Christmas shopping

[cineater]

Oh fuck, Amazon employees are striking!  Good timing on their part but holy shit.  I'm just waiting for cyber Monday and I hit the click buy button on the rest of my gifts.

I've made the mistake of buying large gifts this year.  My SIL is going to have to come pick up my gifts in his truck because there is no way I can get these in my little car.     One of them was so heavy I barely got it in the house.  No idea how I'm going to wrap that.

[cineater]

Oh this is cool.  Fritz's, famous for root beer, has put out a Shirley Temple drink for the holidays, ginger ale and red grenadine if they made it right.  Waiting for it to cool before I taste it.   A drink my dad use to get me in the bowling alley bar.  Good stuff.   

[cineater]

Done with cyber Monday.  Really didn't have to wait for that.  The deals have been up for a while now.  Down to 4 people and a dog. 

[cineater]

I hope that went through.  The website timed out after I hit the pay button but the list showed it had been purchased.  I'll check my credit card later.  Pretty excited about that gift.  It's for a foster child.  He wanted led strip lights for his bedroom.  I'm all about lights on wires.  Reminds me of Disneyland. 

They do Little Wishes for foster kids.  3400 Christmas gift requests left on the list.  Closer to Christmas all those wishes get filled.  The community really comes through for those kids.

[cineater]

I remember those days.  In addition to the 30 some odd kids I supervised in foster care placements, I had 68 kids placed in a children's psychiatric hospital to get Christmas presents for.  Judy supplied 3 gifts for each of those kids a few days before Christmas, Dave brought the hospital van and picked them up.  And then we wrapped!  The doctors supplied the wrapping supplies and pizza.  The staff came in early for shift or stayed late.  We did it all at one time and it took hours.  Word spread through the hospital and funny how those kids calmed their asses down when they knew the gifts were there.     One year I swear everybody got boomboxes.  Never forget the look on those kids faces when they knew they hadn't been forgotten at Christmas.

[poorlakers]

Thanks for posting! Enjoy reading

[cineater]

Thanks for posting! Enjoy reading

Hey that Shirley Temple from Fritz's, not bad but not great.  They don't quiet have down ginger ale.  They do have root beer perfected just take a couple of friends with you if you order a root beer float at their store.  One of them would take you forever to eat.

[cineater]

Dropped by Kohl's to return something from Amazon.  I did it wrong.  Something I have to do online before I can return it.  Wow, out of all the shit I've brought through Amazon over the years, I've never returned anything.  

And just when you think you're done shopping, the grand daughter gets a new bed.  And I can't really get her new bedding without getting her brother some too.  I'm going to be wrapping for a week.  And it's all big packages.    Did I mention I like big Christmases?

And I walked out of Kohl's with $30 Kohl's cash and my 30 percent coupon still good.  It's a viscous cycle with them.   

[cineater]

Amazon keeps sending me emails they are delivering my stuff early.  That's great but I like to be home when they do that.  And I have a whole bag of Christmas chocolate sitting here that if I don't pass it out to them, I'm going to eat!     I can tell you, Amazon drivers love chocolate.

[cineater]

If I had known.  It was bad enough when she called me Friday to remind me we had a concert to attend Monday morning.  I was clueless.  Says she told me about it back in March.  We've talked since then, a lot, but lately mostly about what we were doing Monday night!  Okay, she calls me tonight.  No to my casual, festive outfit, it's formal attire and I have to wear makeup.  Er, I don't know where any of that shit is.  I have one outfit, I've worn it several times to this event, think I can find it but I'm going to have to borrow some mascara.  My girl side is in panic mode.  My retired ass didn't get up until 11:30 today and now I have to get up at 6 to be to her place on time.  And I have to drive.  Did I mention my car is loaded with donations to the food pantry that we collected at the party Friday night during the party I was involved in throwing?  We're going to have to drop that off on our way back.  Yes, I know we have to do lunch with the group afterwards, that you have to get home to make the chili for that evening and I have amazon coming but I had to reschedule a doctor appointment to make this, we're going to make it work.

And this is why I started shopping months ago.   

[cineater]

The last of the orders, delivered by 3 different services came in today.  I'm ready to start wrapping!  I have a couple more deliveries going to people that show up Thursday.  Still working with the kids to find the comforters they want but otherwise I'm done.  Wrapping all this stuff will keep me from buying more.   

