If our last trek to the US a couple weeks back is any indication of the mass of Canadians that will be heading down to the US to jump in the frenzy that is Black Friday… It shall be an onslaught. As mentioned in a previous post, it took us 3 hrs to cross the boarder a couple weeks back. So you factor in the strong Canadian dollar, Christmas around the corner and massive sales thats the norm with BF and it’s a recipe for a stampede of Canadians crossing the boarder. Many of whom have already checked into their hotel, scanned through the flyers/circulars and made a plan of attack as soon as the doors open tomorrow.
For those of you dumb enough to try leaving in the morning, here are a few websites you should check out before you leave. They give you updates on how long the wait is at the various boarder crossings..

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html 

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/
(Ontario Ministry of Transportation)

http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/en/information/cameras/frontieres/index.asp
(Transports Québec)

http://www.peacebridge.com/webcam.php
[Peace Bridge)

http://www.ambassadorbridge.com/bridge-report.php
(Ambassador Bridge)

http://www.dwtunnel.com/traffic.html
(Detroit-Windsor Tunnel)

http://www.borderlineups.com
(British Columbia)

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/border/
(Washington State)

BTW, do you know what Cyber Monday is?

The term Cyber Monday refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday, the ceremonial kick-off of the holiday online shopping season in the United States between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Whereas Black Friday is associated with traditional brick-and-mortar stores, “Cyber Monday” symbolizes a busy day for online retailers. The theory was that consumers would return to their offices after the Black Friday weekend, making purchases online that they were not able to make in stores. This theory has not survived the test of time (see below). However, Cyber Monday has evolved into a significant marketing event, sponsored by the National Retail Federation’s Shop.org division, in which online retailers offer low prices and promotions.  (source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_Monday)

With the holiday season quickly approaching don’t forget to not neglect your work. When you work from home it’s very easy to forget that this is your actual job and stray from money generating tasks. Before you head out shopping or planning elaborate dinner parties, remember what’s most important and get your work done.

Make a list of all the things you want to get accomplished for the entire day or week. List both work and other activities so you get a clear picture on how busy your schedule will be. Then take a closer look at your work activities… list them in order of importance. Now before you step out to hit the malls for “Back Friday” or other holiday shopping, make sure you complete at least 5 of those important work related tasks.

Prioritize… this is your Work From Home Wednesday tip!

Chris…