The Perfect Gift

I've just returned from a trip home. It was partially business, partially an opportunity to see my parents. Both elements of the trip went well.
While with my parents I caught up with an old friend from my undergraduate days. Her parents live close to mine and get along quite well. It was very nice to catch up but there was a moment of awkwardness and embarrassment.
Her birthday is early in February while mine is late February. Although the parents had called the gathering a "chance to celebrate the birthdays", neither myself nor my parents brought gifts. They of course, did. I got a gift certificate from her and a book from her parents. I was of course, embarrassed that I didn't have anything for her.
The question is: should I have been?
I can send her a gift online, and may very well do so. But, I tried to think about times I've bought gifts for friends in a similar situation. I bought the gift to buy the gift, not to get one in return. For some reason, this is awkward, even though it happens all the time. It's a classic Christmas or holiday dilemma, and many people have standby gifts for this situation.
Honestly, I did think about a gift, but couldn't think of anything off hand. Does she really need a "thing"? Do any of my friends? It's obviously better to come up with something thoughtful and meaningful, rather than a book or CD, unless of course that book or CD is the meaningful thing.
Now, that isn't to say I don't think gifts should be given. Finding something perfect that someone will love and use is a wonderful thing. Getting something with sentimental value (or even practical use) can really mean a lot to me, particularly if it's a surprise.
One of my favorite gifts I've given was to a friend at a wedding. I went to Penn State: he didn't. He made fun of Penn state, particularly their football team. While in a used book store I found the sublimely titled: "I hate Penn State and here are 301 reasons you should to". I bought it and very discretely placed the book in a box for cards at the wedding. Of course he knew without a note who it was from.
I think perhaps, that is the perfect gift. A gift so personal, meaningful and funny, that you didn't need to tell them who gave it to you.

TV sell out

I've finally done it.
I'm selling out to the man.
I'm getting a TV set.
I had decided when I moved into my apartment that I didn't want to buy a TV. Why did I need it? I haven't watched TV much when I have had one. I can certainty find better things to do with my time. There is also a certain pride in knowing that you're one of the few people that don't own one. I get my news from online newspapers and NPR. I can listen to music online or from CD's. I can watch movies on my DVD player. I can even watch TV shows on my DVD player. What's the point?
The truth is, TV isn't all bad. I was riveted by the DVD's of "Freaks and Geeks". Of course, the show was cancelled after a season, but it was still made and shown on TV. Arrested development has also grabbed my attention. Of course, that one has also been cancelled. But, it's still fun to watch. Then of course, there is the Daily Show. It's still a personal favorite of mine, even if I don't see it very much. Near the election I'd pop up to the gym upstairs in my apartment and catch the periodic episodes. It still makes me laugh.
I am not a TV addict. I've lived with them, many times. Whenever an alternative activity presented itself I would take it. I remember coming and going unnoticed by housemates who had their eyes glued to a mini-series on the history channel. Or, I'd pop in and sit down to my housemate watching something like "Home gardening on the space shuttle". When I asked him, quite plainly, why he was watching it, he'd respond with "There is nothing else on." The big red off button must have missed each attention.
But now, my parents are offering up their old set. I'm going to take it. I imagine I'll still get news from NPR and online (TV news is dreadful). I'll still listen to music and read. I still have to watch DVD's on my computer (no DVD player). And I'll still be addicted to NPR.
But, I'll also get to watch simpsons's reruns. I'll grab the occasional watchable network show. I'll even be able to watch political debates, news events, and the occasional riveting documentary on Space Shuttle Gardening that happens to be on PBS.
Unless my addiction has grown. In which case, I suppose you won't see many more posts.

The hiatus is over

Wow...such a long hiatus since my last blog. As I write this post it's gray and drizzly outside. It's perhaps my least favorite type of weather: rain and nearly freezing. Ice forms if the temperature drops a little; But for now, it's just dreary and wet. As you can imagine my impetus for venturing outside is quite low.
My holidays were quiet and comfortable. I had the pleasure of sharing them with someone special this year, partially explaining my long absence from blogging. I'm not really into personal posts, so I won't go into too many details. But it made the relaxing time of year more special to be able to share them. Lighting the Chanukah candles with family and friends is practically a necessity: It's never fun to light them by yourself.
New Year's eve was spent with friends as well. It was a chance to be goofy, to dance, to eat and drink, to just enjoy a moment.
I guess that is what the holidays are about: enjoying moments. Whether you are opening presents under a well-lit pine, lighting candles, drinking champagne, or just laughing with family and friends, you have to take the time to enjoy where you are. We focus too hard on getting the right gift, on finding the best party, even on pleasing all of our relatives. It's not about that. Even "tradition" can be overemphasized. Tradition is good, but it's based on the past. If you aren't living a little bit in present you're missing the point.
So now we face the rest of the winter. I look forward to the same things I always do: skiing, walking, good food, laughter with friends, a nice pint of beer, and of course, a few days of sunshine.
As for this blog, I will continue with the periodic postings. Although I do not write often, I enjoy this chance to write and reflect a little bit. Hopefully you'll find the time to continue reading.