Friday – JohnKu – AKA TGIF

~ John W. Howell

Friday

 

Another Friday and there are only two more left in the year. Hummm that makes them sound more precious than usual. The good news is there is at least one more before Christmas. That means at least seven more shopping days (well, actually there are eight) until you are out of luck on the brownie point department. I would call this “last-minute,” but know some people who wait until the 23rd or 24th. I’m way too obsessive for that kind of behavior. If I waited until the 23rd, there would be 22 (at least) sleepless nights worrying about whether the gift would be available, able to be located, or even still on the market. When I shop early, I know my options and can plan accordingly. I have back-ups to the back-ups since I take this gift giving stuff seriously.  I live in a very small town, so on-line has been a boon. Residing in a larger city, I used to be able to go to the mall and find exactly what I had in mind. Now there is no mall, and my wife is not someone who would like fish-hook earrings. I have my shopping done, and only one gift is “late.” I got on the phone yesterday to track it down and was informed it would be delivered today. So all is good. I will spend time wrapping (laughable) the gifts and then sit back and enjoy the holiday. Of course, I will have to fret about the question on whether the gifts are acceptable or not. At least I didn’t have to settle on a late buying binge, and I’m to blame if the gifts are not right.

Today’s JohnKu talks about gift giving.

The Gift by John W. Howell © 2016nly one chance

There’s only one chance,

To find that perfect present. . .

From the heart is best.

42 thoughts on “Friday – JohnKu – AKA TGIF”

  3. A beautifully wise Johnku, my friend. It’s marvelous that you put so much care into your gifting, because it really is the thought that counts.
    Now, lest I sound “sweet” (I’ll stay off my Julia Sugarbaker soapbox about how much I hate the word “sweet.”)… Once upon a time I had a coworker who started selling those “Ding-dong __ calling” cosmetics. I was terribly allergic to everything, and said so every week when she pestered about it. Christmas came, along with a little gift bag of the ding-dong headache-inducing stuff. “I know you’re allergic to all this, but I’m giving it to you anyway,” said she.
    “Thank you, ___. It’s the thought that counts,” I graciously replied. 😈
    “I guess I wasn’t thinking like that,” __ snidely commented. I raised one eyebrow and went back to work.
    TGIF hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Great story and points out how much people think of themselves when they decide to gift. Why think of the recipient? Hell, they are the ones who should feel lucky I got them a gift in the first place. What would have been good is to put the stuff in a drawer and then come Valentine’s day, regift it back to ding dong. Any comments could be answered with “I guess I wasn’t thinking like that.” Hugs and happy weekend

      Like

  4. So racing out before dawn on the 25th is only for adrenaline junkies? Guess you don’t know fear until you’re rushing to get last minute presents. I’m just looking forward to being able to go near a mall. It’s nuts.

    Do you ever miss doing holidays in a big city?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The only two cities I miss are San Fransisco and New York. I loved shopping and getting hassled in both. The dawn run does sound exciting but too much for this old heart. I’ll leave it to you youngen’s

      Like

      1. I’m too lazy for that type of challenge. If I was in that position, I’d go all gift card and take my lumps. Can only imagine what a sales rush would be like in big cities? The hassling is never a highlight for me.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. I worked with a guy in an identical situation. He understood women well and shared a fantastic relationship with his daughter. I’m sure she gained a lifetime of insight of the world by the time she was 14 (the last I heard of them). I bet she grew up into a strong woman. XX

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Love this JohnKu, and from the heart really is best. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who likes to get the busy-ness of the holidays done early enough to enjoy the spirit of them!!

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.