I've Had Better Days.

Ever have one of those days when your demons decide to wake up and wreak havoc? Yeah, that's what I've got going on today...an exorcism. Check in tomorrow, hopefully I'll be better!

Garage Sale Season Officially Begins Today.

I learned something new today: the folks here in Elk River take their garage sales very seriously. And today I joined their ranks.

Two groups (Mothers of Multiples and Early Childhood Family Education) hosted large fundraiser rummage sales today -- one in the high school, the other in an elementary school. Out of curiosity, and also because Price needs summer clothes, I decided to venture into town and check the sales out.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

I arrived at Parker Elementary School at 8:30am -- 30 minutes before the doors opened -- to find a line of probably 200 people stretching halfway around the building. Many came prepared with reusable shopping bags. One lady brought her own large plastic bin. Most had bottled beverages or coffee. As I took my place in line, I began to feel a little underprepared. All I had was my purse, which at normal rummage sales is plenty enough.

The doors opened, we all poured into the building, and I was handed a big blue plastic IKEA bag. At the time I thought this was a bit excessive, but I went with it. I stopped in the Toys room first, and I couldn't believe the insanity. Crazy-eyed women (women outnumbered men approximately 100:1 here) were literally running from toys to strollers to playpens and back to toys, writing their names on just about everything they touched. Several seemed prepared to start bitch-slapping anyone who might try to interfere -- even innocent folks trying to squeeze by.

Fearing for my life, I vacated the Toys room and sought out the clothes. This room was relatively civil. I found the 2T rack, and was suddenly very glad I had the oversized IKEA bag. I filled it up with summer shirts, shorts, swim trunks, jammies, sweats, and a couple of small toys. I could feel the competitive nature of garage-saling creeping into my head as I perused the rack. I realized that if I wanted PJs, I had to find them and grab them quickly -- I talked to several other women who were on the PJ hunt as well. There wasn't much time to spare -- if I thought something was even remotely cute, I stuffed it into my bag. I knew that it likely wouldn't be there if I came back for it.

Women were walking around with overflowing bags. Others who didn't get a bag carried piles of clothes taller than they were. Several sat in groups on the floor, organizing and showing off their finds. All had a certain concentration about them, as if getting good clothes for cheap was their sole reason for being on this chilly morning. It was contagious. I was glad I went when the doors opened, rather than waiting until later in the morning. I spent $44 on a huge bagful of clothes, and I feel good that Price's entire summer wardrobe is set.

It was a productive morning.

Under Construction

Hi! Welcome to my new virtual home! I'm in the process of moving in, unpacking, and decorating...but it won't take long until I'm up and running. Check back soon!