What a wonderful holiday we had. Although it was spent in the Oncology unit at Sunnyside Kaiser Permanete in Portland. Why there you ask? My Father in law who means the world to me as a father was diagnosed with Mantel Cell Lymphoma about 2 weeks ago. He will spend about 4-5 days per month getting chemo treatments for the next 6 or 7 months. As hard as it is for the family, I know in my heart that he is a fighter. A fighter like no other. He has already been through cancer treatments before, so this should be a cake walk.

Black Friday was like no other before, the shopping, the crowds, the thrill..total chaos. What more could I ask for on the day that every other person goes out and shops until the credit cards are maxed out. Well not mine, but you get the picture. This was the first year I was totally on my own shopping. Fred was working, so it was me. I only had one item that was my MUST have item. It did require me standing in line at 4:45am at Target. I was about the 20th person in line, so I wasn't too worried about not getting that one MUST have item. I was more worried about the check out lines. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. Not too shabby for my first go round alone. I was pleased, yet I didn't have the brains to say 'stop, go home where it's warm'. I kept going, I went to a few more stores, nothing too grand. The amount of people is what got to me. I held out for 3 more stores then called it a day. Overall, I did well and I'm happy with what I got. I always think to myself that next year I won't do it, but in my heart, I know I will be in line at some store at 5am next year on Black Friday.