Shopping Panic

Late last night, I was struck with panic when I realized I hadn't even begun shopping for Christmas yet.  This is nothing new for me.  I am a Procrastinator with a capital "P".  But for some reason, I felt the need to get all my shopping done...TODAY.

With my husband and toddler in tow, I braved Costco.  That's where the shopping began, and that's where it ended.  We barely survived.  I tend to exaggerate.  Laci nearly had a complete meltdown in the cart, until I solved all her problems with a plastic container and a slice of apple.  I am not exaggerating this time.  (Note to self:  I am awesome for remembering to pack a snack and even more awesome for guessing which food she'll actually eat today.)

I love Costco. Who doesn't?  However, I do have a complaint.  Why must they place the TV's, and, more importantly, the new Canon cameras, in such a way that I cannot possibly avoid them?  I am forced to drool over them and dream of when our budget will be "new camera friendly."  I do not appreciate it.  Having taken a few marketing classes in college, I'm well aware of the real reason WHY they do this to me, but really?  Is it really necessary?  (Note to self #2:  When entering Costco, hold your breath and practice tunnel vision until you are safely out of the electronic, aka awesome cool things, area.)

After visiting Costco - the world of a million baby pajamas, but not a single pair in the correct size - we decided it was best to get some food and return home.  The only place where our child can behave as wildly as she pleases.  We stopped at In N Out, which happens to be one of my new favorite places (yeah, I'm slow to catch on to things sometimes).  I fed Laci french fries, because I'm really into feeding my kid healthy food like that, and she proceeded to eat them like they were going to disappear. Which they did, into her mouth.  I'm pretty sure she may have swallowed a few whole.  To finish off, she rubbed her greasy, salty hands all over her head, taking the "wet look" to a new level.  So fun.

By the way, I only succeeded in crossing one person off my list at Costco.  Since I was still feeling panicked about gift buying, I did what every other agoraphobic American does:  I went shopping online.  I've crossed off about half of my shopping list, and the panic has subsided.  (Note to self #3:  When Christmas shopping next year, just go online first.  You will save time, fuel, and possibly money, plus you will not be forced to walk past completely awesome items that are completely out of the question.  In addition, you will avoid public.)

***There is an explanation for the picture at the top, even though there isn't even the slightest hint of an explanation in the babbling above.  However, if I have time, and if I remember, and if I feel like it, I might tell the story tomorrow.  I just can't handle a post without a picture.***