So today I started my holiday shopping. The list of people I get gifts for is small, so I wasn't too worried about waiting until the first weekend in December to get things started. Hey, it's better than waiting for the last weekend. OK, technically I started yesterday with an online order, but I don't count that. There's no human interaction, no fighting crowds, and circling parking lots for parking spots... huh... why don't I do more shopping online?
Mom was today's target. Typically difficult to shop for, but not because of a lack of wants or ideas. This year I had two options; a GPS unit or Wii Fit Plus. I was leaning towards the GPS unit at first, but then was realizing she doesn't really go anywhere that she would need it to give her directions to. Plus, when using my phone with a GPS program on it, she typically ignores it. So scratch that. So this year it's an experiment with the Wii and Wii Fit Plus.
I've never been a big console game player. In fact my first game console was an Atari 2600, followed some many years later by a used PlayStation. The first one. I know the big 3 (PlayStation 3, XBox 360, Wii) and have played on the first 2, but have never experienced the gyrating fun of the Wii. It's a pretty neat idea having the games controlled by player motions, but I wasn't sure the tech was really up to the task of making it fun. Also, the fact that Nintendo skimped on the graphical prowess of the game console, and that the console can't play CDs or DVDs didn't really impress me. But with that aside, I'm definitely curious to try Wii Sports, included with the console.
Wii Fit Plus (with balance board), I have to say, I'm less interested in, and it kind of worries me. This game is supposed to be some kind of exercise routine that uses the board to correct technique, and keep track of your workouts. I'm not crazy about the kiddy like graphics of it, unless graphics change depending on one's age. I have to admit that the board concept is pretty neat, and if this "game" is half as good as the reviews say it is, this could be a win. Hopefully mom won't be overwhelmed by it. In my defense, this was what she wanted without any input from anyone else.
Anyway I got them both from my local Costco for just a little over $300 with tax. Yeah, I might have been able to get it online for less but Costco is so good with returning stuff. But speaking of Costco, my local one is boycotting Coke! I'm wondering if this is a national thing, regional thing, or just locally? Apparently Costco feels that Coke isn't giving them a good enough price to offer to us members. So along with the Wii stuff, I left with a 36 pack of Pepsi. I already feel like that was a mistake. The Pepsi, not the Wii.
One last bit about today. Had lunch with mom at Applebees and wow. So, I understand as a waiter/waitress it can be a tough job. I understand that during the holidays it could be a very busy, tough job. But should you treat your customers like they are not worth your time? Our waitress was horrible! Normally I don't mention much about that, especially at an Applebee's where all I want to do is eat and run, but what should have been at most a 30 minute meal took over an hour. The wait wasn't the kicker though for me, it was how this waitress ignored us, and treated us quite rudely throwing down our plates and bill, forgetting to refill my Pepsi (no Coke offered here, which is why I'm questioning my 36 pack buy), and ignoring us when we first sat down. For the first time in as long as I can remember I left without tipping. Do I feel bad about it? Kind of, it being the holidays and all, but my tipping her would have reinforced a horrible service encounter.
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