Not enough time in the day, days in the week.

What a fast few days this has been. I don't think I sat in one spot long enough to consider writing a journal entry all weekend. Friday was a workday from hell, then I worked my Christmas job all weekend. It was a real zoo at the mall, both while I was working, and while I was shopping. I waited in line for over a half hour to get a pair of kid's jeans from Old Navy. Next year I will actually plan ahead and do my shopping in November. After being a mall employee for so many years, I should *know* better.

At least I'm polite when I do last-minute shopping. I really don't understand people who stress out about the long lines and crowds. You're shopping two weeks before a major holiday. Crowds at malls during that time of year have been a normal state of affairs for *decades*. Why do they have to act so suprised when they have to wait? Hell, they even have Christmas Carols about crowded shopping areas, Silver Bells for example. I submit that these people havemade stressing out and being rude at the mall a part of their regular holiday season. Further, I propose that they stop whining about it, and take their precious Platinum Visa to their house, and use a nice catalog, and get OUT of my face.

Moreover, I think that back in kindergarten we were all taught that we should not take cuts in line, that we should wait patiently and quietly until we are served, we should say please and thank you, and use the bathroom regularly before making long trips. If these people cannot get a grip on these concepts, I suggest they take a timeout in the corner for 15 minutes and contemplate the true spirit of the holilday season,

Because I *love* Christmas shopping, I really do. I am very thankful that I can spend some of my hard earnings on the people who really deserve them, rather than the usual utility companies and landlords. I love the smell of the mall at Christmas, with all the Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pine scented candles and potpourri. I like the bustle, and people-watching, and seeing everyone's kids all dressed up to see Santa. I enjoy helping my munchkin pick out gifts for people, and teaching her about generosity, and thoughtful gift-giving. I love buying wrapping paper and ribbon, and carrying stuffed bags from store to store, picturing people's faces as they open their gifts. I also picture the tree on Christmas morning, after the magical appearance of all those packages, with the lights lit and the stockings full, and the look on my munchkin's face while she tries to figure out how Santa knew which toy she wanted most. These are the things on my mind while I'm Christmas shopping. So I wish other people would stop trying to spoil that with their bad attitudes.

I guess that's enough preaching for one day. I had better get back to figuring out why MSPE's Committee pages are showing up as blank screens all of the sudden.