[cineater]

My friend got her gift from me today.  She can't open it until Christmas.  I told her it snaps, crackles and pops, that's normal.  I didn't tell her it doesn't do that until after she opens it.   

[cineater]

7 hours later and I still have a third of the gifts I bought left to wrap.  And I've been back on Amazon for a couple of last minute things that are coming in next week.  I've got one birthday and one Christmas present left to get.  And then mom calls.  She needs me to pick up a few things for my sister.   

[cineater]

Hold on mom.  You're buying for 11 people, 2 gifts a piece.  That's no where near 90 packages you wrapped.  What did she do?  I'm thinking got the math wrong but I did introduce her to amazon lists.   

I'm done shopping, Christmas and 3 birthdays.  And I'm up to 4 stuffed animals.    Although the 4th is a weighted, stuffed animal, wasn't my idea.  Middle school is stressful.  Hang on kid, it gets better in the 8th grade.

[cineater]

Oh what the fuck?  My sister just texted and asked if I could get this little something my mother just thought of.  Okay but it's coming from Santa!

[cineater]

A friend of mine has been growing his beard all year so he could play Santa.  Wants to visit kids in hospitals.  He does that next year, I won't have to go shopping for toys.  I have a shit load of Bennie Babies he can pass out!  Forever on a mission to get rid of those. 

[cineater]

There's just something about all these blow up Christmas decorations that make your yard look like shit during the day.  They are all collapsed in piles in your yard and people have bought way too many of those.  We need snow to hide those but how much snow can you pile on top of them before they won't inflate?  Daylight and Christmas just don't go well together.

[cineater]

The gifts are on the move!  The birthday presents are out of here tonight.  Christmas gifts go out tomorrow.  We're turning bitterly cold at the end of the week and staying that way for Christmas.  It will just be easier to deal with bringing in the food.  And it's going to make my daughter happy to be able to play with her packages a few days.  The truck already came and picked up the gifts too big to fit in my car.  How can he think that box is a microwave?     For one thing, he doesn't need a microwave, it's too light for that and it makes a noise like something on his list.  He's a horrible guesser.

Probably obvious I like a big Christmas.     My SIL is still trying to adjust.  He gets real quiet.  His family didn't do gifts and celebrations.  He needs to let that go, we can't change that.  You're one of us now and this is how we do it. 

[cineater]

Once those gifts are wrapped, I'm just as surprised what's that gift is.     My general goal is that the gift is too pretty to open.  I'm not real good at it but I do get a pause and a comment.  I hate stick on bows but I do slap one of them on some of the packages.  Hours of wrapping and I just want to get done.   

[cineater]

Did everybody get the 75% off sale for Bath and Body Works starts Monday?     We're texting each other.  Stocking up for next year.  Never ends.

[cineater]

I'm done.  Geez, they throw the Christmas sale stuff in piles that people are pawing over while the sales clerks are trying to stock the shelves with Valentine's Day stuff.  And after seeing that, the magic of Christmas just kind of leaves you.

[cineater]

I am so close to done Christmas shopping. 

Your longest last relationship in your lifetime is your sibling relationship.  You start out with them and if things go right, end your life around the same time as them.  They were there during your formative years.  They may not live with you in adulthood but they keep up with you and know you probably better than you know yourself.  This gift is one of those.  My sister loved Barbara Streisand in her teen years.  She was at the height of her career during that time, made her money and dropped out.  She has a book out about her life.  We're getting my sister that for Christmas.  I'm betting it's a hit and a big surprise.

[cineater]

Never go into Kohl's without a coupon.     Even on Black Friday.  Make me stand in line and I'm going to talk to people.  The fact that there was 15% off coupon online went all the way up and down the line waiting to check out.  Yeah I started that and we helped each other find it.    

I got some pretty good sales out there.  Lines weren't really that bad but I didn't start till 11 and only went to two stores.  I'm pretty much done shopping.

[cineater]

I'm down to Sees candy and Christmas coins.  And two birthdays in December, already have the other one covered.  Because of the cats I can't start wrapping until later.

[cineater]

Best Holiday Commercial.  John Travolta strutting to Night Fever.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D_WXrjU7dA   

[cineater]

I got the follow up treatment for the precancerous spot on my nose.  She froze it.  Said it would be red and swollen for a week.  Great, I'm going to look like Rudolph.   

