Let me put this quite bluntly. I HATE SHOPPING. It's a waste of already valuable time, and frankly, I don't know how so many people become so-called "shopaholics". How?! Only until recently have I been shopping because I have absolutely nothing in my wardrobe. I'm not looking for the thousands of pairs of shoes of Mrs. Marcos, nor am I looking for a clueless Cher-like turnstile of a wardrobe. I'm a simplistic chick. I like my solid colors, my blacks, greys and dark reds. And keep it practical. Too often, I find that wearing skirts inhibits my natural movement, so you'll more than likely, 99% of the time, find me wearing a pair of pants. Don't expect to see any legs from me. -_-

But seriously, shopping can be hazardous to your health. Have you ever been in stores like Macy's or Penny's when they're having a sale? People are like scavengers, ready to knock you out if you pick up the last of anything in a rack. I know bargain hunting is the thing to do, but keep the blood in out of your fingernails, PLEASE!!

One particular aspect of shopping that upsets me is when the Christmas shopping season starts. Stores advertise for the bloody holiday after Labor Day, then start the OFFICIAL shopping season the day after Thanksgiving. What's the rush, anyway? Little children will get their toys somehow (that's another thing, I'll get to that shortly), and people will spend regardless. They are SO disgusting with their advertisements, though. After a while, I just ignore them all, because some people have no self-control. They'll buy and buy and buy, just like off the Home Shopping Network or QVC type buying. And to think it's shoddy quality to begin with!

If you're going to buy something, make sure the quality is pristine. I'm not one for brand names, but there are some that have earned my respect, such as Liz Claiborne and Donna Karan. Those are quality clothes, and although the prices are more than most others, you will be sure to have that same piece of clothing for years to come and it will last wonderfully. That's what I look for. So I don't have to waste my time every 6 months to change something that SHOULD last me for years.

Now, as I was going to say about shopping for children. Those ungrateful little bastards! You know, when I see little kids say: "Mommy, Mommy, I want that. I WANT IT!!", then they catch a tantrum. . .ooh! You have no idea how much that irks me, pisses me off in fact. If only those little kids could understand how hard it is to earn an honest dollar and spend it wisely. If they knew, then they wouldn't be begging for the latest I-Can-Wet-My-Diaper dollie.

Another thing. I've seen some kids (who shall remain nameless) spend money like water because they can get money exactly the same way. I know many of them that spend it on any old thing. Instead of wasting it on the latest video or CD, or playing or buying games with it, save your money, invest it wisely so that you can make your money grow. They TOO don't understand the concept of a hard-earned dollar. I wasn't privy to that realization until I turned 16, but even before then, I understood that my mother had to work very hard to bring home the dollars and make things work at home. And to make up for my lack of working, I did stuff in the house. I was a miser, still am to some extent.

I guess some things never change, huh?

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