Shopping Rant

I simply do NOT understand the desire to shop. I ESPECIALLY can't understand the desire to DRIVE somewhere, STAY in a hotel, and spend THREE DAYS shopping.

If I can't get it somewhere in Plymouth, Sheboygan, or somewhere I happen to be driving past -- I simply do not need it.

What exactly is the draw to these shopping adventures on which so many people embark? Is it the massive crowds shoving you around? The long lines to wait in to spend hundreds of dollars? The endless walking down the street/through the malls looking for the perfect place to save $3.00? Perhaps driving two hours just to reach your destination? Or is it coming home and realizing that you spent $1000 (or probably more) which will be coming back to haunt you in the form of a credit card bill in two weeks? In which of those does the true excitement lie? Is it really true that you "found such great deals!!!" if you have to spend $100/night to stay in a hotel and $80 in gas just to find them?

Do your kids truly know if you bought their shirt at Wal-Mart or some cute little shop in Chicago at 40% off? Do they care? If they DO care, what kind of life have you offered them up to this point? Is this sort of thing now expected?

I am simply unable to understand. I don't get it. Can someone please fill me in on how brainwashed you need to be to think that driving for hours, staying in a hotel, and doing nothing but shopping for three days is your idea of a great time?