The Pressure is Too Much

The title of this post is something my manager blurted out the other day -- sort of in fun, but also true. For her, the pressure is work-related. For me, it’s trying to finish up all my holiday knitting.

I started this year’s holiday gift-knitting when I was recuperating from surgery over the summer. Most of what I completed so far consists of small, easy projects to be given to my office co-workers. The rest of the projects I have in mind are simple in terms of pattern, but a little more time intensive. And I’m not talking about adult size sweaters or anything big here. Just a few pairs of mittens, a couple hats, maybe a few more cotton warshcloths.

Speaking of pressure, my head is so stuffed up right now. I’m sure 75% of it is the air quality at work; the rest of it is residual sinus cold from Thanksgiving weekend. I just sneezed 7 times in under a minute and now my nose is dripping. Time for some Sudafed!

So, how’s your holiday shopping going? For the past couple years, I’ve tried to make gifts for people or put together recipe “kits” (a basket of canned or dry goods with accompanying recipe so recipient can make the dish themselves by adding a few fresh ingredients. Kits I’ve made in the past include a Beef Curry Kit and a Chicken-Grape Salad Kit. Not sure if the recipients ever made the dishes.) It’s becoming more difficult to come up with original, creative ideas.

At work, we do a Secret Santa thing where you fill out a little slip of paper with your name and 5 items you might want to receive. The slip is folded and dropped into a bag. Each person participating in the game picks a slip out of the bag (we picked Friday) and buys their Secret Giftee something off the list ($20 or under). During our office party in two weeks, we’ll exchange the gifts. The big boss VP wasn’t able to join us when we picked names, so I told him he’d get the one left over, which happened to be mine. I know this because of the way the slip was folded. Not origami-like, but in half and then in thirds with one end tucked into the other. One of the Santas didn’t like his pick so he swapped it for my list. Kinda defeats the purpose of the game a little, knowing who got mine.

The person I picked had 3 different gift cards listed. Granted, it guarantees you get something you know you’ll use. I just wish the game was more creative than that. But it is what it is.

One year in junior high, my friends and I each bought and wrapped a “generic” gift to throw into a grab bag. Being 9th graders on a very limited budget, I think I bought cute socks. Even then, I was a practical gift giver. Everyone needs socks, right? I can’t tell you what I picked out of the bag, but the fun part was the complete randomness of the game.

It’s funny how I find it so difficult to buy gifts for my parents -- family in general. For my nieces, the challenge these days (if I’m thinking of clothing) is to get the right size. I think I’m OK on style, as I pretty much dress like a 13-year-old most of the time. Stuffing a bunch of cash in their stockings is probably the way to go these days!

Twelve Twelve
Well, it’s coming up VERY soon. There were a number of places the 12/12 Committee considered having this year’s gathering. The first was Shad and Jen’s place. There’s a party room type thing at their apartment complex and we’ve reserved it. But there might be an issue with getting in, parking, etc... So, Freddy offered to host and provide pizza. John and I suggested having it at Corner Pub. Good pizza, Nikki’s waitressing that night and no clean-up afterwards! Call Freddy or William for details... and if you find out what the plan is, let me know!