Friday
Dec192008
I'll Stop Procrastinating Tomorrow
Friday, December 19, 2008 at 12:30AM | Mr Lady
All of my shipping for the holidays is done, save one package, simply because I can't find a box big enough. As for my family, well, let's say this: I have this weird closet in my bedroom that I use solely for hiding shit from my kids. Usually, it's full to overflowing a week before Christmas. Right now, there's one bag and a box in there. I'm totally behind. And I couldn't care less.
We're going to have an awesome Christmas. The food will rock, the company will be fine, and the kids will get their hearts' desire. This year, they're getting fewer and more meaningful gifts. I cannot wait. As for The Donor and me, we're spicing it up. Experimenting. As anyone married this long has to do. We're shopping for ourselves.
We came to this agreement because I buy him crap he hates and he buys me the left side of the mall in hopes that one thing will be right. He doesn't want crap, and I would like to pay the heating bill this month, so we're going to try this. We both hate the idea of it, though, so we've made some compromises.
He and I will buy the Santa gift for each other. We will keep that gift a secret. Then, on Sunday night, we will dress up in our fancy clothes, go have a ridiculously over-thought meal at the most pompous restaurant you could ever imagine (we have a gift certificate, shut up) and then we're going shopping. Together. Downtown. At night, with hot chocolates and hand holding and Christmas lights on trees. He's going to help me pick out some shirts and I'll show him which watches I think bring out his grey eyes.
We'll each get what we want, no one will overspend, and we'll get a very very hot date out of the whole thing. That's the best Christmas gift ever if you ask me.
Of course, we're doing that four days before Christmas, and I'll have to start finish the kids up on Sunday morning before we go out. We're totally screwed. And I couldn't care less, because it will be awesome no matter what. If I have to shop for them at Safeway, so be it. The kids like Fruit Roll Ups, and they're easy to wrap.
Who am I kidding? I totally shop for them at Safeway. I'm there every damn day anyway. That one bag in my closet? Safeway bag. You can fill a stocking without so much as thinking while you wait for them to ring up your milk. Provided, of course, your kids are into batteries, pens, chapstick, bubble gum and iTunes. Which mine are. Speaking of which, anyone need one of those iTunes gift cards they sell at the checkout at Safeway? (Or Save-on Foods, Sobeys, Mac's and A&P, to be perfectly fair.) Because I have an extra $25 one. You can totally have it, but you have to live in Canada. Because screw you guys with your US only giveaways. CANADIANS ARE PEOPLE, TOO. There's no way I can get it to you in time for Christmas, but maybe by New Years? Leave your name in the comments and I'll pick one on Saturday, right before I go offline for the rest of the year.
We're going to have an awesome Christmas. The food will rock, the company will be fine, and the kids will get their hearts' desire. This year, they're getting fewer and more meaningful gifts. I cannot wait. As for The Donor and me, we're spicing it up. Experimenting. As anyone married this long has to do. We're shopping for ourselves.
We came to this agreement because I buy him crap he hates and he buys me the left side of the mall in hopes that one thing will be right. He doesn't want crap, and I would like to pay the heating bill this month, so we're going to try this. We both hate the idea of it, though, so we've made some compromises.
He and I will buy the Santa gift for each other. We will keep that gift a secret. Then, on Sunday night, we will dress up in our fancy clothes, go have a ridiculously over-thought meal at the most pompous restaurant you could ever imagine (we have a gift certificate, shut up) and then we're going shopping. Together. Downtown. At night, with hot chocolates and hand holding and Christmas lights on trees. He's going to help me pick out some shirts and I'll show him which watches I think bring out his grey eyes.
We'll each get what we want, no one will overspend, and we'll get a very very hot date out of the whole thing. That's the best Christmas gift ever if you ask me.
Of course, we're doing that four days before Christmas, and I'll have to start finish the kids up on Sunday morning before we go out. We're totally screwed. And I couldn't care less, because it will be awesome no matter what. If I have to shop for them at Safeway, so be it. The kids like Fruit Roll Ups, and they're easy to wrap.
