Whoops!

I just blew my accumulated Amazon gift certificates on a present for… myself. So much for using my credit card points to buy presents for other people. In my defense, it’s one of those little GPS “watches” that lets you keep track of your miles/heart-rate/etc. So it’s not a present present. More like a training tool. A rather expensive training tool. That was on sale. Ish.

I am just not getting the hang of this whole presents thing. They’re for other people. Not me. Whoops.

It’s too bad, really, because I have all sorts of great ideas for myself. Starting with Sephora and going all the way up to the $1000+ Canon lens that I’ve wanted for a couple of years now.

In all honesty, I really love buying presents for other people. I find it oh so very satisfying to figure out just the right gift. Extra bonus points if you make the person cry. Not, “Oh my God, how could you decapitate my favorite stuffed bunny and then wrap up the ears” tears, though. No, no, no. I prefer the “Oh my God, how did you know that this is exactly what I’ve always wanted” tears. Also, “This is so unbelievably thoughtful” tears.

Does it make me sociopathic to enjoy other people’s tears of joy?

Some of my favorite past presents:

• A book of photos from my nephew’s first year for my sister (tears, boo-yeah!)
• A replica of a beloved childhood toy (one that was stolen by a neighbor) for my uncle (my grandmother cried, I think that counts)
• A Brita filter for my mom – not exactly sexy, but she was touched over my concern for the water quality at their house. Plus? She’s still using it. So I win.
• Pretty much anything that I’ve ever sewn/quilted for anyone
• And who could forget… the Superman Cape.

The older I get, the more I realize that it really is better to give than to receive. I mean, the last time a present made me cry, it was a weight-loss book.