pogiporkchop

I agree. Nothing appears to be sacred anymore. Makes me want to go just so I can bring the poor souls some cheer.

Macy's will be opening on Thanksgiving at 8pm. What do you think?

I agree with the above. I think you should give based on what you can afford but more importantly do so based on the level of involvement. The handwritten note or homemade card is a given and makes whatever you give more personal. Can't wait to hear on what you decide to do.

The computer has decided to end its siesta so everything should be up to date now, both here and on the lists I'm compiling. Because this seems to be happening more frequently, however, I want to let everyone know that I am also keeping a paper log as well for backup. After the year's festivities are finished I will properly shred and dispose of all lists. In the meantime my not-so-little red book is staying in the house at all times, right next to the computer for easy access.

#1: Next up for grabs, this Batman figure. Who'll give me ten for it? I have ten, do I hear twelve... Twelve to the right of me who'll bid thirteen... Thirteen, thirteen do I hear fifteen...? #2: Mr. Clean (to lady in center) - "I was here first and you know it, get out of here..." (sees Team Orange, who outbid him on everything in the auction featured in #1) ..."YOU! YOU COST ME EVERYTHING!...." And so she does, as the lady in between them sneaks out of the picture to claim his #1 spot in line and force him to the end half a mile down the plaza. #3: "Oh give me a home, in Best Buy's VIP zone... Where toilets are free to use... My wife said I would pay, for I came up emp-tay (at Toys R Us)... Please oh please don't send me back there!"

Same here, I'm getting more excited!

I will update tonight once I take my computer to task yet again... Those who have recently signed up please check tomorrow to make sure you've been added.

Reinholt1, I have your mom taken care of.

I have added just one more rule (it appears above with the rest). While common sense assumes everyone will assume this I figured it should be stated: 12. Any decisions made by the exchange host are final. Each case or question will be given fair treatment and consideration; if you plead a case or ask a question and don't get a reply you like please don't complain. All has gone well so far and I'm enjoying reading everyone's info and getting to know you better.

Love it! I'd like to buy one but won't have my first check until well after the ordering deadline... guess I'll just have to try and win one.

Now that we are about to hit October and the interest is sure to increase my computer has decided it needs a siesta... go figure. Everyone who has sent info in so far... it's still here, don't worry. I just need to type everything out myself into a new file due to program issues. Is everyone on the lists that should be? (stevierocks, you will be added once I get my piece of junk here to cooperate... thanks for your patience )

Yeah, fly faster than WM can get their annual letter out...

Not only can we predict Walmart's letter but also when the very first one will appear, hehe.

Depending on your budget maybe include small gift cards so they can purchase whatever they like to prepare... it takes a lot to fuel firefighters. And of course don't forget the note of appreciation.

Cups and/or mugs. Maybe some small size flavored syrups. Stirring straws/sticks.

OK, think I got my pin on the map...

We'll be glad to have you Gator Pam! A friendly reminder to everyone who is wanting to sign up: please make sure you include your username, mailing info and the exchanges you want to take part in with your answered questions. To receive gifts or cards I need to know where they must go... unless you want me to get 'em.

The WM closest to me has at least ten storage units (of holiday, I bet) out back. While I haven't seen Christmas items yet I will not be surprised if, when I go there this afternoon, I do see holiday items. If popular items sell early then there will be complaints of outages come Thanksgiving when people are swarming the stores. Some stores are just better than others, though, at making things happen and it really comes down to the attitudes of employees. I can see this quite clearly when I look at the location closest to me and another one maybe five miles away or so on the same road. No matter what is done someone will be complaining - and likely the ones who complain about items being out too early will be the same ones who complain when they're not in stock come holiday time.

Half Price Books Oct. 1

It's a ton of fun, especially when people start posting pics of what they have received.

Wow, not quite two days and already ten down for SS! Anyone want to guess what the total for SS will be this year?

Maybe Thanksgiving for us but it will depend on whether DH will want to get a live tree again this year (I was surprised when he said we should get one last year). I better come up with a plan for rearranging our small living room area and start taking stock of what we have for decorations. We could always use some more Chick-Fil-A cows.

I will be able to really start shopping as soon as I start my job and get my first check!

Thanks to everyone who has requested to join so far! Please make sure I have you listed for the correct exchanges. This thread has been a sleeper so far but I bet most people don't realize it's up yet. Once people start their seasonal check-in I expect I will be quite busy. On a separate note, I already have a good feel of how much work has gone into hosting this in the past. A big THANK YOU goes out to our past hosts!

Having moved to a much larger city last year and then losing my job exactly one week before BF I wasn't into shopping as much as I normally am. Now that I am familiar with the area more (and have a job after almost a year - yea!) I may venture out more if only for the entertainment value, which is what I like best about BF. I would expect opening times to be about the same but I'm not going to rush for things. If it's there when I get there then it's meant to be; if not, oh well. And I will NOT stand in line at Best Buy no matter how much DH begs.