Dillard's Lakeside waiting in queue in game thread

Dear Friends,

I have partly composed this letter beforehand, as I knew that the excitement of the line at Dillard's would distract me from the full focus a letter to you demands. I wish each and all of you a happy new year. To be honest, I do not celebrate this day. I celebrated the true New Year's the first Sunday of Advent, when the Christian new year begins. For those who do celebrate, may today be significant to you and may you take this time to reflect and look forward, as the trite NYE TV commentators might say.

I want to use today to thank you for letting me become a part of this OT family. I cherish and give thanks for all of you, even those who Rummey does not like. Let us remember that where one of us goes, we all go. It is therefore imperative, dear friends, that we help each other along the way to take the right path that leads to righteousness, mercy, and love. If we see one being misled, gently nudge him or her back onto the true way. If one of us is injured, we all are injured. Be kind in your reproving and be vigilant to help your brother and sister.

I have done my best to share with you my shopping secrets at this time of year. I have withheld nothing, as I view you as my own flesh and blood. One thing I may not have emphasized enough this year is that you shop as you practice.

Shopping is serious business. If you go into it without preparation, you are going to fail. Take today's Dillard's New Years sale. I am sitting here, tenth in line. The crowds are already building. It's a great atmosphere of tailgating. Lots of laughter and conversations. One group has some kids throwing a football. Just a lovely scene and the weather is still, quiet, and chill. Perfect.

Most of these guys are seasoned experts to whom I have imparted my shopping jewels to them in years past. To be true, I once was the student and received shopping advice from one long gone now. It is my obligation to share this knowledge with you. There's Jennifer three ahead of me. She has her map out and she is studying it -- I taught her the importance of mapping a store beforehand and she has taken those words to heart.

Last night there were about five of us planning our routes. Just like a football team practices, to be the best shopper possibly, you need to get out there and spill some blood and sweat. You're not going to get what you want if you just run through the motions and show up. No, this is serious and you're going up against competition that takes this seriously. I ran through hundreds of route permutations, allowing for obstacles, item misplacement, shopper subterfuge, landmines, and employee interference. Employees, as some know, are willing to hide things and trick you because they want these items saved for the 90% sale, which for them will be 95% off with their employee discount.

My budget this morning is $2500. Always have a budget and stick to it. Always bring bags. Grab a cart if possible as you rush towards your target. But most important is the map. Always be mapping. I cannot emphasize this enough. Imagine an army fighting without knowledge of the land's lay. Chaos it would be, and ultimately, defeat and death. You must, you absolutely must, map your target and your intended path. Below is an example:



My best of friends, may your New Years shopping be magnificent, coordinated, and fruitful. Perhaps we may run into each other at Golden Corral afterwards, where we can regale each other with tales of our conquering exploits. From success to success, my friends!

Love,
TulaneLSU