"Gift Lists" written by Hodown on estrip.org

12/01/08 10:18 - 39ºF - ID#46901

Gift Lists

I just sent off my gift list to my mom. It had mostly books on it. I have this whole thing about asking for specific things. It's not like I'm 10 and can't afford anything. For the most part I can buy the things I need and if I want something I'll save up for it. If you have a gift list, why not just exchange piles of cash? I never ask people what they want. I like to give people gifts that are a surprise. Honestly I'd rather my mom just knit me an awesome scarf or sew me some pot holders. Things I can't make myself, but would love. That will never happen though. Instead my family always wants to do this extravagant gift exchange. It makes me sad.

jenks writes at 10:54:20 12/02/08 - Comment #42859: yeah, my mom is bugging me for a xmas list too. It's always hard for me to think of things I want- b/c usually I buy them for myself. And yeah, I hate asking for something specific and knowing what it cost.

But my mom refuses to give gift cards. she thinks it's a cop out.
And I kind of agree. I think it's a lot nicer to put some time and thought into picking a gift out for someone.

(I certainly don't mean to offend anyone that gives gift cards.)

ladycroft writes at 04:03:34 12/02/08 - Comment #42845: now that i look back at my childhood i never got excited about 'wanting' something for christmas because we never made lists for santa. we just got a few small things sitting in a chair christmas morning (wrapping paper cost too much money). maybe it was best that way, you do appreciate whatever comes your way, and it certainly is a surprise :)

metalpeter writes at 07:11:31 12/01/08 - Comment #42826: If a gift list is done right what you get will be a surprise see many things are listed and then the person chooses one or a couple of things or something based on that list, but you don't know what it is if there are many items.

hodown writes at 12:01:34 12/01/08 - Comment #42800: I'm not a jerk. I think you SHOULD give me what you choose. I mean otherwise what's the point?

lilho writes at 11:46:10 12/01/08 - Comment #42798: you are a huge jerk. i am not asking again. you get what i choose... it will be fabulous.

leetee writes at 10:50:53 12/01/08 - Comment #42793: My mom wants gift lists, too. I find it reminds me of being wee and making a list for santa, only the theme is far more boring since it is usually things i have to struggle to think of.

Like you, i prefer a gift to be a happy surprise. I just wish that i was better at it... i have so little practice.

Maybe next year, i will just take my chances and tell everyone to get me something they think i might like... or that they made.

Permalink: Gift_Lists.html
Words: 130
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/30/08 10:47 - 31ºF - ID#46889

Awkward

To know me is to know my love of tacos. Specifically fish and chorizo tacos from the Taqueria in my neighborhood. I have to have one taco a week or else. Well I'm not sure exactly what would happen because I've yet to go a week without one, but I'm sure it would not be pretty.

So now that my adoration of tacos has been established on to me dilemma. There's this dude in my hood. He's worked at the coffee shop and also the taco place. We have a friendly rapport. I see him walking around etc. A few weeks back I saw him on the street. We stopped and chatted. He had quit working at the taco place and was taking time off to concentrate on his band, blah blah. In the process he asked for my number, said we should hang out. I was like, whatever, fine. So he called and we'd make plans to hang out, but he was kinda flaky. He'd call last minute, or make plans and back out due to band practice and then call back and want to hang. So eventually I just stopped answering his calls/texts. I mean he was in a heavy metal band, it could never work.

Flash forward to last night when I was having a major chorizo taco craving. I go grab a 6 pack of Presendante beer and head over to the Taqueria. Lo and behold who is at the counter taking orders other than the very guy I'd been avoiding. Luckily I saw him through the window before I walked in. So he's back at the Taqueria. This poses a HUGE problem for me. Either I forgo tacos until he quits again (how long will that take?) or limit my taco eating to weekend mornings when he doesn't work (the owners work the brunch crowd- don't ask how I know this).

This is a real problem for me. I'm calling it "Taco crisis '08".

Don't let the smile fool you, I'm not happy about the taco situation.

Permalink: Awkward.html
Words: 344
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/28/08 10:02 - 38ºF - ID#46868

Post Thanksgiving

This year was another smashing success. That's why I'm mainlining coffee and I look like this:

Update: I've just consumed 6, yes 6, cups of coffee. I'm interested to see how my body reacts to this.

