Best buy was a pair of over the knee boots that were super cheap. I actually walked right in, tried them on, was feelin' myself, and strutted the F out. It was magnificent and I felt like a total BA wearing those boots!
Worst experience was when DH, BIL, and myself went on Thanksgiving night to wait in line at Cabela's.They were giving away so many things, DH wanted a gun and I wanted free cowboy boots. Well after wait 6+ hours in the freezing cold... we all got $5 gift cards instead of the big prizes. We walked around, went home, and slept. Not a thing was purchased lol.
Soooooo...I posted this but I really don’t go shopping on Black Friday. Last year I did all of our Christmas shopping on Amazon. (THANK YOU MR. BEZOS!!)
The first year DH and I were living together (which was also our first Christmas together, lol) we went out at midnight and got a vacuum and a set of pots/pans. We got good deals!
I’ll prolly go to Target and Old Navy this year to get holiday PJs.
I actively boycott Black Friday. I am completely irritated that consumerism has essentially replaced Thanksgiving. I get angry when I see ads that talk about "sales starting Thursday." I'm like, "You mean THANKSGIVING?!" I know it's an UO. I own it.
Being Canadian we don't really get exposed to some of the true craziness of Black Friday, however we did spend American Thanksgiving in Vegas one year and decided to try to go to the outlet mall at midnight... haaaaaahahahaha. We couldn't even get in the parking lot. We sat there for so long, my GPS asked me if I wanted to switch to "pedestrian mode" to give us walking directions.
We ended up turning around to go to Wal-Mart, walked in the door, saw people literally wrestling on the floor over a TV, turned around again and ended up at (what we thought was) an empty Target. Apparently it wasn't actually empty, it's just that everyone in the store was in line. We got in said line, and we were able to shop as we went because the line just snaked up and down each aisle lol. We got some wicked deals that day. We did go back to the outlet mall around sunrise but it wasn't really worth it.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
@brookert615 I love finding that good pair of shoes! I have a habit of buying the same pair off ebay once I find ones I love.
My most memorable trip was going at midnight with my cousins in Maine the most picturesque little north east shopping center. I loved all the little shops and holiday joy! Best find was a winter hat with built in headphones for super cheap that I intended to gift but ended up keeping for myself!
TTGP November 2018 Siggy Challenge - Thanksgiving Dinner Fails
@lillywonderland agreed! I think it's utter BS that retail workers can no longer enjoy their holiday because they're essentially forced to work, either through coercion or because they need the money because they don't get paid a livable wage. I'll get off my soapbox now.
@riff323 I am 100% with you! It’s bad enough that Thanksgiving is essentially ignored, and all the stores opening at like 6 pm really piss me off. Like seriously, people leave their family’s Thanksgivings to go shop???? My aunt and cousin used to leave ours early and I would judge so hard.
I do all my shopping on Amazon. I don't think I've ever gone out on Black Friday. We might hit up Best Buy this year to look for a laptop, but that's near the mall and I just don't wanna deal.
Most of my shopping is done online these days. I used to get DH flannel shirts from Kohl's for $10 (reg $40) on black friday. One of these years I might try shopping at 3am to see how the lines are. I hear it's a lot less painful.
DH and I are somewhat minimalists so having to come up with a list of gift ideas is hard because we don't need more crap in our house! No need for the TV's, video games, etc.
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
I worked too many years in retail to never go Black Friday shopping, ever. I really try my best to stay out of stores in general around the holidays because people are crazy and the trashed stores give me anxiety.
I’ve only been Black Friday shopping once, a couple years ago with my SILs. We went to Target at like midnight which was actually awesome and then went to the outlet mall, which had great deals, but was pretty much anxiety inducing. Don’t think I’ll ever do that again.
If I see an amazing deal on a good vacuum that won’t die in a year due to pet hair (any suggestions???) I could definitely be convinced to go out in the madness on Friday. We haven’t even had our cordless one a year and it’s crapping out on us. First world problems but our steps are wood and it’s so much more convenient to vacuum without a cord haha.
We always go hiking on Black Friday (our state parks are free that day) and we bring leftover pie and a can of whipped cream. I don't really love shopping on a regular day... I don't think I would actually be a safe person to be around in a retail environment that day!
@b_1029 We don’t have any animal hair at my house (just my own, lol), but we love our Dyson. I *think* they have a pet hair edition. They’re more expensive but the thing is awesome - still sucking strong after 7 years.
@minnek8 that sounds kind an awesome tradition! I'm never shopping either, I'm with @riff323 on this one. Although I'm sure you can get good deals, I can't bring myself to do it!
I never go shopping on Black Friday. In my house we wear pajamas all day, watch Netflix, and eat pie. I am doing all my Christmas shopping online. Because walking aroud the mall bra-less with a glass of wine is frowned upon.
My family has always been vehemently against black Friday so I never grew up going and I feel like the crowds are getting more and more insane each year. One Thanksgiving though I went and sat all night in line with one of my good friends who was waiting to get a computer deal. We brought blankets and camped out and played catch phrase with other people in line. I just went to keep him company though and didn't actually buy anything. It actually ended up being really fun but I'd never do it as an adult.
@emeraldduchess I might be a little late on this but I realized a few weeks ago that I can totally wear one of those cute puffy vests without a bra! Its been a go to for my errands this fall.
