I should have thought better than to take this job.  I knew it was a mistake, but at the time I really needed the money, so I applied.  Was immediately hired.  That isn't the problem.  The problem is this: I have to work Thanksgivng weekend and ALSO on Christmas Day.

I guess that's to be expected in the retail field, but come on!  Doesn't anybody give a rip about OUR feelings, OUR plans??  It seems that they don't: all the bosses seem to care about is the Almighty Dollar or how much they can ring up during the holiday sales.

Sad.

I know I have to work to provide for my family, but my kids are going to be so disappointed: they are only two and four; they are going to be so disappointed when they find out that Mommy won't be able to cook a big, tasty Thanksgiving dinner or open Christmas presents under the Christmas tree because Mommy has to work.

I know Gilberto, my live-in boyfriend (and the children's Papi), is disappointed as well, but my heart breaks for the children.  This is the first Christmas that they will probably ever remember and they will have to spend it without me because I will be working at Wal+Mart.

I am not looking forward to it.  

The crowds are going to be massive and chaos will probably erupt in more ways than one could ever thought possible.  Whoever coined the phrase "Black Friday" came up with a winner because it is that.  And I personally think that they should rename the days before Thanksgiving and the day after "Black-And-Blue Friday" because no doubt people will probably end up getting hurt in the melee once those doors open bright and early because people just gotta get in on the deals!

I know plenty of people who are upset about working on Thanksgiving Day (not to mention, Christmas Day).  I know I am.  It just doesn't seem fair!  Is that too much to ask, to have one day off during the year so we can spend the holiday with our families at least?? 

Well, I am going to have to go and tell the children about next week.  I know they will be angry at me, but I'm sorry.  Whatever the boss says, whatever the schedule tells me, then that's it.  There's no getting out of it; if I do I run the risk of getting fired and right now I can't risk it.  Too many bills to have to pay and if I want to put food on the table or clothes on the kids, then I'd better show up for work come Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, no questions asked!