jianantonic | Dec. 25th, 2003

The Christmas haul this year was pretty good. Emily was out of town, though, so I have a few more days before we get together and do our annual comparing. :) Ok, no, I'm not really that materialistic. Actually I mostly got stuff for my new house this year. Mom got me a welcome sign, and William got me a bunch of cat stuff, since he knows I'll be getting a couple of kitties as soon as I move into the new place. I also got a complete set of dumbells, 5s, 8s, 10s, and 12s, but no 15s. I asked for 15s. Apparently no one took me seriously about those. Well. Mom also got me some sateen sheets and a Heffner robe. It's maroon velvet, just like his. But it's Laura Ashley, probably not just like his. Mom gave Jeremy some vegetarian cookbooks, including an all Indian cookbook. Yum:) Adrian got me a gift certificate to the same place I got him one. I gave him a massage certificate to this local spa, and he got me a certificate for a manicure and pedicure there. Looking at my feet, I guess I need it:) I also got one of those spinny head toothbrushes. It works really well; I can tell my teeth are quite clean, but it flings toothpaste and water all over my face. I never have been a hygiene expert. Ah well. I pretty much got everything I asked for and nothing I didn't. I was prouder of the things I actually gave this year. I feel like I picked really good presents for everyone. For Dad, I got a really neat puzzle, as well as a gemstone to make something for Mom. I call it a "starter kit." For Mom, I got a birdhouse built like a lighthouse. It's really pretty. I hope she'll hang it someplace nice. I gave Adrian a massage certificate. He was disappointed that I hadn't gotten one with a "happy ending," but I think it'll be okay. For William, I chipped in towards a really high tech jog stroller, and a stuffed animal thingy for my niece's crib. I gave Jeremy some satin sheets and a stainless steel pocket watch, to be engraved "Jcow" on the front. I got good things for my other friends, too, but since our party is not until next week, I can't say what just yet.

I was thinking for the New Year's party, we'll do pot luck again this year. As far as presents go, I know not everyone will have something for everyone, so what we should do is just bring all the presents we want to bring and stick them under the tree at the beginning of the night. That way it's not like, "here, I'm going to hand out presents to a select few of you." It's just like "hey, here's a present under the tree for Helen." Most of the people coming haven't seen each other in a year, so it can't be expected that we'll all have something for everyone else. That said, little things only, anyway. The real present is everyone being together and having a good time:) I'm so sappy! But it's true. If you want to come to this party, email me and I'll give you the details of time, location, and theme. :) If you're on my friends list, you're definitely invited, so don't sit there wondering whether or not you should ask. I'm not exclusive!

Anyway, it is time now for me to get dressed for our Christmas outing to the Turpins'. Jeremy just left a little while ago to have Christmas with his family. I'm glad he got to stay and do presents with us. It was really nice sharing the holiday with my home family and my soon to be family. Sunday I get to go to Jer's mom's parents' Christmas dinner and meet the rest of his maternal extended family. I love his grandparents, and I'm so excited! :) Ok, I'm out of here now.

Peace. And happy holidays!