Now.

I know this is a sign. But I just can't tell what kind.

What do you think? Is a local furniture store (that shall remain unidentified-but let's just say it shares a highly popular name with a bunch of girls) running an ad that 'celebrates' the 4th of July by offering a "17.76%" discount a sign of the Apocalypse? Or is it a good thing, helping people who's brains are otherwise fried by sun, sparklers, and grilling remember a significant date in American history?

I'm going with Apocalypse.

I know the retailers are desperate, that times are overall desperate, but this is verging on ridiculous. The marketing campaign for Back To School is already in full swing, and has been for almost three weeks. And it's July 2nd, people!

But that's nothing. We were in a craft store a week and a half ago, and they had all of their 'fall harvest/Thanksgiving' merchandise out. I was horrified, really. And then I turned around and saw . . . a Christmas tree. Followed by five aisles-FIVE!- of Christmas ornaments, wrapping paper, and cards.

This was still June, people. It was June 22nd. And Christmas was in the house. You know, it's just like a big ol' marketing middle finger to the rest of summer, fall, even Halloween. From a sales point of view, it says, "Screw now."

Well, I say, Screw Them. I'm not buying crap from stores that don't grasp the concept of this nifty little device called 'the calendar.' I refuse to let my now--imperfect as it may be--invalidated just to be guilt-tripped into spending money I don't have on crap I don't need. In this economic climate, I get to vote with my wallet, and you know darned well that vote's going to be counted. Power to the purse!

Who the hell wants to think about Thanksgiving right now, anyway? This is peak Joy of Summer time! I'm going to take my boy to a summer ball game and we're going to stay late to watch the fireworks. We'll eat sno-cones and hope to catch a fly ball and watch the clouds take shape, and then maybe go to a summer festival or play some mini golf. We're going to just enjoy the here and now.

One day at a time, baby! It's not just a bumper sticker. Now. Be a part of it!