Shortness

Wasn't what I expected-

Yep! Every time I think I've gotten the last one, a couple more roll in. It's been really fun--and I enjoy seeing all the different cards. I've got them taped up around a doorway and set up all over a long dresser we have in the living room.

I hope you can find something you really like with a good price. You would think prices would start going down the closer we get. So sorry. Animal issues seem to be on the rise right now. I hope your holidays turn out well despite what's happening now.

I'm sure she'll love the guitar--and maybe something else will come up that will allow her to get a new laptop. You mentioned her dad--maybe you (or she) could give him a hint...???

Great pics--that house is fantastic--a lot of effort there! We went and saw some lights a couple weeks ago, but it was on a whim and didn't have our camera with.

My shopping is pretty much done. I'm just waiting on some calendars to get done, and I'm thinking they'll probably be late for a couple people that I have to mail them too. I haven't baked anything yet, and don't even know what I'm making for Christmas dinner. With all our food allergies, it's hard to find things all of us can eat. Honestly, I'm just looking forward to the kids getting done with school this week and enjoying the time we'll all have together. For once, my dh is having a decent amount of time off--and that doesn't happen often.

I have a couple that do that. Yes, it's frustrating, but it is nice that they don't want everything under the sun. I agree-- a DS might be good, if he likes video games and doesn't have one already. That's nice to travel with too. My ds7 enjoys Transformers.

I used to do little dresses and such when the kids were little, but now they are not at all into that. Now, I just walk through the store and ooh and aah over all the cute little dresses and dressy clothes for the little folks. Mine just want to be comfy and casual, so we just wear nice, casual stuff. It's so nice when they're little and you can just dress them in what you want.

I like the idea of a mini fridge, if you could get one. I know my teenager would use one now--she'd love to be able to keep drinks/snacks in her room. It'd be nice to get it out of the way for college, as you know he'll really use it there. A camera and flashlight sound good too--

I've seen them at Wal Mart before.

My dd is 11 doesn't play with her Bratz anymore. I would agree that it depends on the child--and what the other parent would allow. I don't allow my girls to wear makeup until 13.

Maybe she feels bad for her past "activities" and is trying to do better now. I would at least send her a Christmas card now--and then maybe call her or send the thank you after Christmas.

I prefer to wait. My dh has often told me or let me find out what my gift was before Christmas/birthday, and I don't enjoy that. Last year, my gift came to the door with the picture on the box--so it's not like he does it on purpose, he just doesn't realize to check "gift" when he's ordering---or he tells me 2-3 weeks before my birthday what he would like to do. I'm not complaining, but I'd rather wait for the day. I prefer to keep people waiting too. It's absolutely driving my dd11 crazy right now, as she's SO hoping for a DS, and she's pretty sure there is one present that could be it. Torture is wonderful!

I always tell people small things. No matter how much money they have, I don't feel right asking for expensive or things I want that might be more than I want people to spend. For instance, I have asked for a cooking thermometer, a yoga DVD, a reprint of a picture of my great grandma... I also feel that Christmas is a time for the kids--and I'd much rather them buy something for my kids than myself.

Recently, I found two cute little card holders. One was an ornament that you opened up--it was a penguin with a see-thru belly (Target, on a register's end cap). They had other ornaments as well. Another was at Grocery outlet, near the candy aisle. In the top of the "container" it had a few little candy canes and in the middle, it had a window, so you could see the gift card. I know it's maybe not what anyone is looking for, but an option--especially for stocking stuffers or if you want to put one in a gift basket.

I agree that there is a huge difference in the amount of rudeness now, as apposed to 10 years ago. I agree that people in retail deal with a crap-load of it. I know it is worse in certain areas. If this was pointed at me---I don't live in a fairy tale land. I guess I've just been luckier than the rest of you when it comes to the people I've dealt with during employment. Doesn't mean I didn't have bad times and that I don't now on the other side of it... I also think the OP was just venting--which is something many of us do. I cannot believe how some of these threads catch fire and how things get misunderstood and what some accuse others of. It's kind of like that "telephone" game...

I don't care if you believe if I worked in public service. I did... Funny, we have something in common, as you said 90% of your dealings with customers end with a smile. I'd say about 90-95% of mine ended in a smile. What is the gripe if 90% of individuals are pleasant? It sounds like we had/have similar experience--and that is because we approach people with pleasantness. So, 5-10% of people are jerks... That is life and that is the world we live in. It stinks to be treated poorly, but does it make it ok for us to assume others are bad/rude? I'm thankful that the majority are good people. My post was not toward someone like you--it was in response to the individual that stated 90-95% of customers are rude or bad--or whatever they said. There are jobs other than retail--I personally worked in a nursing home through college. Many wouldn't do that...

Wow! I'm glad I mostly shop online. I cannot believe the attitudes of the customer service people here. I served the public for 10 years, and I always approached people with politness and respect, and most of the time, I got it back. You can't approach people thinking they are bad or stupid and expect them not to notice. If it weren't for your customers, you wouldn't have a job...

Thanks for the info--I was considering getting 2 of the stadium chair/coolers for our kids' sporting events, but since I'm probably stopping at Staples today, I'll take a look there. If they don't have any for me to inspect, I'll pass.

Thanks! I doubt I'll get to use it, but if I can come up with enough $, it will help me get dh a GPS...

I got the 9.99 ea. too! Thanks, OP--I picked up 2 more games.

Mine will get about 9 each.

I would really like to do that to, but the first wedding I have is in June or July and my dh hates it when I buy things to store. I'm trying to think how I could get it and keep it hidden without forgetting I have it.

I agree (but my own opinion/preference)... We have a Vizio, and the picture is great. It was the best out of all the tvs we looked at in the price range. The sound isn't the best when it's up high, but we have a sound system anyhow and I wouldn't trade the price or the quality we got for it. Everyone needs to like what they buy--and we all differ in our likes...

Wow--I don't think I'll be shopping there in the future. I'm always glad to know if there is a negative pattern within a store.