Have you ever had the irresistible urge to get up at 3:00 a.m. and stand around in a large retail establishment watching people push, shove, scream and act in a manner that they would never want their children to see? Yeah, me too!
Once again, Black Friday offered all you have come to expect from an event largely driven by a materialistic society that values possessions - irate people grabbing and pushing while the cash registers tally the profits. As we picked up the paper on Thanksgiving day before heading over the river and through the subdivision, the weight could have crushed a small child. The flyers were plentiful and we knew that the stores had outdone themselves this year. With the economy slowly recovering from the recession, those in power were going to lure people into their stores with visions of large screen televisions and game systems at prices even the Grinch would get out of bed for.
Our Thanksgiving meal was terrific. The dark meat moist, the stuffing truly terrific and the mashed potatoes made from real spuds. The dinner company was bright and witty with a few potty training comments thrown in for good measure. Please remember that we shared the table with a family ranging in age from 60 to 3 years old. We were quite fortunate not to have the conversation regress further. After eating almost our body weight in amazing cuisine, we settled down to look at the ads and plan our strategy.
There were lots of deals to choose from - Nintendo DS for $96, televisions for $246 and many smaller items dirt cheap. Children's pjs were $3 a pair, which is a blessing considering how quickly the grow. My youngest nephew decided that everything in every circular was exactly what he wanted for Christmas. How can you argue with logic like that?!?
After much debate over supper, it was decided that my father and I would zip back to my house to get a change of clothes and sleep on my brother's couches so my sister-in-law, father and I could get as much sleep as possible before heading out at 3:00 a.m. I admit it was hard to sleep, knowing that the alarm would be taking off early and I was pretty excited.
Three a.m. came way too early and we stumbled out the door for our respective big box retail outlets. My sister-in-law dropped me at the door to take my place in line and the game was afoot. We were able to wait inside as our big box store is opened 24 hours a day. We stood in line at electronics and waited for 5 a.m. to come. As usual, we found our fellow line members to be in a jovial, if slightly dazed mood as we waited. We were second in line behind a woman who had been there since 11:30 p.m. the night before. (And you think I'm obsessive!). As the line got longer, tempers got shorter. People started to yell at each other and management stepped in immediately. I was so impressed with how they handled the people in line. This chain store had had an employee trampled to death in one of their stores down South and they were prepared to deal with disgruntled crowds. Security was called to manage "the line". Clipboards came out and you knew they meant business. Line budgers were swiftly sent to the back of the line with stern words and a steely look.
My father was not so fortunate at his retail location, as one lone teenager was standing in line for ten friends who arrived minutes before the doors opened to take their spots at the front of the line. Mayhem briefly broke out and as the doors opened, all hints of a line dissolved as it was every man for themselves. My father came away angry and empty handed.
With our biggest purchase safely tucked in our shopping bags, we made the curcuit through the mall and numerous stops around town. The clerks were very pleasant and I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with a "Merry Christmas" at a few stores. That's right -- Christmas is about Christ. I love it when stores acknowledge that! The check out lines were well-staffed and we were meeting my brother and the nephews for brunch in record time. Even the restaurant was speedy and we were fed and out in no time.
I had a great time shopping with my sister-in-law, buying gifts for my family and friends and getting in on the bargains. I have more time than money, so I can spare a little sleep to save money. It's fun to watch people and observe their coping strategies on Black Friday. I know that several people think I'm crazy for getting up that early to go shopping, but I really do have a blast.
