hearts and roses
Mind Reader
I don't want this to come out as a whiney, "oh poor me" post or be perceived as a 'gimme gimme' post either...however, I do understand that based on anyone's perspective at any given moment, it may be perceived that way.
As the Christmas holiday is almost upon us and I've been trying to find the 'perfect' gift for those I will be spending the days with, I can't help but think of all the bad gifts I've received from these people.
I love my family, and yes, even though like every one else's family we have our moments of disdain for one another, we always manage to come together. And I can confidently say that I feel fairly 'close' with all of my siblings except maybe my geographically closest sister (loco). I try to get them things I know they will like.
For instance, I know that my sister who is traveling up from WV is very much into the renaissance period and reads a lot of material from that time. So, I checked out her amazon wish list and sure enough there was a book on there she wanted. I bought it and a CD she wanted as well - $20, done. I am also baking her gluten free cookies and bars because she is celiac. My loco sister is a bit more difficult to buy for (she has everything), but I remembered that she and her H enjoy good strong coffee, so I'm going to buy some designer coffee and also bake them some things (she is celiac as well). For their two adult daughters and my brothers three adult daughters I thought I'd buy some jewelry from the local head shop - they love that stuff and it's inexpensive. And for the boys, I will buy a billfold or something, maybe a knife (they are adults). For my brother and his wife I will also get the coffee for they are also enthusiasts and they will get some things I canned this fall that I know they will like. Anyway, my point is that I actually THINK about what they may enjoy - I do not just simply fill a bag or box with something just so I have something to offer. I mean, I don't spend a million dollars, but I do at least put some thought into what their interests are and what I think they may enjoy. I always get a very nice reception when I give a gift. Rarely (except in the case of H who you can never satisfy) do I ever get the feeling that the gift I gave was not liked.
So, my beef is that I have never EVER received a gift from one of my sisters that truly spoke to me, that truly reflected who I am or anything. My sister once gave me earrings that plainly were a regift of something she received - they were in no way a reflection of anything I'd ever wear. And my other sister sent me a nice business card holder, but again, just not my style or thing. It weighed a ton and really was not worth carrying around with me. They should know at least some things that I am interested in and they should have a clue what hobbies I have or how I spend my free time. My sister once bought me the hand held steam cleaner thing. Ugh. She figured that since I like to vacuum...please. It is so disappointing to receive a present, especially from the one sister I am closest to, that shows absolutely no thought was put into it. Or, maybe a thought, but of who, or what? I find it so hard to believe that after almost 46 years in one another's lives, not one of my 3 sisters, or my one brother, know of one thing that I would enjoy. I mean really. I feel like my own family doesn't know me. It's hurtful.
Is it too late for me to send an email telling them to just make a donation in my name in leiu of an actual gift? I would rather see someone else benefit than me just be disappointed. What do you think about that?
Okay, whiney vent over.
As the Christmas holiday is almost upon us and I've been trying to find the 'perfect' gift for those I will be spending the days with, I can't help but think of all the bad gifts I've received from these people.
I love my family, and yes, even though like every one else's family we have our moments of disdain for one another, we always manage to come together. And I can confidently say that I feel fairly 'close' with all of my siblings except maybe my geographically closest sister (loco). I try to get them things I know they will like.
For instance, I know that my sister who is traveling up from WV is very much into the renaissance period and reads a lot of material from that time. So, I checked out her amazon wish list and sure enough there was a book on there she wanted. I bought it and a CD she wanted as well - $20, done. I am also baking her gluten free cookies and bars because she is celiac. My loco sister is a bit more difficult to buy for (she has everything), but I remembered that she and her H enjoy good strong coffee, so I'm going to buy some designer coffee and also bake them some things (she is celiac as well). For their two adult daughters and my brothers three adult daughters I thought I'd buy some jewelry from the local head shop - they love that stuff and it's inexpensive. And for the boys, I will buy a billfold or something, maybe a knife (they are adults). For my brother and his wife I will also get the coffee for they are also enthusiasts and they will get some things I canned this fall that I know they will like. Anyway, my point is that I actually THINK about what they may enjoy - I do not just simply fill a bag or box with something just so I have something to offer. I mean, I don't spend a million dollars, but I do at least put some thought into what their interests are and what I think they may enjoy. I always get a very nice reception when I give a gift. Rarely (except in the case of H who you can never satisfy) do I ever get the feeling that the gift I gave was not liked.
So, my beef is that I have never EVER received a gift from one of my sisters that truly spoke to me, that truly reflected who I am or anything. My sister once gave me earrings that plainly were a regift of something she received - they were in no way a reflection of anything I'd ever wear. And my other sister sent me a nice business card holder, but again, just not my style or thing. It weighed a ton and really was not worth carrying around with me. They should know at least some things that I am interested in and they should have a clue what hobbies I have or how I spend my free time. My sister once bought me the hand held steam cleaner thing. Ugh. She figured that since I like to vacuum...please. It is so disappointing to receive a present, especially from the one sister I am closest to, that shows absolutely no thought was put into it. Or, maybe a thought, but of who, or what? I find it so hard to believe that after almost 46 years in one another's lives, not one of my 3 sisters, or my one brother, know of one thing that I would enjoy. I mean really. I feel like my own family doesn't know me. It's hurtful.
Is it too late for me to send an email telling them to just make a donation in my name in leiu of an actual gift? I would rather see someone else benefit than me just be disappointed. What do you think about that?
Okay, whiney vent over.