Wishlists

My friends who I hang out with at home have this hilarious tradition where we each give each other Gatorade on each others birthdays.  I started the tradition years ago, and looking back, I don't know why I did, but I'm glad I did since it shows how laid back my friends are, and takes the pressure off me getting my friends real presents.  Unfortunately, that philosophy doesn't apply with everyone.  Nor would I want it to.  Recently, when I talked to one of my school friends, they told me that they dreaded getting their friends presents for special occasions.  I didn't understand why since I always thought it was challenging and fun trying to get your friends something, but I could see why she thought that way.  It's tough trying to figure out what to get somebody, especially if you want to make it sincere or have to use a lot of money.  Usually, I escape the problem by getting or making my friends cards, but I know I can't do that for everyone.  So what's a person to do?

That is when my friend and I talked about lists, specifically wishlists.  She said that she preferred her friends tell her what to get them, or give her a wishlist, like on Amazon, but I didn't know if I agreed.  Sure, that makes things simpler, but is it better that way?  Is it fun?  And are you spreading a false message by giving someone what they want, when we all know that you can't have everything you want in life.  Maybe I'm thinking too deep about this, but what do you think?

Question: Do you have/like something like an Amazon wishlist?  What do you think about it?  And do you like being told what to get a person, or having the freedom to choose what to give them?

Picture Of Your Life

I nearly almost dropped a picture frame in my house today, but luckily, was able to catch it before it broke.  As I caught it, I stared at the image, which was a picture of my mom.  It was striking, not just because it was an image of my mom in the past, but because of the fact, it was a picture.  Pictures are everywhere in the world now, especially with the advancement of social media and technology, but rarely do I see pictures developed and put into picture frames anymore.  Yes, people can post pictures online, but there's something disconcerting to me about posting so much information online.  Pictures are supposed to be personal, not things anyone can see.  And they represent a part of your life, which is why people hold onto them for sentimental reasons.

With Christmas now over until next year, and the fact I didn't get many presents (which is the norm now that I'm older), I think the perfect present I could get from anyone would be a picture frame with my family or friends in it.  It's simple, but it would mean a lot to have them with me (such as at school), even when they're not around.  Also, as crazy as it sounds, sometimes you forget what some of your friends look like, if it's been a long time.  Pictures can obviously never capture the real thing, but it's nice to see them at all, and remember the memories, which is why pictures are so important. 

I'm not a very photogenic or photo-positive person, but perhaps it's time I start being that way...