I haven't taken my eye off of what is important as we begin this journey of Advent. I anticipate this baby-Savior with much excitement and love to hear the prophecy of Emmanuel, God with us. I also await a day when this Messiah comes back a second time to establish His kingdom. When my alarm went off this morning, I suggested that perhaps today would be a good day for Jesus to return. Apparently God's got a better idea -- always! In the meantime, maybe I infused a couple of people with some calm, Christmas cheer on Black Friday. Perhaps I provided a good laugh to some tired shoppers as I tried to lug a coffee pot, three towels, two DVDs and a coffee mug across the big box store. However God chooses to use me, I'm up for the challenge.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Beauty of Simplicity
Imagine my surprise when turning my weekly calendar page on Monday to find that Thanksgiving is next week! I still haven't planned or embarked on last summers' vacation. I still have Halloween candy in the cupboard! I haven't unpacked my winter clothes from storage. Guess it's time to step it up. After all, Christmas decorations have been in the stores for at least a month already.
My Thanksgiving destination this year is over the river and through the subdivision to my brother and sister-in-law's house. It'll be a typical Rhodes' holiday with lots of food, plenty of snacks, grandpa sleeping in the recliner and everyone planning Black Friday strategies. We'll stay up late playing cards and laughing until someone spits soda out their nose (usually me!). My parents' Golden Retriever puppy, Penny, will play with Lucy, my Golden until they collapse on the floor, completely spent. My friend, Julie and her children will occupy the guest rooms and we'll stay up way too late talking. On Friday morn, we'll stumble from our beds way too early and battle the Black Friday crowds in search of Christmas gifts and great deals. The weekend will be that awkward time between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the tree isn't up yet, but the television has started their parade of Christmas specials. Sunday, November 29th is the first Sunday of Advent and before we know it, Christmas will be here.
Last week, my aunt was transferred to a local hospital after she was rediagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. This is her fourth trip down this particular road and none of us are excited about the trip, especially her. Anyone who has spent even one night in the hospital as a patient knows that you turn in your privacy and dignity at the door. Your gown is one-size-fits-none and covers minimally. There is a steady stream of people in and out of your room at all hours of the day and night. People ask very intrusive questions and don't seem phased a bit by the answers. In the midst of that, you feel sick and you may be scared. You consent to medical procedures that sound painful and frightening. And you wait.
On Tuesday, my aunt was given the green light to go home. After two and a half weeks of inpatient hospital care, she was free to go. And go she did, shepherded home by my brother and I. She was so excited as we pulled into the yard. Her German Shepherd, Pepsi, was there to greet her. We unloaded the care and settled her in. After a few minutes, we were back on the road, eager to start a long trip back to our homes.
As I lay in my bed that night, I began to count my own blessings. Laying in my own comfy bed with Lucy snuggled beside me. A cold glass of water on the bedside table. Heat and shelter and food and clothes. My family and friends and health.
Yesterday at church, we spent time with the children and youth giving thanks for God's blessings. We automatically included family. It was easy for them to name the "things" that they were thankful for - MP3 players, cell phones, game systems and pets were at the top of their lists and rightly so. However, when I asked them to name stuff that they were thankful for that wasn't "stuff" at all, that slowed them down a bit. With a little prompting, the began to name their talents, abilities, friends and health.
I challenged them to count their blessings every day, including the things that didn't seem like blessings at the time. Those circumstances that reveal strength you didn't know you possessed. The times you saw God's strength when your strength was gone. Those moments of refinement when you can feel the fire. Our good friend, Job, told his wife "Are we to accept only good things from God and not bad?". Those are the things taht are harder to be thankful for; and yet God asks us to praise and worship Him for those things to.
As I approach this Thanksgiving, I am going to take time every day to thank God for the little things that make my life so sweet, three year old smiles and children's hugs, soft socks and puppy kisses. I encourage you to make some to count your simple blessings. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
My Thanksgiving destination this year is over the river and through the subdivision to my brother and sister-in-law's house. It'll be a typical Rhodes' holiday with lots of food, plenty of snacks, grandpa sleeping in the recliner and everyone planning Black Friday strategies. We'll stay up late playing cards and laughing until someone spits soda out their nose (usually me!). My parents' Golden Retriever puppy, Penny, will play with Lucy, my Golden until they collapse on the floor, completely spent. My friend, Julie and her children will occupy the guest rooms and we'll stay up way too late talking. On Friday morn, we'll stumble from our beds way too early and battle the Black Friday crowds in search of Christmas gifts and great deals. The weekend will be that awkward time between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the tree isn't up yet, but the television has started their parade of Christmas specials. Sunday, November 29th is the first Sunday of Advent and before we know it, Christmas will be here.
