Living in the 00's means that the only time you get to take a breather is in between mowing the lawn and doing other house chores on the one day off you've had in 3 months because the factory you work at over-committed themselves, and let's face it, they're not going to turn down money.  So, any ideas you had about getting a new pair of boots, overalls, gunpowder, or

groceries are going to have to wait until your next day off, in November. 

Retail business hours are based on the Schmendrick Principle which states that no matter what time you get off from work, the minute your car tire hits the store parking lot, the store has either just closed for lunch, or closed for the day.  So what do you do?  Well, you could do all your shopping in a fatigue haze at Meijer's or the Super Wal-Mart, but then your resistance is so low that you run the risk of succumbing to the tricky impulse buy.  How many calling cards or Zagnut bars can a person use in one lifetime?  Fortunately you don't need a car to hit the E-mall, so the Schmendrick Principle won't apply.  Any time, day or night, shop for everything you need on the 'net.     

The first thing you need to know, after what it is you want, is where to get it.  So the best place to start is at The Catalog Site.  In addition to a break down of several categories, you can do a search of over 200 catalogs.  There's a list of the site's top ten which includes, for example, JC Penny, Talbot, J. Crew, and Bed & Bath.  Click on the link and you will sign up to have a catalog sent to you.  Once the catalog arrives you can window shop in the break room and shop online when you get home.  This site is for those that just don't get enough junk mail already. 

The next site to check out is called WebMarket.  This site is also divided up into categories, but instead of ordering catalogs, this site allows you to order products directly from the web sites linked to WebMarket.  Keep in mind that half the fun of checking out these websites is the multitude of directions each site takes you.  It's like a story with unlimited endings, and no story is ever the same.  You may find points of interest that I never even knew existed.  Have fun and explore.

I love this next site, and I've used it a few times.  It's called BookFinder.com.  Type in the author or book title, book type (new, used, out of print), features (first edition, signed copy), and what type of currency you use (hint: US

Dollars), and this site will search hundreds of used bookstore inventories to find your book.  I wanted to find an old, out of print book by Alan King that I read in high school called, Help, I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery.  Not only did BookFinder find several copies floating around, but I was able to buy a first edition, hardback, autographed copy for under $15.  If anyone asks, my grandmother's name is now Eunice, and she was very close to Alan when they were younger.  Look for the best deals on new books as well.  Can't make it down to Border's Bookstore?  Buy your favorite Jonathen Kellerman book at 3 a.m. on a Wednesday.  Also check out Alibris for rare and used books.       

mySimon Inc allows you to enter an item and it will search for the best price online.  Or, take the easy way out and use the preset list of shopping

departments.  This is by far one of the best shopping sites online today, which is why I would recommend you check out this site before any others.  Similar to mySimon inc is CEOExpress Personal Shopper Marketplace.  One word for this site: HUGE.  For business, camera, electronic and computer needs, go to Outpost.com.

One of the other trappings of the 00's is that, other than work and NASCAR, we have no reason to leave the house anymore.  Everything you can want or need is only a mouse click away, except a friendly smile at the Wal-Mart

entrance, or the cute counter girl at Office Max.  If you have no time to enjoy the money you work so hard for, then maybe you should rethink what you're really working for.  In the meantime, I have a trunk full of Zippo lighters and a National Enquirer I have to return.  No more midnight fudge runs for me.  She can get her own chocolate from now on.       

Shop in the E-mall