Garbage

Today I made my way over to Target to get my son some Pull-ups, get some toothbrushes, some cleaning supplies and a birthday present for one of Lulu's schoolmates that I have never met OR heard of.  As I perused the toy aisles, I came across 3, yes THREE, aisles of clearance toys marked down to ridiculous prices.  Being budget minded, my brain immediately goes into a whirl- OMG! I can stock up on toys and then I won't have to go shopping for the rest of the year to buy birthday presents for all the kids' friends! Legos! Megablocks!  Ironman, Batman, more Legos, fancy Barbies that aren't actually Barbies!  Wait- Zhu-Zhu pet accessories! Kids love Zhu Zhu pets- I'll get one for Emily, Lulu's school mate that I have never met OR heard of!  I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time looking through EVERYTHING- making sure I get that killer deal on all my toy needs that I don't really need.
My cart is full of boxes.
Check THIS out- It WAS $29.99- NOW it's $6.98.  Whoever gets this is gonna be llllllucky. My kids will be the kids that give ggggggood presents. Little will anyone know that I am actually a cheapskate- so much so that I don't tip those people behind counters who stand there, ring you up and expect a tip. (WHAT is that?)
I am feeling proud of myself.
Up the aisle comes a mom and her friend.  In the front of the cart is her son with absurdly short hair and glasses.  They too are scanning the toys. I'm thinking to myself that this mom is not gonna get out of here easily.  That is until her son exclaims- "This is all just plastic garbage!" I am feeling a little stupid now with my cart full of "garbage" but I just look at her, smile and say "You have him trained well! How old is he?" Turns out he is 4. I hear him babbling about Lincoln Logs as they meander off.
My judgement: Beyond his stupid haircut, he probably loves his stir fried veggies and seitan (is there a reason that it is a homophone for Satan?)and that kid has NEVER watched TV.  Is this bad? No, but is it good?
I scoot with my cart of garbage and go to the next aisle.  There is an elderly couple looking for a gift. The guy asks "Honey, who is Nai-Hao Kai Lan?" (His "honey" is asian)  "Honey" appears annoyed "WHY would anyone want something that is called hello broccoli????" I start to laugh and they glare at me. Moving right along.
My judgment: Fuckers. What did I do? Is it illegal to eavesdrop when you are 3 feet away from me? Geez.
I make my way to the check out with my cheap garbage, passing the kid's section where I pick out a cute bathing suit for Lulu that she doesn't need.

When I go to pick up Lulu today at school she introduces me to Emily.  Emily is EXTREMELY polite- I am impressed. Emily shakes my hand but never looks at me.
She informs me that she and Lulu were discussing her birthday and what she is really "hoping" for is a journal.
A journal? really?
I ask her if she likes Zhu Zhu pets.  She shakes her head. "I would REALLY like a journal.  I need to go now. It was very nice to meet you, I hope you have a nice afternoon. See you soon!"  She really said this. Apparently Emily is ALSO a well trained child except throughout the whole encounter she never looks at me. 
My Judgment: Very polite but the not looking thing is disconcerting...kinda geeky- HOW is it that she and Lulu are friends? I'm confused.
I'm also thinking I don't like her very much at that moment (but just at that moment) because NOW I have to go shopping AGAIN even though I thought I had it covered for the rest of the year.  Apparently, I was wrong. Another mom who was 3 feet away and eavesdropping told me where I could find JUST the right journal AND on sale.
Hello Broccoli!
I thanked her for the tip, all the while thinking I really don't want to go to the mall, but at least NOW I know what little girls who aren't Lulu want for their 8th birthday and my closet is full of plastic garbage.

So today 1-13-11- I am recording SOME of my daily judgments.
Why do I always have to think negatively? How can I change this? How can I be more accepting of people?
I bought some junk and am wondering what exactly I am teaching my children about "stuff".  I know that is a general term but it suits my needs....  I also question my ability to instill in my children good manners. I was so impressed with these smart strange children today.  Maybe not so negative after all.