[cineater]

Amazon missed their delivery date, first time this holiday.  No wonder too, they shipped it through USPS.  I want Amazon delivering my shit not the alt carriers.  They are always late and I don't get a message they have come.  I had hung a bag of Christmas Candy with a card on my door for the Amazon driver.  I want that to go to an Amazon worker and I don't have that much coming in any more.  I guess I can watch for the driver going to my neighbors.

I know, shut up, it's not even December.  I'm golden on Christmas shopping and I do not look like Rudolph.  

Did I mention I got home with a PJ set for the baby, black Santa and milk and cookies for the pattern?    Didn't notice until I pulled it out of the bag.  Doesn't matter to me what color santa is, I was just expecting something else.  My daughter thought it was hysterical I was a little taken back at first.  Well, kid, it is the world you have entered.  Wasn't a transgender Santa.  Then again, would I really be able to see that?  Could be a transgender Santa.   

[cineater]

I'm done!    

[cineater]

I figured out the dilemma of Christmas candy for the delivery driver.  Just make up more bags of candy, duh.  So far I've been home for the Amazon and UPS drivers and was able to hand them their bags.  Both of them got the biggest smiles on their faces and so did I.  This is fun and everybody deserves some candy who's out there supplying Santa.  I leave one hanging on my door in case I miss somebody.

[cineater]

I've started wrapping.  I was going to do some fancy bows but I'm out of zip ties and I bought too much fucking shit.     They are all getting your standard Tiffany bow.  I'm not really liking my wrapping this year.  I have too much mix and not enough match.  I'm clearing out the leftovers from all the years past.

I said I was only doing 3 gifts for my grandson and then cash for his college fund.  I'm up to 8 and a couple of those boxes are packed with clothes.  Not to mention all the Christmas clothes I already gave him.  I ordered so much I have stuff for Valentines Day and Easter.     There's just too much cute stuff out there.  And I'm having a great time.

I have one more shopping trip.  I take my grandkids to buy Christmas and birthday gifts for their mom.  I have to wrap those too.   

I've got a couple of weeks to get this all done.  The cats are enjoying the ribbons all over the couch.

[cineater]

I'm wrapped on the bulk of it along with the birthday presents.  My Santa shop isn't very well organized.  Bags, paper and boxes all over the place.  The cats made sure the ribbons were everywhere.  I've lost the tape, the scissors, the pen and my purse numerous times!     Heading out in a bit to buy the last person's gifts and then it's time to close up shop.

I panicked yesterday when I was reviewing the amaron orders.  I was missing several.  Searched the house, several spots twice and they were nowhere yet I knew they had been delivered.  Too big to have thrown out.  About an hour later I remembered those were gifts I ordered for mom and I had taken them to her.     Aw, the gift of Christmas, make yourself a little crazy.  I'm good at that.   

[cineater]

That's cheating.     She wanted those big storage tubs.  I threw a red, plastic table cloth over them and put a big Christmas decoration on top of it.

Hey Keanu Reeves is in a band.  On the Tonight Show.  High on something.  I swear that guy never ages.

[cineater]

What the hell.  They are my grandkids.  I ran and got the boy something he mentioned and the girl saw something at Kohl's I'll grab later.  Always room for another Christmas gift even if you close up shop.  I'm putting these in bags though. 

[cineater]

Saw the zoo Christmas display.  Nice to walk among the Christmas lights and drink hot chocolate.  Geez I didn't realize my vision was so bad.  Will have to do that again next year.

Stopped by mom's and put together the hot chocolate cups.  Paper snowman cups because nobody needs another cup to keep.  Stainless steel reindeer spoons they can keep because I know they don't have one of those.  Two packets of hot chocolate because one is just sweetwater.  A marshmallow that is in the shape of a snowman head.  And a Christmas coaster because I forgot to give them for Thanksgiving for their cars.  That's the party favor.  We tore apart all the scratchers for the family game because they love that.  Made some cookies because we always have way too much to eat.  Ready to have Christmas at mom's.

[cineater]

That was the last gift of Christmas.  I got the kids a gun safe.  We went looking for a shower door but couldn't find the right size since they decided not to renovate the shower.  I'm happier with this.  I've been meaning to get them one since the baby came along.  Let them pick it out, don't have to wrap it, just wished them luck getting that off the truck and into the house.    A little peace of mind for all the adults in the family, great Christmas present.

[cineater]

I am running Santa's sleigh.    Took another load of gifts out to the car.  I already took a load to mom's and two loads over to my daughters.  I have one pile waiting till after Christmas to take out.  This is fun, I love a big Christmas.  First party is this afternoon, one tomorrow and one on Monday.  The last next Saturday.

