I completely understand. I promised my 13 y.o. daughter that I would take her Black Friday Shopping this year, knowing that I might not make it, I convinced my husband to go with. I used to go very early & shop all day with my sister & mom. It was such a fun day - before I got sick. Anyway, I obviously can't Christmas shop like I used to, & like u I refuse to pay shipping so I'll only order when shipping is free. If I am not able to find free shipping, I order through Ebates. You first go to Ebates.com. & become a member. U can order from many store through EBATES & you actually get paid for using the site, so even if u have to pay shipping you'll get it back. I also ordered from eBay this ChrIstmas &quite a few direct sellers had free shipping. I order a lot from Amazon shipping is free when u become an Amazon Prime member

Mamak118, I too USED to do a lot. Black Friday shopping I was a pro at getting bargins. That was then this is now. I used to have smooth skin, be in my thirties, have little kids. I was the energizer bunny now I am the Elf on the shelf. Things change even if you don't have MS, the trick for me is to do things differently now. Every time I felt sad about what I had lost, I would stop myself and try to find a different way to do it. Or let someone else do it ( very hard to let go). I think having MS is like I have heard getting a divorce is, everything in life changes. Then you go on to build a different life. Don't even get me started on "can't afford" that can get me down.

Yes, I get it! It really stinks! I am 38 and feel 78 ( or older)! I shopped online with Amazon because I am a Prime member already. Unfortunately it costs $99 but you may be able to get a free month right now , who knows!?! I also ride one of those stupid little ( or NOT so little) scooters in stores that have them. It saves a lot of energy. I hate how people look at me though because I am overweight and younger. But what the heck, let them think what they want to! Oh and Prime on Amazon gives you free 2 day shipping so you have time. Good luck. I know it is the pits but don't let it ruin your holiday.- Suzanne

I messaged you about this post.

Some options for the web shopping is to go to Walmart. They either have free shipping to the nearest store to you for a one store pick-up. Any many cases they will ship to your door for FREE.

If you get any electronics then go to:
1.) New Egg
http://www.newegg.com/DailyDeal.aspx?Name=DailyDeal&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleKWLess&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleKWLess-_-Branding-_-Promo-_-NA&gclid=CIT8tvfAyMICFWho7AodIDEAGQ

2.) BH Photo Video
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/find/coupons-deals-promotions.jsp

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Simple dinners for you after work that even kids could help with.

1.) packet Darn Good Chili, 1 tomato paste can, water and if you want some browned hamburger. Let simmer on low for 20 mins and eat.
2.) Make brown rice and chicken up on Sunday.
a.) During the week add both together with chicken stock, blender ground carrots and poultry seasoning for chicken soup
b.) Add both together with baby carrots out if the bag, broccoli, and sliced peppers for a chicken stirfry
c.) add both together with cheese, broccoli, milk and sour cream for a casserole.

3.) Make baked potatoes and beef on sunday.
a.) baked stuff potatoes using potatoes, broccoli, cheese
b.) add both together with a bag of frozen mixed veggies and beef broth for veggie soup
c.) slice and fry potatoes and add beef on side with fruit side ie stewed pears.


Best wishes to you,
EP

Recipes sound relish EP....i got tired just reading them. Lol. If only I could reach the fridge and microwave from the couch. Jk. I have had to change my lifestyle as follows....on days I cook, I make extra and freeze it. On days I shop, I don't cook, I just defrost. On days I do housework, I don't cook or shop. I limit shopping to 2 stores and 2 hours. I don't schedule appts. On days I have to shop, or do housework. Basically I need 9 day week. I use paper plates, a very light weight vacuum and only clean a third of the bathroom every day rather than wait to do entire bathroom at once. I also walk 30 min. A day around perimeter of WalMart or mall if weather is bad. And I try to close my eyes and rest mid day whether I think I need it or not. It all helps. Hugs to everyone

Thanks, everybody, for the replies. I guess we all go through the poor me days, and I was having a big, bad pity party and was looking for people to invite! But you know what I did after I posted? I dried my eyes, applied makeup to cover the Rudolph nose, and got my butt out of the house. I don't know how I did it, but I made it work. Of course, I paid afterwards, but that's okay. I just put my feet up and looked at my tree with presents under it and breathed easier knowing it was done!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I will definitely keep them in mind for the rest of the year's birthdays, etc. You are all the best!

Kristi

Thought for the future: Target now ships all orders over $50 for free. If you need a birthday present, add other household items (toilet paper, clothes and dishwashing detergent, ice melt -- whatever stuff you need that you shouldn't waste your energy shopping for, anyway) until your total reaches $50+
If you use a Target card, they take an extra 5% off all your orders.
You can also order online (including items like peanut butter, which they won't ship) and pick the items up at your local store. Saves the energy it takes to actually shop, although you do have to put them in the car.