Permalink: Post_Thanksgiving.html
Words: 36
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/26/08 11:34 - 34ºF - ID#46849

Feds warn of terror plotting against NYC

Feds warn of terror plotting against NYC subways
By EILEEN SULLIVAN and DEVLIN BARRETT

WASHINGTON (AP) â€" Federal authorities are warning law enforcement personnel of a possible terror plot against the New York City subway system during the holiday season.

An internal memo obtained by The Associated Press says the FBI has received a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that al-Qaida terrorists in late September may have discussed attacking the subway system.

Anti-terror agencies say they have no specific details to confirm the plot has moved "beyond aspirational planning," but are issuing the alert out of concern that an attack could come during the holiday season," warns the memo, which is dated Tuesday.

While federal agencies often issue all sorts of advisory warnings, the language of this one is particularly forceful.

I can't wait to take the train home. I wondered what was up- the trains have been swarming with cops lately.

Permalink: Feds_warn_of_terror_plotting_against_NYC.html
Words: 150
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/25/08 05:12 - 39ºF - ID#46831

Winter Tomatos make me sad

All summer I dreaded this day. The day when I cut open a tomato and saw the mealy whiteness that is a winter tomato..

Permalink: Winter_Tomatos_make_me_sad.html
Words: 26
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/25/08 04:57 - 39ºF - ID#46830

I believe that children are our future

I always knew that someday all the time and effort I put into lilho would pay off. Over the years I've provided her with lots of trips and extravagant gifts. Honestly I did it because she is my sister and I love her and she's a lot of fun. But also I knew it was an investment in my future. Turns out that was a good bet and it's paying off.

She bought my Mom this Grand Canyon Train trip for Christmas and included a ticket for me (as my gift). She didn't skimp either. It's all first class travel for the Ho women.

AND

She just lent me the money to buy a ticket to Buffalo for New Year's. That's right bitches the Ho sisters are rocking Linwood like it's 1999.

Oh maybe I should have mentioned this to Paul. Um Paul I'm going to Buffalo for New Year's. Can I crash at your mansion? okthxbi.

And also Sarah needs a place to stay too.

Hearts,
Boobers

Permalink: I_believe_that_children_are_our_future.html
Words: 167
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/24/08 11:47 - 34ºF - ID#46819

Halloween '08

It's almost Thanksgiving and I'm just now getting around to my pictures from Buffalo. If that bothers you then you should probably stop reading my blog (sorry if that is snippy, but it's Monday).

Jetblue's shiny new terminal where the beer taps don't work and mixed drinks are $10 a pop.

Sushi is an option- if you can afford it.

Day of the party we run errands. Last stop WEGMANS. For anyone who cooks it's like grocery porn. Before we shop, we feast on $1.99 gelatto.

After the gelatto Paul and TK were no where to be found. Terry and I finished up the shopping. This entire cart of food came to $200. I almost died everything was so inexpensive.

One thing I really miss about grocery shopping is riding the cart.

Surprise, Surprise look who we found hanging out in the car. Looks like too much errand running tuckered the boys out.

And for the grand finale the two pictures I took at the party:

Mike and his nemisis

And Mike again, licking a candy shot glass looking hot and drunk.

This trip was like most of my trips filled with good times and no pictures to remember it. These are literally the only pictures I took the entire time.

Permalink: Halloween_08.html
Words: 224
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/24/08 10:24 - 34ºF - ID#46817

Liza's At the Palace

I just asked my Mom for a ticket to see Liza for my birthday. She said yes!! She agreed that she is a national treasure and that I should see her "..because she could go any day now."

We then discussed ticket options. She wanted to buy me a pair of tickets so I could go with someone. I actually prefer going alone. That way I don't have to worry that the person I'm with is enjoying it as much as I am.

I think it may be weird that I want to spend my birthday alone, but whatever it's my birthday and I'm the boss of it.

Permalink: Liza_s_At_the_Palace.html
Words: 108
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/20/08 02:10 - 33ºF - ID#46774

More proof

that I am actually a gay man trapped in a woman's body.

Liza , yes THE LIZA MINELLI, is in town and I'm determined to see her. Really how could you pass this once in a life time opportunity up?

PS I love how she's had her picture photoshopped till she looks like she is 25. I'm so doing that when I hit 50-ish..

Permalink: More_proof.html
Words: 66
Location: Jersey City, NJ

11/18/08 03:11 - 29ºF - ID#46744

Seriously I can't take it

Everytime I watch this video I want to steal this little girl.

If you're a dude do not let your Girlfriend ever watch this video or else she'll instantly want to make babies with you..

I know I just posted about this, but Oh Emm Gee it's adorable!