Brave shoppers offer advice for one of the busiest shopping days of the year

I was so naive. Shopping? Big deal, I thought. There will be a few people who will show, I'll get a quote or two from these docile bargain hunters and I'll still beat the sun back to the office.

Not only was I naive, I was so slow. I am, as I've admitted before, gravity-challenged to start with.

But this was the day after Thanksgiving, which means on Thanksgiving mom had the turkey, the ham, three kinds of dressing and umpteen pies — and I sure wouldn't want to bruise mom's feelings by not partaking of each.

Plus, I was a "Black Friday” rookie and the veterans can sense a rookie. That can be good or bad.

On the good side, they feel sorry for you that you are a rookie, especially if you're naive and slow.

On the bad side, you're nothing more than a speed bump if you get between them and, say for example, Elmo at a reduced price.

Reaching the toy store about 6:30 a.m., I was surprised at the lines.

The store manager later told me he was surprised when he arrived at 5:45 a.m. for an 8 a.m. opening and seven or eight people were already waiting.

For the next hour and a half the tension grew.

And then it was time.

A repetitious clank could be heard as the storefront metal gate began its ascension.

I'd covered bull riding for more than a decade and never felt this kind of rush.

They charged into the toy store and for the most part, they came out.

Never had I seen anything like it.

After writing feverishly of this grand experience, I laughed to the effect of "who would do this?”

Here's a bit of advice — try not to do that, laugh at others.

Why? The following year the answer was "Me.”

My wife saw the item she wanted us to give our daughter for Christmas — she saw it in a circular on Thanksgiving Day. The next morning, I'm whiskered but well-layered as I left the house at 4 a.m.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you where I was headed — Toys 'R Us. Feel free to cringe.

Much to my surprise, I'm about a dozen people deep as I take my place in line. But the coolest thing happened. The veterans could sense I was inexperienced and they took me in. I was in awe. I came with the circular in hand, bearing a photo of my target item. That was nothing compared to them. They had circulars, but they also had lists and other notes. I think these people had scouted their opponent well. I hadn't, but again they felt pity.

"What are you looking for?” the well-prepared bargain hunter asked.

"A karaoke machine,” I replied, showing the person my circular picture.

Going to the tiptoes, and raising an arm to point, the person said "It's right over there.”

Outstanding.

Not only had this saved me time, but allowed me to form a game plan. My item was stacked near the center of the entry aisle. If I paused I'd hold up the masses, and there were masses. Instead I would go hard, scoop the box into my cart and then run for cover. After catching my breath I would head toward the checkout aisle. It worked.

I saved money, met new friends and suffered not even the slightest of contusions.

I vowed to return on future "Black Fridays” and have.