touching and trying out items that I often can't afford and make me insecure about the money I make. I know I'm not the only one.
My wife picked out a few nice shirts at Macy's and asked me what I thought about them.
"They're $300," I replied while thinking I really don't need any shirts.
Have you every noticed how comfortable retail people are when throwing big price tags at you like they're referencing the weather--so nonchalant.
"You know these pans are guaranteed for a lifetime..."
"--I think we already have--"
"They're what you need. It's a great way to start furnishing your kitchen."
"We can get you started for only $1,400 and that's a wonderful markdown from $2,000."
And speaking of Christmas oddities. Has anyone walked in a women's clothing store and been doused with house music thumping at a rate, fit for a dance club?
How can an employee deal with this 12 hours a day, 5 days a week in the midst of the treacherous season?
Oh, about New Year's...it's the most overrated holiday. Don't pretend like you're doing anything different the day after, that's going to be life-altering. And if it's giving up chocolate or cutting back on wine, you've missed the boat. Your resolutions should have started at the beginning of December.
NYE is the worst holiday ever. All these hotels offer "specials" that include all the booze you can drink, a place to stay and breakfast (usually bagel and OJ) for the low low price of $150 per person. I've always reasoned that even though the price includes all you can drink booze, "Who is going to drink $150 worth of booze in an evening?" Then I walk in the bathrooms and find that several people have made it an early night by vomiting all over the place. I am a relatively capable beer drinker and because of that I can honestly say that NYE is amateur hour. Every clown in the world is out on this evening proving to themselves and the rest of the world that they can't hold their liquor, but they CAN act like a complete moron after just one drink. Thanks, I'll stay home. As bad as Dick Clark has looked in recent years, he's a welcome sight compared to these bone heads.
It’s ridiculous. You can’t get a cab on New Year’s. It’s a day where everyone should be in one. It’s dangerous out and I can’t believe the prices they charge. I mean, one week after Christams and it costs $300 just to take you and your girl out.
Naperville is actually not bad for new year’s. It’s Chicago that sucks.
New year's is a great holiday. I sleep right through the "Eve" part and wake up to a day off with the kids. What could be better?