Who am I kidding? I totally shop for them at Safeway. I'm there every damn day anyway. That one bag in my closet? Safeway bag. You can fill a stocking without so much as thinking while you wait for them to ring up your milk. Provided, of course, your kids are into batteries, pens, chapstick, bubble gum and iTunes. Which mine are. Speaking of which, anyone need one of those iTunes gift cards they sell at the checkout at Safeway? (Or Save-on Foods, Sobeys, Mac's and A&P, to be perfectly fair.) Because I have an extra $25 one. You can totally have it, but you have to live in Canada. Because screw you guys with your US only giveaways. CANADIANS ARE PEOPLE, TOO. There's no way I can get it to you in time for Christmas, but maybe by New Years? Leave your name in the comments and I'll pick one on Saturday, right before I go offline for the rest of the year.
Reader Comments (67)
That date sounds amazing. I'm totally going to do that this year too. Um, with Sarah. Maybe. ;)
Alison wrote..http://followthatcab.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-boys.html" rel="nofollow">My Boys
Sorry I didn't even read your post.
But you know when you unexpectantly see/hear something funny and a laugh escapes your gullet like a phantom burp at a nice dinner party, well that just happeneed when I read the title to this post. Story of my life.
Surfer Jay wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IHaveToWipeHisWhat/~3/483030400/moment-of-weakness.html" rel="nofollow">A Moment Of Weakness
I know something you don't know.
Backpacking Dad wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BackpackingDad/~3/487369508/entirely-true-ghost-story.html" rel="nofollow">An Entirely True Ghost Story
Ooooh me! Pick me!
Fawn wrote..http://fawnahareo.com/2008/12/17/away-in-a-manger/" rel="nofollow">Away in a manger
Aw you don't need a big special box to mail me my big present. Really! :)
Merry Christmas! PS Not in Canada even if I was, couldn't use an ITunes card but just so you know, on Ebay I ALWAYS SHIP to Canada.
Ahem. :)
Special K wrote..http://specialk513.blogspot.com/2008/12/sittin-on-secrets.html" rel="nofollow">Sittin' on secrets
OHHHH! I wish Jared and I would have thought of that. We're just not exchanging gifts this year, and now that Christmas is so close, I'm regretting that idea. :-(
Miss Britt wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MissBritt/~3/487286016/" rel="nofollow">The Father Son Dynamic - Is that why he pushes?
My wife and I aren't exchanging large gifts this year (to save money for pending renovations), just stockings (although she doesn't know that I'm not good at following directions... you can email me if you want to know NOW - seriously, you know you want to - or you can read my blog Christmas morning when I have a post pre-scheduled). And since I'm literally buried under at work (yesterday I started at 5.45am and got home around 9.15pm, and then worked from home last night) she has been buying most of the items for her stocking. (My stocking is mostly comprised of stuff I've grabbed on sale throughout the year, like when Toys R Us has the deals on Star Wars figures or something... no I'm not kidding. SHUT UP!)
My kids are both getting stockings and presents like any other year, though. I refused to compromise on that.
SciFi Dad wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TalesFromTheDadSide/~3/489569043/like-i-fucking-needed-this.html" rel="nofollow">Like I Fucking Needed This
My hubby and I don't exchange gifts...but I LOVE your idea. I'm totally going to steal it for next year. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Mom24@4evermom wrote..http://4evermom.blogspot.com/2008/12/pizza.html" rel="nofollow">Pizza
My husband and I don't do gifts, but I usually cheat and slip a little something in his stocking. I do love your idea...maybe next year. Love your blog too, by the way.
Becky wrote..http://beckydrews.blogspot.com/2008/12/highly-recommended.html" rel="nofollow">Highly Recommended...
Damn, England ain't in Canada, is it.
I have nothing against giving away to you guys, but may have something to say to those Americans.
Vic wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/glowstars/fRUS/~3/486912357/" rel="nofollow">Verglas
Why don't you just make lists?? Put on size and color...give a few choices? My dh always has a problem asking for stuff...but no problem buying whatever he wants...ugh.
I like the idea of the date thing...It sounds like a great idea.
Good luck with the rest...I'm done and everything is wrapped and ready to go...and if I come up a little short...oh well...time to learn to live without it all...
Happy Holidays...
I think your date sounds fabulous!
I'll relieve you of the burden of that iTunes card. Call it incentive to actually learn how to use iTunes properly. :)
And since I'm in Maple Ridge (land 'o snow, apparently), you don't even have to mail the thing.
