The husband is a bit of Luddite when it comes to electronics. We didn't buy a T.V. for the longest time. For 3 years we just put the T.V. that my dad won in the 1980's in the closet and rolled this baby out to watch movies. When Blockbuster changed to completely DVDs we were devastated and had to go purchase a cheap DVD player. Our T.V. from the 80's didn't have the proper cable adapters so we had to plug the DVD player into our VCR player, which was plugged into the T.V. Finally, three days before I went into labor we went and purchased a modernized T.V. The husband had his misgivings, but eventually he gave in so that in the middle of night feedings I could watch segments of movies (or as it turns out many, many episodes of 24).
So, when the husband confided in me that he wanted a Wii for his birthday, I was a bit shocked. He expressed this desire many times over the last few months and when his birthday money brought his blow savings up the allotted amount we decided it was time to go hunting. We heard rumors that it was hard to get a Wii, and after a weekend of searching we couldn't find one. But, we had a strategy for getting one.
The Game Stop nearby gave us advice. They said that the best time was right after a shipment came in and gave us the varying days when shipments were the best chance of having Wii's. These times were ranges really, all in the middle of the day, and all within the baby's nap period. They were all random times during the week so it was agreed that it would be my job to keep checking. Because the husband usually never wants more electronics, but against all that he holds dear had purchased me a brand spanking new T.V., it was the least I could do.
Week 1: Drive to Game Stop before baby's nap and ask if there is a Wii on Monday and there is no shipment. Drive to store on Tues at 11:30 and there are no Wii's. Wednesday am informed that a shipment came in the day before at 12:00 and was sold out by 2pm.
Week 2: Similar scenario as the first week. On Thursday I discovered another store nearby, but they weren't getting a shipment in until Friday. I then drive by on Friday around 3 after the baby's nap, but they are already sold out.
Week 3: See week 1-2. This week I face bitter disappointment. Each time I drive to the store I think, "This is it. This is the day that we will get the husband's Wii!" Only to be crushed every single time.
Week 4: Get a card from an employee that is starting to feel sorry for me as he watches me carry my son in the store every time and immediately leave to go put him back in the car seat. He tells me that they are getting a shipment in on Friday and to call him and he'll let me know if any are in.
Today is Friday. Good Friday, in fact, was very good to us. I call. The Game Stop clerk answers my phone call, and to my surprise I hear, "Sure, we just got some in." I scream at the husband to follow me as I grab the diaper bag and keys. I see him run out the door with the baby. I lock the door as the husband runs to the car and buckles the baby into his car seat. By the time the husband is done I am in the driver's seat and we are pulling out of the parking lot. We get there and I run into the store to wait in line. When it is my turn I (as nonchalantly as I could) say, "One Wii please." The man smirks at me (I think it was because I practically ran into the store) and goes into the secret room where they keep the Wiis. I pay and walk out triumphant.
It's true you know.
It's better when you win it.
2 comments:
Good Job! Persistence pays. We got a Wii the first Christmas that it came out only because an unbelievably kind student and his friend CAMPED OUT AT TARGET all night in a line for us because they heard that a shipment was coming in. That, my friend, is true love.
And, you know, "the husband" (I love that) will be lost in "Brawl" for hours on end and you, in turn, will have lots of time to blog - woohoo!
So glad to hear you guys aren't on the cutting edge of electronics. We are hte same. In fact, we did not have a tv and certainly no cable for our first several years. We have had a tv the last few years that embarrasses our neighbors. Finally one of the 'bors decided to upgrade his HDTV that was a year old and let us have it for a plant exchange for his yard! We were quite excited. And now we barely watch it. Still makes us feel cool though!
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