Last week, my aunt was transferred to a local hospital after she was rediagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. This is her fourth trip down this particular road and none of us are excited about the trip, especially her. Anyone who has spent even one night in the hospital as a patient knows that you turn in your privacy and dignity at the door. Your gown is one-size-fits-none and covers minimally. There is a steady stream of people in and out of your room at all hours of the day and night. People ask very intrusive questions and don't seem phased a bit by the answers. In the midst of that, you feel sick and you may be scared. You consent to medical procedures that sound painful and frightening. And you wait.
On Tuesday, my aunt was given the green light to go home. After two and a half weeks of inpatient hospital care, she was free to go. And go she did, shepherded home by my brother and I. She was so excited as we pulled into the yard. Her German Shepherd, Pepsi, was there to greet her. We unloaded the care and settled her in. After a few minutes, we were back on the road, eager to start a long trip back to our homes.
As I lay in my bed that night, I began to count my own blessings. Laying in my own comfy bed with Lucy snuggled beside me. A cold glass of water on the bedside table. Heat and shelter and food and clothes. My family and friends and health.
Yesterday at church, we spent time with the children and youth giving thanks for God's blessings. We automatically included family. It was easy for them to name the "things" that they were thankful for - MP3 players, cell phones, game systems and pets were at the top of their lists and rightly so. However, when I asked them to name stuff that they were thankful for that wasn't "stuff" at all, that slowed them down a bit. With a little prompting, the began to name their talents, abilities, friends and health.
I challenged them to count their blessings every day, including the things that didn't seem like blessings at the time. Those circumstances that reveal strength you didn't know you possessed. The times you saw God's strength when your strength was gone. Those moments of refinement when you can feel the fire. Our good friend, Job, told his wife "Are we to accept only good things from God and not bad?". Those are the things taht are harder to be thankful for; and yet God asks us to praise and worship Him for those things to.
As I approach this Thanksgiving, I am going to take time every day to thank God for the little things that make my life so sweet, three year old smiles and children's hugs, soft socks and puppy kisses. I encourage you to make some to count your simple blessings. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 13, 2009
What?
I have an accent impairment. If you speak with an accent of any kind - Spanish, Italian, Indian, Canadian - I can't understand you. Living on the Plains for much of my life, I haven't had a lot of exposure to people that don't speak English. I grew up in predominantly Norwegian communities, so I can recognize their words. Not that this fact makes their conversations easier to understand.... guess I shouldn't go any further down that road!
I even struggle to understand small children. When my nephews were growing up and learning to talk, I often had to look to their parents for translation. I would ask them to repeat themselves until even the puppy knew what they were trying to say and I was still completely clueless.
Telemarketers who have the unfortunate task of calling me soon find that I am a lost cause. I think that there is probably a picture of me in a remote call center somewhere with the caption, "Yikes!!".
My inability to understand accents was brought home to me once again on Sunday evening as I struggled to hook up my wireless internet modem. I am not real computer savvy and I knew this task would be challenging. However, storm clouds began to form when I opened the instruction sheet and began to unfold the paper only to find it was the size of my bedspread! It contained words such as "ethernet", "components" and "flashing lights" and I knew I was in trouble.
I got to Step 4 without too many problems. Step 4 required me to hook the laptop up to the modem with a yellow cable and then.... well, I couldn't figure out the rest of the instructions. So I picked up the cordless phone and dialed support. God was with me and I didn't have to languish on hold at all. I was met with a cheery voice who said something that sounded like "Hello, may I show you something in a lemon yellow rain coat". I had reached a tech support associate who had a very thick Indian accent! That poor woman. Little did she know she would be spending the next hour trying to talk me through a procedure that I wouldn't have understood if she spoke perfect English and was standing right next to me. I immediately began to fast and pray!
