In the last five minutes of this last day of November, it’s 54 degrees outside. On the deck, I hear a soft, rhythmic chirping… tree frogs? It’s a little more musical than crickets, with more tonal variety than cicadas. I hope that they do not freeze as the temperature plummets tomorrow.
Today was a full one, spanning a whole range of pursuits. I worked for about five hours (beginning at 4:30 a.m.), put in a couple of hours with my school board hat on, did a little tech support with my dad, hung the wreaths, and worked a couple more hours. At three, I headed for Delta’s school and logged some volunteer time with the middle school TSA — bright kids, fantastic program that lets them explore a variety of things from precision woodworking, graphic design, electronics, building robots, video production, programming, digital photography, and parliamentary procedure. There’s a lot more, but you can see the list of this year’s competitive events here.
After that, I worked a bit more, then headed out for the season’s first holiday party at Adams Craft Herz Walker architects. It was an enjoyable evening… followed by digging up some research on BEP cost components for the CAFE group that publishes every Thursday.
Before I knew it, it was now, which was tomorrow when I started this post. It’s a good thing my calendar is sort of clear tomorrow today.
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I’ve been thinking about Christmas, and how to do it better this time. I think I’m over the senseless buying of stuff just to make sure that I can keep up. This year, I’m really trying to be selective and to choose gifts that mean something to the recipient even if the cost is negligible. Unfortunately, that’s harder than just spending money.
Two procurements are complete (one niece, one brother-in-law), and one is nearly finished (which was really supposed to be my youngest sister’s gift last year, but it took longer than expected). I still have a long way to go.
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“I’ve been thinking about Christmas, and how to do it better this time.”
I hear you Netmom. This is something the Missus and I are trying out our house. We’re putting more emphasis on giving great experiences for ourselves and the kids. The Missus is taking October out for a girls night out present. I’ve got Spotz and I don’t know yet what we’re up to.
I suppose I’m just burnt out on the whole consummer crap gift thing. Sure the kids are getting a few small toys that they’ll enjoy.
This hits on an issue between us and my parents. They like to buy the kids stuff. It’s usually just little trinket type stuff, but it just piles up here at the house. Now the kids expect to go shopping whenever they go up Granny and PopPops. Ah, well….
Its funny, because GAC and I were talking that same stuff a month or two ago. She was more in line with the ‘experience’ thing, and a meaningful, non-consumery Christmas present.
I don’t know. I think the fun of Christmas, for a kid, is the anticipation. The wrapped parcels under the tree are much more valuable than the unwrapped ones.