Nicole wrote..http://resolvingtimelineissues.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/goodbye-dear-friend/" rel="nofollow">Goodbye, dear friend
That date is a great idea. I remember when I used to spend time with my husband without the damn children around...sort of
Would love that iTunes card - Happy New Year to me.
Oh MAN, not in the US? I live in South Dakota - that's kind of BY Canada?!
I'm doing that next year. What a great idea. Oh, and sign me up! Finally, something Canadian bloggers can win :)
Michelle wrote..http://michellesamom.blogspot.com/2008/12/saddest-sounds.html" rel="nofollow">The Saddest Sounds
Damn it woman. That is a great idea I must steal.
Have fun.
Redneck Mommy wrote..http://theredneckmommy.com/2008/12/16/the-journeypart-five/" rel="nofollow">The Journey…Part Five
Hey, who says safeway is a bad place to shop? ;) I totally fill my kids stockings from the dollar store, serioulsy, $5 can fill it to overflowing and besides it just ends up buried amongst their stuff anyhow....
Happy Holidays!
~K
I have dishes that I LOVE from Safeway. I bought my friend's gift from Safeway. Give me some of their fudge covered brownies and I'm done for. I'm pretty much Safeway's whore. Or they're mine, since I pay them. Whatever.
ANYWAY. I think your shopping plans sound wonderful. I wouldn't mind having a date like that.
Someday.
*sigh*
Natalie wrote..http://www.startingfromhere.com/2008/12/joy/" rel="nofollow">Joy
Can I come to your house for Chritmas? Fruit Roll-ups and Lip Gloss sound awesome!!!
Krystal wrote..http://mommysescape6.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/life-can-be-cruel/" rel="nofollow">Life can be cruel
I wish you'd written this post *before* hubby bought me the left side of West Ed Mall! Figures - the ONE year he does his shopping before Christmas Eve. I'm stealing that idea for next year, though, because we have a fancy schmancy gift cert too and I doubt we'll use it before then.
Merry Fruit Rolls Ups!
Keely wrote..http://un-mom.blogspot.com/2008/12/spin-cycle-origin-story.html" rel="nofollow">The Spin Cycle: Origin Story
Does that mean that the card I got at the US Safeway last year and sent to Canada probably didn't work?
I love that idea. It sounds more fun than exchanging specific lists, I think. We do exactly the same thing, by the way: I buy a few things he doesn't like, he buys everything and I'm bound to like some of it.
Katherine wrote..http://fuzz.typepad.com/weblog/2008/12/misfits.html" rel="nofollow">Misfits
What? Canadian only giveaway? *sigh* lol. I'm giving away a book right now on my site and canadians and martians alike are invited, lol. Not that I'm comparing you to a martian or anything.
I think your date night sounds fun, actually. If you want surprise added into it, you could always buy a funny gift ...or, not funny gift...from a sex store. lol...Or um...give an extra gift of a "deed" which doesn't really have to be sexual...but could be anything from fixing a favorite meal...in the form of an IOU card (if you dont want to do it ON CHRISTMAS).
PS - My link with this comment? You should check it out. Because you are a closet crafter and such. Pretty please? Just this once?
Ashley wrote..http://www.bosssanders.com/2008/12/18/creative-geniuses-or-something-like-that/" rel="nofollow">Creative Geniuses (or something like that)
Perfecttttt. Hanging out with your man strolling hand in hand and picking out gifts. Sounds killer. My dude and I totally take the stress off each other - if there's a present for me under the tree? Cool. If not? Cool. Same goes for him. We know what's up. I'd rather have a man hugging and kissing on me telling me I'm beautiful than some over-thought something or other. But now I kinda want to make sure I get a date night in too....
Enjoy your time off - I'm following...
Lee the MWOB Queen wrote..http://momswithoutblogs.blogspot.com/2008/12/word-verifications-give-me-oheado.html" rel="nofollow">Word verifications give me oheado.
canadians ARE people. they gave us hockey. and for that, we, at the south side of your border, are eternally greatful.
justsomethoughts wrote..http://thekinnianeffect.blogspot.com/2008/12/howe-are-you-nowhere.html" rel="nofollow">howe are you nowhere...
