the funniest place in the world at this time of year- the local mall. callooh callay! i have never had so much fun in a crowd of teenyboppers, confused boyfriends, and struggling mothers. i usually hate crowds, but this time, it was amazing.

as i sharked around for a parking spot in the crowded lots, i couldnt stop giggling. as soon as a spot opened up, there would immediately, even if there was no one around 2 seconds before, be three cars with their blinker on in line for the space. each one, as i looked down the lines of them, making an angrier face than the person in front of them. when i finally found one of my own, i could only return the glares with muffled smiles.

once i got it, i realized, truly, what a zoo the place was! so many many people trying to get through such narrow narrow isles and doorways. anxious moms pushing strollers in bowling ball fashion through the ever expanding line near the 'maui wowi', girls of all ages sniffing each and ever candle scent in each and every candle store, and abercrombie customers in pre-ripped visors filled the cavernous space with talk of sales and outfits and frappe-cappe-mochachino-latte-espresso-shots. also, so very very funny.

and, of course, by far my favorite aspect, Hot Topic- the ultimate paradox. the abercrombie of the underworld. the anarchy corporation. how many things can you really wear with blue/red/orange flames? wallets, shirts, pants, belts... these kids come out looking like they are on fire, and i assume the rest of the black that covers them must be the smoke or the soot or something really dark and along those lines "the emptiness that followeth the burn.. ahahaha". i guess i just dont get the 'not selling out by selling out' mentality. all i know is, if i want to be ripped off for an Ozma shirt, i'll at least get it at the show. however, i will say that the store has some merit, because whenever i need to find a fuzzy steering wheel cover, or a rainbow bright with devil horns car air freshener, or maybe if i feel like spending the big rediculous bucks, i can pick up a pair of $30 blue Dickies. viva la markup!