I survived Black Friday and all I got was this tshirt, and a bruise.

Okay, I didn't get a tshirt, nor a bruise. I did survive however. I think it was because my MIL was so nice to me, practically protecting me. My cousin and aunt-in-law were here, we had to meet in what I think they referred to as the WAR ROOM. It didn't help that I'm reading the Twilight Series, about vampires. The book refers to their intensity in their eyes. I saw it in these people - my family - a crazed insanity, and yet, sheer focus - as they mapped out their strategy.

3:30 a.m. Arrive JC Penney for the 4a.m. opening
5a.m. Menards
6a.m. Target
Then Sears, Kohls, Lowes, Sports Authority, and Scheels.

They lost me at 3:30 a.m. and kept having to repeat themselves. I was relieved Toys-R-Us and Walmart weren't on our list. My mother-in-law suggested that we didn't need anything at JC Penney or Menards, right LESLIE, wink, wink! And that maybe we should just meet up with them at Target. God Bless her soul.

So, at 5:15 a.m., I got up, got a big cup of coffee and ordered Wallflowers online so I wouldn't have to drag the rest of the group with me. Even better, my MIL was reading my mind when we arrived at Target a few minutes early and gawked at the line that extended across the giant entrance, past four other stores and almost to the fifth. MIL suggested we sit in the car and sip coffee while the line went down. I love this woman from the depths of my soul.

So we did. I was looking for a tv, but still felt that had I missed the boat, from letting all those people go before us, then I was cool with paying full price. And then, it was as if the shopping gods parted the sea of frenzy for me, and lo - there, right in the middle of the aisle, they were setting out the exact sized tv I was looking for, $100 off. GIMMEEEEE! I punched a few people in the face, numchucked one of the employees, but I got my tv. Just kidding. No punching, just the numchucks. Fine, I just reached over, got my tv, shoved it in my cart, and went. It was way too easy. Within 20 minutes, we were done at Target.

Then something weird happened - instead of meeting up with us at Target - ahem - AS STRATEGICALLY PLANNED IN THE WAR ROOM - they wanted to meet us for breakfast. What the heck kind of soldiers in the Battle of Black Friday are these people?! Stop, put down your weapons (shopping cart and credit card) and eat? I LOVE THESE PEOPLE. Granted, half of our infantry had been up since 2:45a.m. - it was practically brunch.

We resumed battle, this time as a team. I really can't remember too many other times that I have enjoyed shopping. Well, there was that one time when I took my two fashionistas - JulzHOLLA! and Nikki The Cake Making Diva, and they got in a fight with each other over a sweater I tried on. THAT was fun! But Black Friday with this crew this weekend was fun. I think they were a bit easy on me.

Maybe not. By 1p.m., I was worthless and exhausted and it took me two days to work off the holiday hangover. And I'll do it again next year. I hope they let me!

That's how I roll.