Monday 1 December. The only reminders of a long lazy weekend spend guzzling homemade pumpkin pie and roasted stuffing are the turkey and cranberry sandwiches every school child and obliging husband has in their packed lunch.
Today is business as usual; Thanksgiving and its accoutrements are quickly hustled away and the Christmas season officially begins. All absurd feathered headgear worn by the ever-cheerful mall staff is swiftly replaced by bright red Santa hats. Unfortunately the witless chatter and idiotic cheer of many a sales person seems infinitely fueled by these idiotic sartorial assemblages. But then perhaps it's the 12 hours of Mariah Carey's Christmas Carols on repeat that give them that decidedly balmy smile and doe-eyed look that irritates me so.
Nevertheless, it looks like we're in for an exciting season. Black Friday statistics show that there was $10.6 Billion in Sales; a 7% increase from 2007. So much for the 'Big Recession'.
I have always struggled to get my head around the idea of 'Black Friday'. The name sounds so ominous and it has taken Frank a number of explanations over the years before I have finally come to understand its accounting reference. I do feel however, that the spectacle that took place at the WalMart in Valley Stream, New York this year does need to be noted, if not for its particular horror, then for its sheer irony!
Apart from all the significant events taking place world wide at present, Oak Knoll has been celebrating a few of its own momentous occasions. Today, December 1, we acknowledge and revel in my wonderful husband's 6th month of sobriety. It has been a loving, carefree and peaceful 6 months.
Today is also his first day of no smoking. It has not been a loving and peaceful day.
But I am ready for it all - I am laden with emotional armor as thick as steel wool and I shall be untouched by it all; neither a grass green Christmas Elf leering over my shoulder while I'm choosing yoghurt nor a Nicotine Deprived husband shall knock me over in an attempt to get to the finish line.
~Alice~