Our first attempt to get one was on the Thursday before his return. I knew people went to the mall to line up prior to store opening so I figured I'd get there at 9 for the 10am opening. When I got there the store was already open and they were basically out for the day. The Mac guy said people line up like 6am to get in line so I would have to try again. No biggie I thought we'll try again the next day.
Friday Smoodge and I made our way to the mall at 6:30am. I couldn't walk right to the store as I had to go to the middle of the mall to the elevator since I had the stroller. I was number 27 in line. Smoodge was a trooper as we sat in the dark mall waiting. We got to talking with the people around us and found out that they come out about 8am to hand out reservation cards to people. When they came out they made it about 15 people in line and then were out. The system they set up was that each person in line could get 2. There were a few groups of Asian folks who apparently have online shops and showed up daily to get and resell. A guy named Rick in line said they were there every day at like 5am. This was a bit annoying since i just wanted one for us. Whoomp whoomp.
So now it's Friday night and I really just had one more shot at this. Stan would be returning and I wouldn't be able to explain why Smoodge and I were leaving the house at the crack of dawn. I committed to get there at 5:30am to ensure that I would be first in line. My plan was almost thwarted when Stan insisted we talk first thing in the morning over Skype at the house the next day, but I came up with an alibi that we'd be going to an early morning exercise class - he bought it - phew!
We arrived at the mall at 5:30 am just as the guard was opening the door by the elevators! I was psyched. When we got to the shop there were already 11 people ahead of us! Grrrr. The guy I had met the day before - Rick was in the first position. He said he had come at 4:30 and got in through a service entrance. I tried to see if he'd let me stand with him, but the Asian vendors weren't having that. So the wait began. Luckily Smoodge slept part of the time. At around 8 the store manager came and said their shipment wouldn't arrive til Sunday! Noooo! She said they had a few, but would only supply the first few people in line. I just wasn't willing to give up so I decided to hang out, knowing chances were slim. Sure enough they handed out cards (only 1 per person this time) and didn't make it to me. Then a miracle! Rick came back to me in line and handed me the exact card I was hoping for! He had waited 6 days in line, but said he wanted me to have it so I wouldn't have to bring Cole out again so early and so I could surprise Stan. What an awesome guy!!!! So we ended up getting the exact gift we wanted. Kindness still exists!
On his birthday Stan golfed in the afternoon and when he came home we had a scavenger hunt based on pictures around the house to find his gifts - razors (he hates buying the Costco pack although he uses everyday!, picture, Ipad2).
We finished the night with a yummy dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House. Yes, The Smoodge came too - fancy eats for 9 months old! Turns out he loves garlic mashed potatoes.
No comments:
Post a Comment