Let's Make All Our Christmas Presents This Year

I think I actually did this once.  I'm pretty sure it was the first Christmas Chris and I were married.  I think we exchanged packages of Smack Ramen.  As for the rest of the family, I think I painted charming little ceramic ornaments that would rival any kindergarten artist.  Notice I said charming.  I don't think I could get away with that this year......or ever again.  Maybe "charming" really means "broke but thoughtful". 

Now how can I pull off "charming" gifts this year?  Baking backfires.  I mess up so many batches that I end up spending money on a real gift after I've spent an equal amount trying to bake something worth gifting. 

I can sew.  Surely everyone on my list would appreciate a homemade pillowcase since that is the exent of my sewing abilities.

I've even thought about making coupon books.  Odds are- if I offer to clean someone's house or cook dinner, the recipient will think back to the last time I had them over for a meal and consider the offer offensive.

How about this.....why don't I give everyone "The Thought That Counts".  I will make a list of all the things I would LOVE to give the special person if money was no object.  I could even write on cute homemade paper and decorate it with scrapbooky things.

Just like last year, I will spend a truck load of money I don't have, on gifts my loved ones don't want, during the hours in which I should be digesting my Thanksgiving meal while sleeping late.  I love deciding who will be the lucky recipient of the half price, 25% off discount during the early bird sale where everything is an additional 10% off Iced Tea Maker. 

Nothing says Merry Christmas like an Ice Tea Maker identical to the one I gave you last year. 

I've Got Time to Vote

Honestly, if Henley had not just taken a test in Social Studies (Rights and Responsibilities) I would have totally skipped out on voting.  Well- since I am being honest....I also decided to vote because I did not have my garage door opener therefore I was locked out of the house until Chris came home. 

I hate elections.  I hate people being mean to each other.  I hate standing in line to choose one mean person over another.

I think if you want to represent me then you better be able to walk in my shoes. You better be able to keep two over tired kids entertained while waiting in a line in which the two over tired kids will get NOTHING out of it---no bank suckers, no Wal-Mart stickers, no Good as Gold awards. 

On a seperate note- I think voter turn out would be much higher if they:

had a cash bar
served snacks
gave out door prizes
gave a tax break for voting
offered babysitting
provided chair massages

Maybe I should run for office.