My Back Yard

I'm sitting here listening to the chimes as they make music in wind and thinking about the forecast I heard earlier this evening reminded me of how beautiful it is after the first big snow fall. It seems so clean and the air is so refreshing, it's difficult to come in.

Shopping Penguin - Parry Gripp Song Of The Week

Brown Friday

As you know, thousands of people are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Imagine if you will, people all over the city checking their lists, pouring over newspaper ads, browsing the Internet, putting fresh batteries in the walkie/talkies, putting numbers in their cell phones. There's the matter of what to wear: something warm for those showing up early, some stores will open @ 3am; why not 12am so that people can "git'r done". Some will opt for comfort, jogging/warm-up clothing. Oh, lets not forget the speedsters all decked out in Lycra/spandex (don't get in their way!)
All this frenzy leads up to a mad dash to every mall, shop, boutique and vendor in the city, buying everything that's not nailed down because it's on sale, and admittedly, there are some great sales.

Several years ago I decided to take a different path, slow the pace down a bit, forget all the ads and sleep in. Instead of zipping around buying everything I can get my hands on to give to everyone I know, I go down to my basement where I have a stockpile of stuff I've bought over the years because it was such a great deal and pick out a few things. It's great, no crowds or noise. I can sift through the cxxx I thought was such an incredible deal (haven't used any of it) get it ready to pass along to someone else who will stick it in their basement until they can pass it along. I'm saving loads of money and helping others at the same time. Brown Fridays are great.

Be careful out there.

jim