Monday, Dec. 13th

You guys are awesome with your gift-wrapping suggestions! I went to Target this morning because I’d done my animal Christmas shopping (for other animals in the family) at the pet store and needed something to put the gifts in, because you can’t just toss cat toys in the box! The cats would be appalled, and they’d play with their toys before Christmas! Anyway, I was in Target, and I wandered up the aisle with the gift bags in it, and there were all KINDS of awesome alternatives to gift bags and gift envelopes, nice boxes and cases and such. I only bought a few – a wine box to put my parents’ dog’s present in, for one – but I’m for sure going to hit Target the day after Christmas to stock up on boxes (they had a ton of chinese take-out boxes!) for next year. A couple of people suggested that I just put the gift cards in decorative envelopes, and I could do that, but I prefer the gifts to take up a little more space than that, y’know? I don’t know, I guess I’m just weird about that. I also prefer not to stick gift cards in little gift bags, because that just makes it too easy for people who are Snoopy McSnoopersons (DEBBIE, I am looking at YOU!) to look through their gift bags and see what’s in there. (Oh, OKAY, I do it too. Sometimes. Not always, though!) But like I said, Target had a whole aisle of gift boxes and cases and such, and I’m definitely going to go in that direction next year. I’d go in that direction THIS year, but I already wrapped all the gift cards I’m giving. Thank you so much for your suggestions!

* * * I mailed out the first three boxes of Christmas presents, to the spud’s father and his wife, her paternal grandparents, and her father’s sister. I showed up at the post office ten minutes after noon, which is possibly one of the least intelligent things I’ve done this month. (The month is young, though!) The line wasn’t too bad, but there was a woman in line in front of me who didn’t seem to understand the concept of having your box ready and addressed before you got to the counter. Not only was the box not addressed, it wasn’t even taped shut. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – who ARE these people who show up at placed unprepared and expect to be provided free tape to tape their packages closed and for everyone to wait while they address their packages? Ah well – the line moved pretty quickly and they had three postal clerks working, so I guess I don’t need to complain TOO much. I have to mail another two packages tomorrow and two more on Wednesday and unless I forgot to pack something, I’ll be all set with the mailing of Christmas gifts this year. Whee! * * * The boy next door is standing out in his front yard pointing and pulling the trigger of his cap gun. You have no idea how tempted I am to call 911 and report a small child holding and firing what appears to be a gun… (I’m not that much of an asshole. But it sure is fun to imagine!) * * * “Where the hell are they hiding my presents this year?” “They must be nearby, I can practically smell the catnip!” “Grrr! Where ARE they??” (The joke’s on him – they’re hidden in a dresser drawer he can’t get to.) * * *]]>