Man, the St. Louis meteorologists were right this time. Let’s see, I left work at 3:00 pm this afternoon and still made it home at my normal time. As I was stuck on Lindbergh, I was able to take some time to talk to Kim, who happened to be ahead of me so in between conversations, she updated me on traffic status.

To sum it up: 2 hour commute (it’s normally only 20 minutes), on ice-covered streets, spinning my wheels multiple times and having to pee, really badly. Not a good situation.

I don’t like buying things that cost more than $300. It makes me all fidgety and I start obsessing about how uncomfortable I am and if I should be buying it. What if I break it? What if we’re being ripped off? Is it worth it for me to have this? Do I really need it? All these questions swirl around in my head while my stomach begins to tie itself into a knot. I felt exactly the same way I did when we bought our bedroom furniture four years ago, Mr. Squeakers (the Civic), the house (man, I was messed up for the entire month before closing), the couches and the appliances. I was even a little freaked out when we got Kuma and paid about $400 for her and her stuff. I would like to think that I’ve unclenched slightly over the years but I believe that is an illusion and Bob can attest to that.

Now, the newest piece of equipment: 42 inch flat screen LCD TV. I can definitely answer one question: WE DO NOT NEED A NEW TV. But needing a new TV and wanting a new TV are two totally separate issues. Bob and I have been talking for months now about this and I’ve been waffling back and forth. One minute, yes, go ahead, the other minute, no. I think, unconsciously, I like to dash that sparkle in Bob’s eye when I tell him that we shouldn’t buy it.

So, finally, I gave him a definite go-ahead on this purchase. I justify it by telling him that he’s not getting anything for his birthday or Christmas and I don’t want him buying me anything for my birthday or Christmas. I mean, we are spending an obscene (in my opinion) amount on this. Even now, I want to take it back but he’s already ordered it. Oh, I’ll definitely enjoy it once it’s installed in my house, but the initial plunge is no fun.

I’m getting all angsty now.

Thanksgiving weekend combines some of my favorite things: food, vacation, rampant consumerism and sports on TV. Oh and, uh, family. We went over to my parents’ house on Thursday for Turkey and all the fixin’s. My sister Kate was back in town, as was Uncle Bill and Aunt Carol. Uncle Chris and (the other) Aunt Carol and their kids made the trip up from SoCo as well, so we had a pretty good turnout. As always, the food was good, and we all had our fair share. This morning, we got up at 4:30 a.m. and went out to the Black Friday sales in the Chesterfield Valley. Good times, except for the mass of humanity. Some people will do anything to get their hands on cheap electronics.

After a nap, we got out in the yard and continued our battle against Mother Nature, piling up ten more bags of yard waste. We also prepped for the awesomeness that is our Christmas lights display. Tonight, we went over to Jen’s parents’ house for hot pot. It was so delicious. For all you white people out there, hot pot consists of a bunch of people sitting around a pot of boiling broth and cooking meats and vegetables in it. Like fondue, but better.

Anyway. The best part about this weekend, is the fact that it’s not over. There’s two days left!

Whoo-hoo! It is 1:15 pm and I am now leaving work! Hello 4 day weekend! Let’s see, how to start my weekend off, hmm, THE MALL!!! It’s very difficult not to shop when the Galleria is only down the street from my office. Can’t…seem…to…..stop…..myself.

Saturday night Jen and I went out to run some errands and hit Chesterfield Mall and Chesterfield Commons. In both places, tons of nerds were camping out in front of the stores waiting for the next day: the release of Nintendo Wii. While I am certainly excited for this console and will be adding one to our repertoire, I can’t fathom sitting out in 30 degree weather just to get it before everyone else. It’s not even like there’s scarcity of Wiis (Wiis? Wii? Hmm…) like the PS3, so noone should be making a killing on eBay. This is fanboyism, pure and simple.

Anyway. Wii = good. Sitting out overnight waiting for it = dumb.