Saturday, November 30, 2013

Black Friday. Not for me. My sisters cat and my wonderful friend Beth.

If you live in the United States "Black Friday" has become a phenomenon. Retailers are opening earlier and earlier with all kinds of teaser deals to get you into the store, as early as 6 p.m. in some states, on Thanksgiving night. I'm waiting to see the trampling videos on the news. Retailers aren't allowed to open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine because of what is called up here, the "Blue Laws". They can open at midnight though as it is officially the day after. You won't find me in the throng of consumers shopping at midnight, never mind, 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. Most of the stores around here didn't open until 5 or 6 a.m. the next day. True they are offering some good deals but I can't help like feeling like a sheep being herded to slaughter.. On top of it I had to start work on Friday at 6 a.m. As I listened to the news on the radio at 4:30 in the morning there were already traffic jams at certain points where a mall was located. By the way it was a long day on Friday. 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. Fortunately the first 6 hours were slow probably because people either had to work, had the day off and didn't want to go anywhere or they were Christmas shopping. You can leave me out of all that madness. I can't help but feel manipulated by all these big businesses. People who run these big companies, always make out whether or not the business is successful. They still get their bonuses. They always walk away with cash in their pockets whether or not they have success running a company or they milk it dry and kill it. My favorite comedian, George Carlin once said, and I'm not sure if this is an exact quote, and please forgive the wording, the rich keep all the money and pay none of the taxes. The middle class does all of the work, pays all of the taxes and the poor are there to scare the shit out of the middle class. George was a brilliant man.

Apart from all that grumbling my actual Thanksgiving Day was good. The meal was good, there were no family fights, not that we ever had them, but people have stories about holiday gatherings that descend into petty bickering and fighting. Ours was quite nice. Then there was my sisters cat, Mickey. I don't have a picture of Mickey but he is a very large tabby cat around 20 pounds with large double paws. He can picks things up with one paw to look at them. He also is the only cat I ever saw that will fetch a thrown little red rubber ball and return it. It took a bit to get him to learn to release the ball, but when he realized that you would throw it again the game was on. He flies down the stairs, smashes into the wall and bring it back. He also has a very sweet disposition and is quite vocal and social. Well Mickey was singing his "I wanna go out" song and my sister would say, "No Mickey it's too late and too cold."
Now don't tell me they're not smart and can't reason things out. He finished whining and walked over to a floor plant and sat by it. He then looked at my sister then looked at the plant. He did this 3 times, then suddenly took a swipe at the plant tearing off 3 or 4 leaves. My sister shouted "Mickey!" and got up. The cat took off and led her right to the door. She was angry with him and let him out. He got his way. That's pretty clever.

Well it's taken me 3 days to write this not because of exhaustive research though the exhaustive part played a role as apart from today I was never able to sit at the computer for any length of time without having to do something, go somewhere, return phone calls or just plain fall asleep. As I write this it's about 6:08 Saturday evening. I have two phone calls to make then it's time for supper.

On a final note, as I walked up the stairs to my front door tonight after work, I reached into my mail box. There was one item. I get inside flick the light on and what do I see? A birthday card from Beth. I was both surprised  and touched. Thank you so much Beth! You are the sweetest person. I can't thank you enough but I will think of something. Again, thank you Beth!

That's it.
I'm outta here.
      

15 comments:

  1. I so agree with this post Paul. Pure madness in the stores. Mickey sounds like a really cool cat!!
    How could I ever forget you birthday?? It falls on the same date as my wedding anniversary I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I really hope you don't have to work!

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  2. I always wondered who thought up Black Friday. It's strange in todays thinking this hasn't been deemed as a racial profiled day.
    Jist sayin.
    George was a wise man. People really noticed that after he died. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I actually did not have one this year. No cake, no presents but my son called and that was special. Have a good weekend whats left of it. My cat of years ago loved twisted twister seals. Flick it and he would dash to get it and flip it back at cha. Some cats are really cool. Mickey sounds like he is smart and aware. lol.

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  3. Great Quote yes so very right George.I heard that Black Friday may be coming to the UK YIKES!
    Micky sounds wonderful so very bright , smart cat.
    Hope you have a Great Birthday, that was a lovely surprise from Beth.

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  4. Happy Birthday to you dear Boston Boy..hope you have a wonderful day of it...not too many hassles and great food and company to celebrate your day!!

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  5. Happy birthday, Paul. I'm here from Beth's blog! (as to the Blue Law....I didn't think any states still had that! We had it in Missouri, too, but it's been long gone for a LOT of years.)

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  6. Happy Birthday Paul. I have been to Beth's blog...she told me it was your special day. Hope it is a good one. Beth is one strong lady. I keep her in my prayers.xoxo,Susie

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  7. At least you’re not as old as you will be next year! Happy Birthday! As for Black Friday--Phooey! Not my kind of adventure.

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  8. Happy Birthday! Beth sent me.

    Love,
    Janie

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  9. Forgot to tell you that I like the tree pictured here VERY much!

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  10. Happy Birthday dear Paul. I loves ya too, ya know. Have a happy year to come. Many more to follow that.

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  11. Late but Happy Birthday Paul, best wishes

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  12. Happy birthday Paul, im a friend of Beth and saw in her latest post that maybe I'd take you somewhere nice for it, wellthen how about I take you for a walkalong the English Channel Coast near where I live, then pop into the Beachcomber cafe for a cup of tea and a cream scone, sound good to you ?

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  13. A belated Happy Birthday Paul. Been lax about being out here what with Thanksgiving and such. Happy your Thanksgiving was such a nice one. Mickey sure is a clever one.

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  14. Blessings.....and happy happy birthday.
    nice to see you had a great thanksgiving.
    black friday? what's that?

    peace.
    Rhapsody
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