Thursday Thirteen: Gifts

I know that this season is not really about material things. But my husband hardly ever gets things for himself. He works so hard for the rest of us but rarely spends his own money. I have been racking my brain, trying to figure out what to get my dear, dear husband. He already knows what he's getting, as far as the few things he's asked for. You know, stuff he needs anyway. I wanted to get him something that would surprise him. Something that he would really like. Something that would show how well I know him and how much I love and appreciate him.

I have to mention, in my defence, he is not the easiest person to buy for and usually the things he really likes have a pretty high price tag. So he never asks for them. He also is very particular about the clothes he wears and music he listens to.

I would make him something, but 1) I'm artistically challenged (and he's an artist) 2) I just don't have the time (but I've got time to blog?) Well, actually this is a logistical problem. The only time I could really work on something is when the kids are in bed and... 3) There's no room! I could never keep it a secret in my little place. The only place to work would be in our living room and HE'S THERE.

So, I've been thinking. Maybe I'll sell my hair. Then I can get him that chain for his pocket watch that he's always wanted. (kidding!) If it's the thought that counts, I'd like to list 13 gifts I would give my dearest if money and time were not an issue.

1) 1 week in the Caribbean. Jeremy served his mission in the French West Indies. We've always talked about going there. (Might as well start out big, as long as we're dreaming)

2) A hand made sweater vest like Wallace's.

3) A really awesome new computer.

4) A garage, for him to putter around in. He likes to do stuff with tools and wood.


5) The U2 B-sides that I lost.



6) A cool new portfolio case.

7) The retro scooter that he likes.

8) An iPhone.



9) A house.

10) The little sail boat he's always wanted.

11) Tickets to a show on Broadway.




12) A yellow, refurbished 1974 VW Beetle



13) A really nice guitar.



Nice list, eh?

One of our favorite songs is "If I had $1,000,000" by Barenaked Ladies. We've danced around to that song in the very humblest of homes. One of the lines in the songs says,"If I had $1,000,000 I'd buy your love." The love that I feel from my husband is worth more than anything in the whole wide world. You just can't put a price on it. There is nothing that compares to it.

There's another great song in Fiddler on the Roof where Tevia asks his wife if she loves him. They have 5 children and have been married for 25 years and yet, as his daughters begin to marry for love, he wonders if his wife even loves him. She answers by saying something like this: For 25 years I've washed your clothes, cooked your food, cleaned your house, raised your children, and stayed by your side in sickness and health. If that's not love, what is?

Jeremy, when you open your predictable presents this Christmas, I want you to know that if I could, I would give all these things listed above. I wish that I could wrap up my heart that loves and is dedicated to you in a pretty box. Then you could display it somewhere and it would remind you always. For now, my cleaning, cooking, child rearing, hugs and kisses will have to do.