WHY AM I STILL STANDING IN LINE?

[starcrossed]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

God, I am still Christmas shopping and I haven't bought a single present yet. It seems like every time I find something I like something is wrong with it, or it's not the right size, color , or the price is way to high. I do have a budget to stay within.

My shopping companions do not help either. Their opinions seem to be "well what do you think?" or "Do you really think they will like that?". I think I will go shopping by myself this weekend.

There is just a lot of pressure to get the right gift. I know that it is the thought that counts, but we all know the truth.... I don't want my presents re-gifted, taken back, or thrown in the back of the closet never to be seen.

I would get gift cards, but they fall into the giving cash department with me. I like thoughtful gifts. Just that my brain is not working this year. Maybe it's because Christmas in L.A. started around October. Halloween costumes and Santa? Wasn't this a movie?

Isn't it strange that we battle so much through what is supposed to be the merriest of seasons? Makes me wonder why am I still standing in line?

Good luck with all your gift giving!

[starcrossed]

I think I finished shopping!!!! Yay!!!!

[starcrossed]

I just remembered that I forgot someone I have to go out there again . HELP!!!!!

[ratdigger]

INTERNET!! Do just about all my shopping on it.
I dont give gifts to the adults anymore, just the kids. It was getting tooo crazy and impersonal. Took the whole fun away from the holidays.

[starcrossed]

I really should have used the Internet.

I think I subconsciously like to torture myself with going out in the overcrowded stores.

Actually, the thought never crossed my mind to use the internet...guess I had so much on my mind that the obvious didn't come to mind.

Anyway, for all my work out I really didn't end up buying very much.

I only ended up buying gifts for my husband,son and my parents out at the store. I had to go back to the store to add something for my son from his Santa list.

My son (3 years old) will be getting his black electric guitar. It is small (First Act) with a built in amp and a place for head phones. I know that he is young, but her says he wants to be a rock star. He is a HUGE FAN OF MARTY. He is the one who actually made me a big fan....Got to love my son for that.Anyway, I think it is important to encourage his creative side and if he changes his mind later, well that will be o.k too.

I had the gifts for my brother and sister-in-law already tucked away. They are always hard to shop for and I thought ahead. They are an expensive couple and only buy name brand. I am giving them VIP Tickets for 4 to a local comedy club in Hollywood , Bed Head products, and a Free season to a upscale Pilate's club around Burbank. These gifts I earned from my television extra work.

You see if they don't pay you cash for a job as an extra sometimes they will give you a wonderful gift bag as payment for your time. You just have to be willing to go to a job that might range from 2 hours to several. Sometimes you do nothing but sit around, and other times you move around a lot following orders from everyone on the set. It's not hard to do, it just is different.
The gift bag is earned when the shoot is wrapped and you have stood there the entire time.

I saved the nicest gifts from these bags for them. I have never had name brand, except when on sale at Ross, and wouldn't have a clue what to do with it. They will get more enjoyment from it than I would. Besides the year has been hard for them, and the comedy show will let them relax with friends, look great as always and the Pilate's class is just another treat.

I hope they like them.

I made my mother-in-law a pretty crochet clutch bag yesterday. I'm glad that I still had some yarn from the donations I made, to make one. Then added some bead work and silk flowers to it. It is simple and practical. I think she will like it. She is a great mother-in-law.

I helped my son make little craft gifts for anyone he wanted to make them for (grandma's, uncle, daddy, his toy car....)


The kids will get treats....and everyone else will have to settle for my love and best wishes!!!!!!!!

The year has been hard and the money not there. I had to make choices and it was hard.

Let next year bring better times for us all!!