The Next Dark Age
We're in it Now
Officially Part of the Problem
I’ve been doing my holiday shopping all sneaky-like for thepast couple of weeks – trying to beat the crowds without owning the fact that Iam now officially a part of the problem with the ever-expanding holidayseason.
I have done a fabulous job of buying myself new clothes.
I went in to Toys R Us for the kids and came out withsomething for my brother.
I have done extremely well in shopping for my dog.
At lunch today, I went to Ikea. Because everyone knows that mid-week duringthe lunch hour is the only safe time to go to Ikea. I was positively tripping over children. Shouldn’t they be in school? Apparently not. It seems that some districts have Teacher’sInstitute and some have Parent/Teacher conferences. I have a friend in Des Plaines that saidyesterday afternoon, her kid’s class had a field trip. They went bowling.
I have already said, “Shut up” out loud to the voice in myhead that is caroling. All of thedecorations are up in my office. Ihave eight gifts wrapped. People, I justbought a second tree because we have that many ornaments.
I think I’d better stay home on Friday.
The Next Dark Age 
That's why I can't start shopping too soon. I end up with too much stuff for myself.
There are people in my office with children who are out of school all week. You never got that lucky.