thank you, Cher

     I had good intentions yesterday of partaking in Buy Nothing Day, that is, not partaking in Black Friday. Under normal circumstances, this would be quite easy, since small children and shopping don't usually blend well in my life. But this year, I happened to be "single" on Friday, and often kid-free time is time I use to do the leisurely browsing in stores that I cannot do with an overactive 2 year old in hand.
    So, what a dilemma. . . . a whole day with no work, no restrictions and lots of good sales. I know I won't have an opportunity like this again before Christmas. On the other hand, I also don't have a lot of shopping to do, since our gifts focus on photos of the family, food, and charitable gifts anyway. Birthday shopping for the almost-3-year-old is done.
    Like a moth to a flame I found myself at 50th and France anyway yesterday morning, ostensibly to get some groceries to make a meal for a friend who just had a baby (I figure food doesn't count in Buy Nothing  Day, and it sure was easier than before Thanksgiving). Yes, I wandered into some stores, mostly clothing stores. And they all had special "one day only" sales. The soundtracks were pumping up the hyperactive, "feel good about yourself" mood, and I felt myself slipping into the identity-seeking thought that accompanies all such shopping: "If I wore this jacket/ shoes/shirt/necklace, I would be more together/ sophisticated/fashionable/ sexy/ admirable/ etc."
    But then the soundtrack switched to Cher, belting out, "What have you done today, to make yourself feel proud?" Good question! I walked away from the sale rack, walked out of the store, and bought nothing but ingredients for chili and cornbread. And damn, I feel  proud.
    Thank you, Cher.