While the wonderful, polite and patient associate tried to take me through the instructions step by step, I interrupted frequently to ask clarification. "Pardon me" "Could you please repeat that?" and "I'm sorry I didn't catch that last step" polka dotted the next sixty minutes. At one point, she asked me to find something that sounded very much to me like a "steak". Well, I saw nothing that looked remotely like a "steak" and resorted to my litany of "excuse me, could you please repeat that?" After a very long five minutes for both of us, I finally understood that she was asking me to locate the "switch". Poor, poor tech lady!
After some troubleshooting, we were able to get everything set up and I was surfing the net like a beach bum. She asked the final "is there anything else I can assist you with today?" and we both breathed a sigh of relief as we set down our respective phones.
I came to the conclusion on Sunday that whatever tech support staff earn, it's not enough. Working with people who are don't understand basic computer hardware, such as how to turn on their system would try the patience of even our good friend Job. You deserve an extra reward in heaven.
As for me, I'm thinking of checking out Rosetta Stone to see if they have some program that might help me. I have no idea what some of these languages would sound like with a North Dakota accent, but I'm not too worried. After all, almost every tongue has a phrase that means, "what?".
I even struggle to understand small children. When my nephews were growing up and learning to talk, I often had to look to their parents for translation. I would ask them to repeat themselves until even the puppy knew what they were trying to say and I was still completely clueless.
Telemarketers who have the unfortunate task of calling me soon find that I am a lost cause. I think that there is probably a picture of me in a remote call center somewhere with the caption, "Yikes!!".
My inability to understand accents was brought home to me once again on Sunday evening as I struggled to hook up my wireless internet modem. I am not real computer savvy and I knew this task would be challenging. However, storm clouds began to form when I opened the instruction sheet and began to unfold the paper only to find it was the size of my bedspread! It contained words such as "ethernet", "components" and "flashing lights" and I knew I was in trouble.
I got to Step 4 without too many problems. Step 4 required me to hook the laptop up to the modem with a yellow cable and then.... well, I couldn't figure out the rest of the instructions. So I picked up the cordless phone and dialed support. God was with me and I didn't have to languish on hold at all. I was met with a cheery voice who said something that sounded like "Hello, may I show you something in a lemon yellow rain coat". I had reached a tech support associate who had a very thick Indian accent! That poor woman. Little did she know she would be spending the next hour trying to talk me through a procedure that I wouldn't have understood if she spoke perfect English and was standing right next to me. I immediately began to fast and pray!
While the wonderful, polite and patient associate tried to take me through the instructions step by step, I interrupted frequently to ask clarification. "Pardon me" "Could you please repeat that?" and "I'm sorry I didn't catch that last step" polka dotted the next sixty minutes. At one point, she asked me to find something that sounded very much to me like a "steak". Well, I saw nothing that looked remotely like a "steak" and resorted to my litany of "excuse me, could you please repeat that?" After a very long five minutes for both of us, I finally understood that she was asking me to locate the "switch". Poor, poor tech lady!
After some troubleshooting, we were able to get everything set up and I was surfing the net like a beach bum. She asked the final "is there anything else I can assist you with today?" and we both breathed a sigh of relief as we set down our respective phones.
I came to the conclusion on Sunday that whatever tech support staff earn, it's not enough. Working with people who are don't understand basic computer hardware, such as how to turn on their system would try the patience of even our good friend Job. You deserve an extra reward in heaven.
As for me, I'm thinking of checking out Rosetta Stone to see if they have some program that might help me. I have no idea what some of these languages would sound like with a North Dakota accent, but I'm not too worried. After all, almost every tongue has a phrase that means, "what?".
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