That is the best idea. I am forwarding this post to the hubby and see what he says!!
Kim wrote..http://www.joggingincircles.com/journal/2008/12/17/wordless-wednesday-super-stinking-cute.html" rel="nofollow">Wordless Wednesday - Super Stinking Cute
That date sounds totally awesome. The hubby and I usually don't exchange gifts on Christmas. We pretty much buy ourselves the things we want all year long so there isn't much we have been longing for come Christmas time. Maybe if we showed some restraint the rest of the year we'd be better at Christmas. This year I know he would love a PS3 and I would love a pair of Seven for All Mankind jeans and a sparkly watch that was in the Victoria's Secret catalog, but since those pretty much equal our Christmas budget, we figured it wouldn't be much fun for the kids to watch dad play playstation while mom sat around in her expensive jeans knowing the time on her sparkly watch and they got nothing. So we spent the money on the kids instead.
Lorna wrote..http://coconutnoodlemonkey.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-wreath.html" rel="nofollow">Christmas Wreath
I am the luckiest girl in the world in that my husband is THE BEST gift giver. This year sucks because we aren't buying for each other.
Honeybell wrote..http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/girS/~3/CwG93g56XUQ/still-here.html" rel="nofollow">Still Here
My wife and I aren't buying for each other this year. It sucks. Instead, it's all about the kids.
VegasDad wrote..http://ivegasfamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/chronicles-of-regression.html" rel="nofollow">chronicles of regression and a milestone
too bad my spouse hates shopping. that totally sounds like a v. good idea.
i have friends whose husbands actually "take" them out and buy them stuff because they want their wives to have the best or believe that it's important to provide them with beautiful quality things. keeps the relationship nice too.
where were they when i was getting married? ok, i got two beautiful kids, but can't dangle them off my ears, that's all i'm saying...:
I'll have you know I've never done a "US only" giveaway.
I'll also have you know that I shop at Safeway because my kids DIG chapstick and flashlights.
MomBabe wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thebinghamdiaries/EBnH/~3/488023928/story.html" rel="nofollow">A Story
and i am so thoroughly enjoying your happy christmas spirit, esp. since the kids are home and i can't go anywhere bc it's snowing. May God always watch over you.
I LOVE the idea of a shopping date! That sounds awesome.
My husband was a major turd this year.. he used the last of the shopping money to buy a gift for me which he 'can't wait to give me'.. leaving none for me to buy him a gift with! hmph. I'm either taking him shopping after Christmas, or buying him something at WalFart on the 23rd or 24th.
ChurchPunkMom wrote..http://myembellishedtruth.blogspot.com/2008/12/boy-scout-part-9.html" rel="nofollow">The Boy Scout (Part 9)
I just have one more thing to get the girls (because I forget about stockings every effin year) and then I'm done! I'm done! I'm done!
This has got to be the least eventful Xmas I've had in years. And you know what? I LOVE that.
April wrote..http://formerlyaprildawn.blogspot.com/2008/12/not-time-or-place.html" rel="nofollow">Not the Time or the Place
That's what the husband and I are doing too. We are buying one secret gift and then going shopping together. I wish I would have thought of it a long time ago.
Have fun on your date!
(And I don't live in Canada. Boo)
Zak wrote..http://zakaryw.blogspot.com/2008/12/fyi.html" rel="nofollow">FYI
hey, i heard canadians are afraid of the dark. is that true?
ms. changes pants while driving wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/typepad/writeon/~3/487993692/and-thenit-hits.html" rel="nofollow">and then...it hits
I'm Scottish (sob!). Even if you could run to the horrendous postage costs, would the card even work over here? Sigh.
I didn't want the damn card anyway. :) But I would love to move to Canada, really.
Kori wrote..http://korij.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-friday-and-class-is-over.html" rel="nofollow">It's Friday and Class is OVER!
Any chance you'd believe me if I said Gettysburg was in Newfoundland?
Gettysburg Mom wrote..http://gettysburgfamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/parenting-by-cyrano.html" rel="nofollow">Parenting by Cyrano...
Is Chicago in Canada? Because it sure the hell feels like it. Keep your stinking gift card. Send rum and warm socks.
Cheers!
