It's true. I've participated in Black Friday in some years past. No, I'm not proud of myself for getting up at an asinine time on a holiday weekend. But hey, I snagged that George Foreman Grill for $14!

In any event, I'm choosing to avoid as much Black Friday this year as possible. It's not necessarily because of economic conditions, I've simply realized that 'deals' are simple a crazy ploy to get me to spend money on crap I really don't need.

This year, I'm going to make it a point to use Craigslist as my shopping source. In general, if I am patient, I can find gently used stuff at incredible prices. And no waking up at 3am.

Oh, by the way, my favorite store this year is Kohl's, open bright and early at 4am. Who in their right mind would EVER come to your store at 4am for deals? I mean, really? A sweater for $9.99? Please.