I went down to the Mall of America three times in less than 24 hours.  It's an awful waste of gasoline, but it feels less of a burden if a tank of gas goes for $1.67 after you use a coupon on Double Discount Tuesday.

I first went Thanksgiving Night -- got there around 11:30 -- just because I wanted to be at the Megamall for shopping Thanksgiving Night, when I didn't go last year, probably the first time that mall (and most other malls around the country) decided to take that final step and open on the holiday.  I then went yesterday (Friday) morning because there were some food deals I wanted to partake in, especially knowing the commissary at work was closed for Black Friday.  Got to work technically a half-hour late, but I got the bagel sandwich and orange juice, and drink from Jamba Juice, all at special Black Friday prices.  (And I also got a mocha from Caribou because it was the caffeine I wouldn't be able to buy at work and thought was part of the deal from Bruegger's Bagels, the same place where I got the bagel sandwich and OJ.)  Finally, I went this past evening, just because I wanted to be part of the scene as MOA wound down its marathon holiday shopping opening.

I just went to Hooters to soak the atmosphere in, and to see if I could eat both the Lot A Tots and Fried Pickles without wanting to throw up, like I did the last time I ate both Happy Hour dishes.  I got them both down without a problem, although I feel full as heck.  I also was disappointed that both items are now four bucks, now three like it was, like the website it was, and like what my hot waitress said it was.  Oh, well, I guess this means I'm cutting back on my visits to Hooters.

Oh, and I bought some slippers at Old Navy, just before they closed their doors at midnight.  I think they were the only store to close at 12; all the others closed at the special Black Friday time of 10.  Anyway, I basically got everything I wanted for myself -- new boxers and boxer briefs, and slippers to replace the bathroom slippers I wear around the house.  Charged everything I bought the past two days -- the clothes and all the food -- to my credit card, so the bill I'm getting around Christmas and which I'll have to pay for mid-to-late January is already going to be friggin' huge.  'Tis the season!