My Christmas List

I finally figured out what I would like for Christmas this year. Now that I have the most awesome camera in the world, I really think it's time to upgrade and get a tripod.

Nothing too fancy, of course. Just a little something I can put into my purse and get those great nature shots or portraits without that nasty shaky blurriness that tends to happen no matter how still you stand.

I found a couple I liked at Target. See?

http://www.target.com/Portable-Tripod-7/dp/B000FPH3SM/sr=1-9/qid=1229835583/ref=sr_1_9/189-3051233-0343167?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Adigital%20camera%20tripod&page=1

http://www.target.com/Gorillapod-Original-Flexible-Camera-Tripod/dp/B001BFJF8Q/sr=1-4/qid=1229835987/ref=sr_1_4/189-3051233-0343167?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Adigital%20camera%20tripod&page=1

The first one is for a tabletop deal, not too tall, but it would do the trick. The second one is kind of funny, but it would work! It can also stand on its own as well as wrap around stuff. I just don't know which is better. But I definitely want something that is easily packed to take along with me.

I don't want something that I have to use a whole other bag for. I am going to write my letter to Santa tonight and hopefully he can bring me one of those or something close to it.

Holy Hannah, this is so cool!

The funniest thing happened today. Jack and I were on our way to my company Christmas party and we were discussing cameras and how it doesn't matter if you have the best camera in the world. If you take rotten pictures, no fancy camera will fix that. You'll just have fancy rotten pictures. But that I hope I can find a nice camera for Alex for her present that's not too expensive.

Anyhow, we come to work and at first I had been told that it was for employees only so Jack left to come pick me up later. But I found out it was okay for him to be there, so he came back and we all had some yummies.

Tina, our general manager (the big boss) had given us all a bag with candy and a $40 Target card. I thought that was very nice of them and was already planning on what to do with it. Then it was announced that the gifts under the tree were to be given out. They had placed a ticket on our paychecks (today was payday too) and one on each present.

So people were getting stuff like tool kits and certificates to Red Lobster. I took pictures of everyone getting their gifts as they were told to open them at the front of the room so all could see what they got. My number gets called and I go up. Imagine my surprise when I get a digital camera!

I laughed so hard, and so did most of the people I work with. They all know I am an amateur photographer. They also know about the camera I use. It is really Jack's and we call it "The Brick" since it is so large even though it's only a few years old.

Don't get me wrong, "The Brick" takes most excellent pictures. I have plenty of them on Myspace to prove it. But I have been wanting a camera of my own so Jack can have his back. And I got it!

I took this picture with my cell phone to show the difference.





"The Brick" and "Holly"

I named this camera "Holly" because I got it at the Holiday Inn Express Christmas party. I can't wait to take pictures with it. I took a few sample shots and wow, it is amazing!

Well, I do feel a little sad as "The Brick" has been with me for a lot of things. But hey, now we have 2 cameras. I was telling Jack that it works out great because now we really don't have to hire a photographer for our wedding since most of our family and friends own cameras too. Yay!

But I am so happy about this I just may burst! LOL

Oh by the way, this is MY camera. I had decided before receiving my gift that I would use the Target card towards a camera for Alex. HEHE

So a happy holiday to all!

Wow, it's almost here.

I went to Walmart yesterday and they were nice enough to have this HUGE sign that said 11 days to Christmas. Thanks for reminding me how broke I am to not even be able to get stuff for my kids or my family.

Sorry, I'm a little humbuggy right now. Jack and I are trying so hard to make ends meet and I really want to give my kiddos a Merry Christmas.

Hopefully, I will find a way.

I do have faith, I do. It's just difficult to stay positive all the time.

Gah, what a cynical post.

It will work out, I know it.

As it is today, I am taking the bus to work since Jack had an early shift. It is raining and cold, but hey at least I have a job to go to. Unlike some unfortunate people that don't.

So I do have that.

My balcony does look rather nice with the Christmas stuffs and rain dripping down. That cheered me up.

This is why I love this season. Right here.

So there is a forum I belong to and they are having a gift exchange. Now it's a goofy one and not one that you buy cutesy stuff for.

I thought it would be funny to send this person a zombie survival kit. (On the cheap side, of course)

Here is a copy of the letter I am including in the box so the recipient will understand just what the heck this box is full of.

IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT

Dear citizen ________________, we have been informed that a zombie uprising has been reported in your vicinity.

We are sending these kits to all persons in your area in hopes that you haven't become infected by this epidemic.

If you have received this package too late, we do apologize and the correct officials will be contacting you shortly.

Inside this package you should have these items as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A set of 3 training films to help you recognize what a zombie is and the best methods to destroy it.

A gun with ammo to protect yourself from attacks.

A flashlight with extra batteries so that you can avoid stepping on any zombie carcasses.

A bottle of hand sanitizer to help keep your skin clean from any contaminants.
(Note: we have discovered the picture on the bottle is one of the suspected leaders of this outbreak. Please approach this individual with extreme caution.)

An energy drink to help you stay sharp and awake so that you don't drop your guard for wandering zombies.

We have also included a small personal hygiene kit that was donated by a local hotel.
(Good health should not suffer in chaos.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be safe and God be with you.

Thank you for your cooperation.

This message and package contents have been inspected and approved by Z.O.M.B.I.E.
-Zamora Official Mobilization Board International Enterprises-

Your local representative,
Little Doll Claudia _________________________

IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT

Here's what the stuff looks like:



Yeah, it's cheesy but funny. I even decorated the outside of the box. Hopefully the post office will see the humor and allow me to send it.