Christmas Shopping, oh the J-O-Y!

I've been out shopping every since I got off work today. First I went to get something for one of the kids that was "in stock" online. I couldn't buy it online, I had to go to the store to buy it since it said "in store only". So I went to the store and finally got someone to help me because they had ONE person working in that very busy department. The gal found out that they were all out. She then started chatting with another employee and then just kind of walked away. WOW!

This was a store that has the capabilities to find out if another one of their stores has the item in stock. I was at least expecting that they would attempt to track one down for me.  I had about $100 worth of other things in my hand but I was so annoyed I set them down and walked out.

I just bought the same item on Amazon and paid a bit more to get it shipped really quickly so I wouldn't have to drive about an hour to get one, but if they would have found out for me earlier I so would have been on the road and picking it up. Their loss! Not that it matters to these big stores anymore. You apparently don't have to have good customer service because someone else will buy it if you don't.

Anyhow, off my soap box.

Yesterday we went to my brother's house for my nephew's birthday party. At one point we moved to the other room which is down about 4 steps to hang out. I was walking down the steps and MISSED THE LAST ONE. Total old lady move. Totally hurt my foot. It still hurts today but not bad enough that I can't walk on it. But while I was out shopping my back started hurting so bad! I must have wrenched it a bit. I sat in one of the massage chairs in the mall for $1 and that helped for about 10 minutes.

I went through a few more stores and was seriously thinking about just calling it quits. Then I was in Bed Bath and Beyond and came across their massage chairs they have out as demos. I forgot about those!! I probably sat there for 15 minutes massaging my back. HEAVEN. It felt so much better and still feels better than it did earlier. I really really wish I had one of those, they are so awesome. Felt kind of bad when I didn't actually find anything I wanted to buy in that store. Well I did but it was all stuff I wanted for ME not for presents for other people so I refrained!

Just about got all the kids shopping done. Just need to get a few more stocking stuffers for one of them. I need to find something for Scott (so hard to buy for), my dad (also hard to buy for), the neighbors (hard) and the in-laws (hardest EVER).  While I was shopping I started thinking of how much more fun it would have been if my mom was with me.

When I was a kid we used to always spend at least one day shopping at the Modesto Mall with my Grandma, Aunt, Mom and me. We'd all go together (parking in the same area each time-upstairs by Penny's). We'd shop and shop, those ladies are all master shoppers. I would be so exhausted by the time we went home. We used to eat at the Hofbrau that used to be there. Getting something delicious like an open faced turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. I tell ya, all the good places always go out.

Although if you ever come to Tracy you should try out Gerard's Deli, one of the only Hofbrau's I know of around here. I used to work right across the street (doing Customer Service, go figure) and we'd go there for lunch all the time. I recommend the meatloaf :)

I think next year I'll have to set up a shopping day with mom. Maybe with the sister in laws too if they can get out without the little kids. Marathon shopping is so much better without kids tagging along.