And They're Off!

The term "Black Friday" just seems jarring and negative to me. Not like a way to describe the kick off to a season of love, hope, peace and joy. Commercialism doesn't seem to fit the purpose of the season, yet we crave it, we indulge ourselves in it, and we perpetuate it.

Accidentally, we avoided it this year, by scheduling a dental appointment. It was odd, having my focus on the dentist, then wandering into a couple stores afterward, there was a much more sober mindedness going on. It seems it is possible to walk into stores and come out with nothing...even on Black Friday.

This was my startling discovery today. The lights and beauty that surround this season are, indeed, on someone's 'to do' list, inspiring consumers to relax and consume more. Yet, it is possible to see them apart from the frenzy, and just be grateful for their beauty. It seems to be an annual struggle, as I love to buy. Who knew it would take a dental appt. to get me out of the mood.

Although, I'm not a sports fan directly, I attended Oregon State University, and today was our "Civil War" game between Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon. The game was in the same town (Eugene) we traveled to for the Dental Appt., so it was a memorable day. We enjoyed listening to part of the game on the radio. A very close game throughout, ending at 35 to 36 with OSU finishing last.

This will be the day remembered as the Black Friday & Civil War game when we went to the dentist. Our timing was perfect everywhere we went, and we didn't end up in any gridlocked traffic. We stopped for an Asian meal that was prepared quickly and consumed quickly, so that we could avoid the traffic.

So, here we are, at the start of the holidays, and my kitchen is dirty....which has nothing to do with anything...but it is.