{"id":3626,"date":"2011-12-07T00:01:59","date_gmt":"2011-12-07T00:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.womantalk.org\/?p=3626"},"modified":"2011-12-18T19:44:25","modified_gmt":"2011-12-18T19:44:25","slug":"dear-santa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.womantalk.org\/?p=3626","title":{"rendered":"Dear Santa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Christian still "needs" a shield. He got a great sword from the Elves' Faire (though he says he still "needs" a longer sword).<\/p><\/div>\n

For the past few years, I’ve been the delegated holiday gift shopper for both my parents and my brother. My parents give me an allowance of $100 per grandkid and $200 per adult child. It’s pretty fun to spend.<\/p>\n

This year my sister (in Melbourne) wrecked the fun a little by deciding on her own gift from my parents – she got a Le Creuset pot – which I grudgingly admit is a good use of parental present money. I may do the same.<\/p>\n

For all the little grandkids, I simply went on a clothing shopping spree at Hannah Andersson, because it’s just fun to have one complete set of functional nice clothes for the winter holidays. My 4-year old niece Noi naa is getting fringed suede boots, a fur vest, and a rainbow cardigan. My 1 1\/2-year old niece, Leela, is getting a dress, leggings\/pants, and a matching rainbow cardigan. She is getting a little less, but I imagine that one day she’ll also be wearing that adorable fur vest…<\/p>\n

My brother likes me to spend all his gift money on presents for his department. I’ll do like I did last year – send him 6 or so gifts from Costco for him to play steal-a-gift with his office mates.<\/p>\n

Bella is getting something from her wish list:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. juicy sweatshirt in black<\/a> \/ petite<\/del> – from Chad + me<\/li>\n
  2. lululemon yoga pants <\/del>– from Songbae
    \n<\/del><\/li>\n
  3. nice jeans<\/del>– $100 gift card to Nordstrom’s, which works at the Rack<\/li>\n
  4. true religions with simple back pocket, straight leg or skinny, size 24 (like this<\/a> but probably cheaper at loehmans, nordstrom rack, or outlet mall)<\/li>\n
  5. delta gamma sweatshirt xs<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. rainbows in sierra brown (tan) thick strap<\/a> , size 7<\/li>\n
  7. bras<\/li>\n
  8. backpack maybe<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    (My thoughts on what she might need: yoga mat, car insurance $$ for Dec., external hard drive, decent carry-on suitcase…)<\/p>\n

    Chad has already worked through most of his own wish list. His stuff is wrapped and under the tree:<\/p>\n

    apple tv<\/del> $100 ($89) – with contest winnings<\/p>\n

    bike helmet<\/del> $50 ($28)<\/p>\n

    cycling gloves<\/del> $50 – from Sue’s family<\/p>\n

    shoes<\/del> $75 ($60) – from Songbae<\/p>\n

    raincoat<\/del> $100 ($108) – from me<\/p>\n

    socks<\/del> $25 ($28)<\/p>\n

    headphones<\/del> $50 ($20) – from Songbae<\/p>\n

    sun hat $30<\/p>\n

    Chad won the $150 pinned to the fridge by hitting his goal weight of 150 pounds the day before Thanksgiving. How close was the contest you ask? I was only five pounds away from MY goal weight when we started, and now I’m seven pounds away. yup.<\/p>\n

    Christian is getting another wooden knight and horse from Songbae, the Millennium Falcon Lego set from Santa, and a wooden ironing board and iron from me (plus crocheted chain maille in his stocking). Songbae (via me) is also getting Noi naa a down jacket, princess books, and SmartWool sock. Leela is getting wooden penguin figures, SmartWool socks, and a sweet pair of toy mice sleeping in a large matchbox.<\/p>\n

    And I can’t make my mind up about what I should get from anybody. I have from my parents, from my brother, and from Chad. Plus I have $80 in Costco checks to redeem and $60 contest win money laying on my desk. If I were not an Earthroots employee, I’d be asking for more Earthroots classes!<\/p>\n