GIFT-GIVING
Is it wrong to have this strong desire to post a wish list? Does it give the impression that I'm greedy or materialistic? I was thinking about our annual gift-exchange and it seems like every year, we have such great difficulty figuring out what to get each person. Wouldn't it just be easier to have a list to chose from - a list large enough that there would still be some element of surprise? (as per Herb's suggestion) This is the method my family and I have been using the past couple of years.
Most people want something practical and as a gift-giver, I personally wouldn't want to spend money on something that they didn't like or would just sit around collecting dust. Isn't this the best way to solve the problem? How did gift-giving come about anyways? What is the perpose or symbolic meaning behind all of it? Am I just being too practical and not appreciating the whole thought behind it?
I know that there are some things that I could use or would like to get for myself but most of the time, I'm just too cheap to be willing to spend money on it. I'd rather spend money on other people because I find that I don't cherish things as much if I buy them for myself. Does anyone feel the same way? I can't even begin to tell you how much I've spent on sunglasses that I've lost but I can tell you each crease in the books that have been given to me (there aren't many). Or maybe it's just that I take care of my books a lot better than anything else. Weird huh?
I'm coming home in 3 days!!
RANDOM BLOG CONTINUATION
Yeah, I've been blogging a lot more these past couple of days...guess that means I'm just super efficient *grin*
Anyways, I got a Christmas gift from the Dean of Students today -totally cool! It's only because I work in the office and he gives everyone something but still, it's the thought that counts. He gave it to me personally so I got a chance to talk to him. He was the one that interviewed me when I first applied and I really learn a lot whenever I hear him speak. One of the reasons why I choose this particular school was because of him and how he represented the school. I have complete respect for the guy.
So I asked him his opinion on the whole spending time wisely...and he gave me some his own thoughts. Got a lot to chew on and definitely some more personal evaluation/reflection to be done.
Here's what my present (a traveller's mug) says:
"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone,
the courage to make tough decisions,
and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.
He does not set out to be a leader,
but becomes one by the integrity of his actions.
In the end, leaders are much like eagles...
they don't flock, you find them one at a time." (and then it has a picture of an eagle)
Just something to think about.
P.S. Trust the Americans to use an eagle to represent leadership! haha...=P
RANDOM BLOG
Thanks to Steph and her recommendation, I am now addicted to Babyface and his song "What If". When I'm away from my desk, the song still plays in my head while I'm walking around and even in class. I think it's partly because of the music video too (I'm addicted to that too!). I really want to listen to all of Babyface's songs now...I used to have a bunch on my old computer but I've lost most of them. The same thing with my Westlife & BBMak collections. *tear*
I found out that I could find my blog by using search engines. That kind of freaks me out cuz I never considered that random strangers could read what I write; other than my friends. But then again, just b/c ppl CAN read it doesn't mean that they'd want to! Unless I have my own personal stalker - tee, hee!
Having trouble focusing this term...and it's reflecting in my performance. Still feel like I'm being pulled in 2 directions (ie. marks versus involvement). I was always involved in undergrad and loved it. But then of course, my marks weren't stellar. For the first time ever, I'm finding that the amount of time I put into my studies will be reflected in my marks. Trying to figure out where my time should be spent and I've been examining my motivations behind both choices as well. I'd like to say that they're less selfish than when I first spoke about it to Helen back in September.
WE WON!!
(Although winning isn't the point....)
Just found out that we won our res's door decorating contest =) Each one of us in the suite got a $25 gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory - how great is that! We could buy 4 WHOLE cakes...well, maybe not. To be honest, I really didn't think we were going to win cuz so many ppl went all out for it. It's amazing to walk down the halls right now...you can definitely feel the Christmas spirit in the air. I posted pictures of some of the doors - there were a LOT more, but I was getting tired of posting them.
If you want to check out our door, let me know and I can send you our short video! *grin*
P.S. Does anyone know how to post pictures up on blogger? I'm using Hello and I don't really like how it's starting a new post each time I load a picture.
ANOTHER UPDATE
I had spent a long time typing out this massive update during the week but my computer was dealing with this virus and suddenly decided to close my window just as I was finishing up. I got so mad that I ended up studying for my anatomy test instead of continuing my procrastination.
Here was the just of it:
1. I am increasing my girly tendencies. When I went to Florida over the thanksgiving holiday, I actually ended up spending 4 out of my 5 days SHOPPING. That’s right, for those of you who know me, I’m normally like a guy when it comes to this topic – I despise shopping. I figure out what I need, I go in, grab it and leave. However, my argument is that outlet shopping doesn’t count as mall shopping because the deals are so good, even guys would go crazy. The day after thanksgiving in US is like boxing day sale in Canada. I keep on hearing stories about ppl getting DVD players for $14-$20…crazy!
2. Went to visit Waterloo when I went back to T.O. Great seeing everyone again. Pre-opt crew still the same as ever…I miss the laugh-until-your-gut-hurts and inside jokes. I was warned that CCF was different this year…totally amazed at how all the froshies are clicking and the just AMOUNT of them. Wow – that all I’ve got to say. Felt at home until Jeff introduced me as “alumni”. That’s when it clicked…I was one of “those” ppl now. You know, the old geezers that would go back to visit; the ppl that I used to look up to because they seem so much wiser – HA!
3. Got to catch up with a lot of ppl and even got to spend some one-on-one time with a few; namely Cass, Alex, Deb and Sam. There’s something about one-on-one conversations that I love – I believe it’s the intimacy, the ability solely focus on that individual. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy getting together in groups and hanging out, but you could be hanging out with the same people yet not really know who they are. Wished that I could’ve talked to Jeff too…felt bad that we didn’t get a chance. Jeff if you’re reading this – we need to get together over the holidays!
4. There isn’t one person that I wouldn’t trust in ‘loo – I know that I could share with anyone and that they wouldn’t judge but simply encourage in any way that they could. I know because so many different people have shown this in various situations. And because I was able to open up to others, I also learned a lot in return. Many thanks to those who took the time to listen during my visit. I think I’m starting to face the right direction. "Love is a choice"; "No use crying over spilled milk" =) I also need to learn how to let go and be more vulnerable while I’m down here. I feel as though I’m not even moving close to my fullest potential in terms of my purpose here.
5. Went on my small group retreat last weekend. Something else I learned about myself, I need to be around nature (Does that make me a naturalist? I forgot the term). I enjoy the sounds as music, how individually created everything is and just how well they work with each other -->wonder and awe, that’s how I feel. But yes, I think another reason I had felt stagnant is because I go between 2 buildings every day and it’s literally across the street. I never realized how much I cherished my quiet time while walking to class back in waterloo.
6. I think I’m falling for this city. I was suppose to catch the late-nite showing of Ocean’s Twelve yesterday but it was sold out, so just got droved around the city for 3 hrs. It’s beautiful, especially at night. They have white Christmas lights out ALL over the city and with their usual 1920’s street lamps, the combination is great. We also drove by this section of the lake that had crashing waves…looks amazing at night! I have this huge urge to drive around downtown Toronto more now.
I have a lot more little thoughts that I want to write about but I have to go decorate my door now – it’s this HUGE competition. I’ll put pictures up if I ever learn how.