Holiday Gifts

I’ve been told I can buy myself a birthday gift, but (frankly) find I’m in the blessed position of not actually wanting a thing.

As a gift for Paul and Jordan, Jamie got them a sugar cookie as their wedding gift since we, as a couple, totally forgot a gift. Well, I kinda forgot too since Kyle and I got them a tent from REI. So, I can see how it happened. What I didn’t expect was the following:

One day away! So far, I’ve gotten a lovely necklace and pair of earrings from my Rachel, and a fabulous set of purple mixing bowls from Christine. Whoever says they dont like presents is lieing!

6. Age 24 - (Are you still with me?) I am now a young, childless newlywed. My generous hubby takes me to the Flying Duchman and presents me with a sapphire-diamond necklace..jackpot!!

I was given Valentine’s candy from one of the girls, which I initially refused until she insisted. The more I think about it, the more I’m humbled by her generosity. Candy is not a regular staple of their diet there, and is normally reserved for special occasions, or “purchased” with “privilege points” they earn for reaching their goals. She didn’t just give me a single piece, she gave me the WHOLE bag of candy she’d gotten for Valentine’s Day. I feel like I should give it back, now that I realize the high personal cost of her gift.

Thank goodness for my daughter and husband and their joy in just being together or the hype over the holiday would have killed it for me. I just don’t get the pressure to perform on Valentine’s Day. It’s nearly impossible to plan anything for the day. The guys in my office have all been in a tizzy all week. But they waited until TODAY to go to the card store, florist, etc. In the past 3 days I’ve rescheduled 2 business trips, tracked 1 missing package for a coworker’s high-maintenance girlfriend and made too many dinner reservations for tonight…all in the name of Valentine’s Day.

A few of years ago…my mom gave me an Elann Sample Skein subscription as a Christmas gift. I was so excited when the first installment arrived…the tiny skeins were all in shades of off white and I recall thinking that I could knit a long ecru scarf with my year’s worth of samples…until the February installment arrived and all the samples were in shades of blue. As my padded envelope arrived each month it was clear that a scarf still could indeed be knit with the samples but it would end up looking very patchwork and I am good with that. I decided to wait until my subscription ran out before beginning the project so I could play with all the colors and figure out the proper placement. I am actually just closing my eyes and pulling a skein out of the bag when one color runs out so the scarf is being knit totally random.

overall, the wedding stuff is going well. i finally started looking for a dress. i’m pretty sure i know what i want. not saying anything else about it because burnaby can’t know what i’m getting. no peeky peekoo, mr wallace. =P also we be looking for florist/decoration/pretty stuff to prettify everything. we gots some ideas, so we’re getting therrre. and we’re going to the catering fair tomorrow to decide on the food. this is when we can taste all their food offerings. it’s buffet style so you get your grub on during this event.

My mother loved her birthday gift and I’m really glad it got to her in time. It’s the best feeling when you know someone you care for is really happy. She’s called me three times already from her new phone and sent me two text messages.

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays when I'm glad I have kids, because teachers make sure they have handmade Valentine cards for their Moms. They also bring candy home from school!