TTGP November 2018 Siggy Challenge - Thanksgiving Dinner Fails
After working retail for too many years I avoid black Friday like the plague! I already got a lot of my shopping done during Amazon's Prime day/week in July. Like other the rest of my shopping will be done on Amazon where I can take my time and stay in my PJs.
Me:37 MH:37
TTGP since 07/2017
**TW** in spoiler
DX: PCOS, anovulatory, AMA
Femara X3: no response
Clomid X3: BFN (cyst and thin lining)
IUI (Dec '18) MMC
IVF (April '19) 9 retrieved, 7 fertilized, 2 normal PGT-A
My mom and I used to go really early and just toot around some less crazy stores (Target, TJ Maxx, Kohls) on Friday morning, and then go get early breakfast at Perkins. Now I almost always work on Black Friday! I do occasionally try and go Friday evening (its usually pretty chill by then) if I really need any good deals.
@Icking82 omg Perkins! I haven’t been there since college, but I used to always get that fried chicken-ish type sandwich (I think with bacon). Drooling over here as I reminisce...
Re: GTKY Wednesday 11/21 - Shopping Edition
Worst experience was when DH, BIL, and myself went on Thanksgiving night to wait in line at Cabela's.They were giving away so many things, DH wanted a gun and I wanted free cowboy boots. Well after wait 6+ hours in the freezing cold... we all got $5 gift cards instead of the big prizes. We walked around, went home, and slept. Not a thing was purchased lol.
Diagnosed with PCOS & Hashimoto's
The first year DH and I were living together (which was also our first Christmas together, lol) we went out at midnight and got a vacuum and a set of pots/pans. We got good deals!
I’ll prolly go to Target and Old Navy this year to get holiday PJs.
We ended up turning around to go to Wal-Mart, walked in the door, saw people literally wrestling on the floor over a TV, turned around again and ended up at (what we thought was) an empty Target. Apparently it wasn't actually empty, it's just that everyone in the store was in line. We got in said line, and we were able to shop as we went because the line just snaked up and down each aisle lol. We got some wicked deals that day. We did go back to the outlet mall around sunrise but it wasn't really worth it.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
Aug '19: Letrozole + HCG trigger + IUI + prog supp - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Sep '19: 2nd IUI, same protocol - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Dec '19: IVF #1 w/ICSI, PGT. 5 retrieved, 4 fertilized, 3 blasts, 3 PGT-A normal.
Mar '20: FET #1, perfect 5AA blast transferred. BFN.
Sept '20: FET #2, 5BB tsf. 9/18/20 BFP!! EDD: 5/27/21. MMC 11w
Feb ‘21: FET #3, last 6BB blast transferred. BFP, EDD 11/2/21. MC 5w3d.
May '21: IVF #2 w/ICSI, PGT. 8R, 7M, 6F, 6 blasts - 3AB, 3AB, 3BB, 4BB, 5BB, 6BA. Fresh tsf 5/13/21 - BFN.
June '21: PGT-A results = 3 abnormal, 1 low level mosaic. Referred to new REI, had consult with 2nd RE in between.
Sept '21: RPL, immune testing normal
Oct '21: IVF #3 w/IMSI, PGT. 33R, 26M, 23F, 9 blasts (7 day 6, 2 day 7). PGT-A = 5 normal, 1 mosaic
Dec '21: Positive for endometritis, RX Flagyl & Keflex
Jan '22: FET #5 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol incl. PRP, intralipids, prednisone, medrol, nivestym, fragmin - CP
Feb '22: FET #6 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol w/higher doses of pred & fragmin - BFN
Mar '22: Mock cycle for ERA - cancelled, repeat endometrial biopsy instead. Still positive for endometritis. RX ciprofloxacin & amoxicillin.
Apr '22: IVF #4 w/IMSI, PGT. 28R, 23M, 16F, 11 blasts. PGT-A = 6 normal.
June '22: FET #7 - Microdose lupron downreg w/kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol - double embryo transfer. BFN.
July '22: FET #8 - Mini stim w/Puregon + trigger, kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol. BFN.
Sep '22: Taking a break
Dec '22: Attempted abdominal myomectomy, fibroid too close to cervix and major blood vessels. Wasn't removed.
Feb '23: FET #9 - Modified natural w/baby asp, HCG trigger, PIO, PRP, Medrol, HCG wash, embryo glue - BFP!! EDD 11/11/23
My most memorable trip was going at midnight with my cousins in Maine the most picturesque little north east shopping center. I loved all the little shops and holiday joy! Best find was a winter hat with built in headphones for super cheap that I intended to gift but ended up keeping for myself!
Also, I hate that retail workers have to rush their thanksgiving so they can get to work that night. I liked it when everyone was open at 5am.
DH and I are somewhat minimalists so having to come up with a list of gift ideas is hard because we don't need more crap in our house! No need for the TV's, video games, etc.
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
If I see an amazing deal on a good vacuum that won’t die in a year due to pet hair (any suggestions???) I could definitely be convinced to go out in the madness on Friday. We haven’t even had our cordless one a year and it’s crapping out on us. First world problems but our steps are wood and it’s so much more convenient to vacuum without a cord haha.
I do Petsmart and Sams lol
Diagnosed with PCOS & Hashimoto's
@minnek8 your Black Friday sounds amazing.
Diagnosed with PCOS & Hashimoto's