SK
Suburban Kamikaze wrote..http://www.suburbankamikaze.com/suburban_kamikaze/2008/12/red-flag.html" rel="nofollow">Get out your notebook, there's more
"hey, i heard canadians are afraid of the dark. is that true?"
BWA HA HAAAAAAAAA! I watched that episode!
This is actually the first year Chebbar will be buying me Christmas gifts: he was laid off in November last year and didn't have the $$$ to shop. I would be concerned, especially given his complaint that I'm like "other girls" in that I don't ask for things or do the "ooh, I want one!" thing. However, he made up for Christmas with a gorgeous necklace on Valentine's Day.
Plus, I'm a list girl with *very* specific descriptions.
Signed,
A Fellow (BC'er) Canuck :)
Chibi Jeebs wrote..http://onefineneuroticmess.blogspot.com/2008/12/quit-pickin-yer-nose.html" rel="nofollow">Quit pickin' yer nose!
Do what you want. I lay under the tree naked with a bow tied around my neck. She says, "You gave that to me last year." I say, "Yeah, but it the thought that counts."
And what with this pic of you and backpacking dad? You wanna piss me off jealous?
Audubon Ron wrote..http://ducksmahal.blogspot.com/2008/12/mugu-guy-wrong.html" rel="nofollow">MuGu Guy Wrong
Dude. As soon as I saw CANADIANS ARE PEOPLE TOO I had to comment. Not to win anything, but to just shout out a huge AMEN.
Angella wrote..http://www.dutchblitz.net/breaking-down-barriers/" rel="nofollow">Breaking Down Barriers
That's an awesome idea. We'll have to do that some year.
I don't do giveaways since I don't want to diss my Canadian friends.
Okay, it's because it would take time and effort and I never have anything to give away but I sounded really impartial there for a moment, didn't I?
Jim wrote..http://h31n0us.blogspot.com/2008/12/he-blogs-she-blogs.html" rel="nofollow">He Blogs, She Blogs
We downsized Christmas BIG TIME this year. No junky fluff gifts, just ones that mean something and that the kids wanted and will LOVE!
Merry Christmas to you, my friend!
SECRET AGENT MAMA wrote..http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretAgentMama/~3/yIFQf3WZ7ao/" rel="nofollow">love thursday
Just thought, if nobody wants it, send it to me, I'll use it to cut lines. ;)
Sing it Frankie: It's snowing in Mississippi, SNORT, SNORT, it's snowing on the bayou, SNNNORT.
Ciao
Audubon Ron wrote..http://ducksmahal.blogspot.com/2008/12/mugu-guy-wrong.html" rel="nofollow">MuGu Guy Wrong
What if we're not cool enough to have an ipod? Or, what if we hate the industrial monopolistic machine that is the Apple Corporation? What if Steve Jobs once hit on your sister? Would you give me a Slayer cassette instead for my Walkman? Just wonderin'. ;)
Oh, who in the hell am I kidding? If I win it I'll re-gift it in a New York minute!
NukeDad wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Nuclearfamilywarheadcom/~3/489112372/" rel="nofollow">The Student Becomes The Teacher
Wow, a contest we Canadians can win! ;)
I think that your Xmas sounds wonderful, and the date on Sunday even better! Even without the presents, I think that the time together would be just what the doctor ordered for this time of year!
I realized today that it's less than a week 'til the big day, and I've got nothing. The roads here in the 'Loops have been a bit scary, and I've just avoided going out. Holy crap, everyone on my list is getting gifts from Safeway, too! LOL!
Linds wrote..http://themuseasylum.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/december-blues-and-holiday-expectations/" rel="nofollow">December Blues and Holiday Expectations
We don't do gifts for each other because of the kids and money being tight, but I definitely like this idea!
AndreAnna wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DiaryOfAModernMatriarch/~3/489173695/anatomy-of-milestone.html" rel="nofollow">The Anatomy of a Milestone
Your Christmas is sounding a lot like mine. Except the gifts are mailed since I used Amazon and had them sent directly and the rest are under the bed. I have the Princess and the Pea thing going on.
Tracy wrote..http://massagechairs.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/why-japan-dominates-the-massage-chair-industry/" rel="nofollow">Why Japan Dominates The Massage Chair Industry