Not one single store bought bow on my packages, all ribbons.  They look great!  Got all the ingredients, I start cooking tonight.  Maybe Sondra and I will walk the neighborhood tonight and check out the Christmas lights.  Love this time of year.

[cineater]

Score!  My granddaughter was thrilled with all her gifts.  Really surprised her with the yoga pants.  My grandson was just as happy with his colored pencils and how to draw comics books.  Even my DIL was excited about her storage containers.  They gave my SIL one of those flying orb balls.  Those are really cool and a little bit dangerous.    Top it off with pizza and it was a party.

[cineater]

Science has determined the sex of Santa's reindeer, females and castrated males.     Explain that one to the kiddies.     Too much science.

[cineater]

Oh you are so busted City of OFallon.    Coming home on Christmas Day I'm behind one of the city's recycling trucks.  It turns in to pick up a load.  Oh yeah, I sent an email when I got home wanting to know what the recycling emergency was.  

I assume I'm not the only city resident doing this.  I started this after one Christmas when instead of Santa coming down the street it was the trash truck.  Apparently, many of us complained about making people work on Christmas.  They announced this year trash service would not be interrupted.  I sent a complaint email and was told they don't work on Mondays.  But in the next city email they made a point to say no interruption because they didn't work on Mondays.  Guess mine wasn't the only email from the first announcement.

I hope my complaints work for those people who wanted the day off.  But the guy who was making double time and had nowhere to go for Christmas probably doesn't appreciate it.  I did compliment the city on the decorations this year and the fine job they were doing.  It is Christmas after all.

[cineater]

My owl!

And because we both need it.

Willow's owl.


The Feng Shui Owl symbol is a source of good luck, wisdom, knowledge and protective energies. The ancient Chinese philosophy also regards the Owl as a powerful totem to attract prosperity and abundance.
Turquoise, the captivating sea-green stone of the ancients, represents wisdom, tranquility, protection, good fortune, and hope.

[cineater]

I'm going to hit a few of the sales up this week.  Start on birthdays and Christmas for next year.

I think my daughter and her husband only exchanged one gift with each other.  Saddens me but a wise choice on their part.  They get loaded up with gifts from everybody.  He hasn't been working a regular job and diapers cost.  I've mentioned to her to let me know before they miss a payment.  She's got too much of me in her to let that happen but I worry money is driving a wedge in their relationship.  They're good together but I can see the stress in her face.  She got the $100 scratcher in her stocking.  A little help from the fates.  Something they are going to have to work out.

[cineater]

Oh I had to get the moose.  Shhh, don't tell anybody.  Too cute to pass up.  I like all the woodland creatures.  I don't see any reason I can't have him up all the time.

[cineater]

The little moose showed up already.  He's so cute.  Never going back in the box, even if I wanted too.     Definitely going outside.  He left little sparkles all over the carpet! 

[cineater]

That was the last gift exchange.  I've got plenty of things to mess with, just need the chance to be at home to play with them.  Snow me in next week would be great!

I go with my sister gambling on News Years Eve, another eating event.  Like I need more food!  Up 4 pounds although I think that was all sugar.  If we end it early, the kids want me to babysit so they can catch the balloon drop.  That's if my daughter doesn't get called in for staffing shortage.  As long as I make it home for the Rose Parade.

I'm in no real hurry to clean up the Christmas stuff.  I'm feeling a little closed in but it's comfy.  I like the Christmas tree lights.  Amazing the stores all ready have cleared out the Christmas stuff.  I think it was a good year.  Looking forward to the next.  I get my vision back!  And I have a chocolate garden to plant.  Mostly though, I find myself looking forward to mowing grass.  They let me do that for free, my best Forrest Gump voice.   

[cineater]

I lost $40.  The free dinner wasn't that great.  The band sucked and was too loud.  They attempted Welcome to the Jungle.    Axl would have sued.  I got a free hat, mask and noise maker which I gave to my kids.  Got to the kids in time to babysit only to find out their coffee pot was broke.  They got to their event only to find out they weren't doing the balloon drop at midnight.  I got home at 1:30 only to discover Terrapin had eaten some of my chocolate and Simone was trying to get my last piece of carrot cake because they were almost out of food.  And Terrapin attacked the moose while I was typing this.    Happy New Year