For Christmas, I got one of the greatest gifts ever. A WHOLE TRUCKLOAD OF GIFT CARDS!!! A good sized chunk of them were for Macy's (I spent it on shoes, in case you were wondering), and even more of them were for Barnes and Noble. BARNES. AND. NOBLE!!! Needless to say, Ty and I took the chiddlers with us, let them play in the kiddie section, and I just went totally NUTS!!! Within 20 minutes I was walking around that store with my arms overflowing with books. I got a few sidelong glances from some of the pansies who didn't have over $300 in gift cards to spend as they dang well pleased, but I just adjusted my grip and continued my search. Eventually my arms started cramping up and I had to cave in and get one of the shopping baskets. Totally worth it. AND I still have $130 to spend on a future visit of epic binge book buying! WIN!
Oh, even better (I know, *Gasp!*) Ty got me something REALLY amazing. I can't even describe it in words. I can only tell you the story behind it, and then post a picture.
Okay, here's the story. I don't wear a lot of jewelry. I don't own a lot of jewelry. I own about 6 necklaces, approximately 3 of which I really wear on a regular basis. Two of those three are the Claddaugh. I love what the three elements involved in that symbol mean: Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. I've worn it for years, and about a year and a half ago, I added a Scottish symbol to the repertoire--the Luckenbooth. I came across it by chance, and it's just beautiful.
Having recently learned that I have ancestry from all four parts of the United Kingdom, I decided that I wanted to have pendants/symbols from each one. Claddaugh for Ireland, Luckenbooth for Scotland, the Dragon for Wales, and the Tudor Rose for England. The Tudor Rose has double meaning for me, because my own husband is a History Major (having just officially earned his degree in the subject), with a strong emphasis in British royal history. His fascination with this particular topic started with his own personal studies on Henry VIII. His father was Henry Tudor, who--after ending the War of the Roses and combining the rival houses of York (whose symbol was a white rose) and Lancaster (whose symbol was a red rose)--combined the two symbols to create the Tudor Rose.
Apparently, when I told Ty about my wish to complete my pendant collection, he searched high and low for a Tudor Rose pendant. All over the internet. Finally, he found an artist in London who makes BEAUTIFUL pieces. His name is Simon Harrison and his stuff is just incredible. Anyway, this is what Ty found for me, and I just about fell over when I opened the box.
Yep. He spoils me, doesn't he? Oh, he got a BIG hug and kiss from me. Oh, and a really nice computerized telescope. (He's wanted a nice telescope pretty much since the day I met him. I was SO excited to give it to him, and I was NOT disappointed in his reaction.) :)
New Year's was pretty tame, as usual. We took the chiddlers over to my parents' house, where I helped my mom and dad figure out how to set the ringtones on their new smartphones, and then we played games until midnight, drank sparkling apple cider, and took the kids home to bed. Yep. Livin' on the edge, Baby.
Anyway, I guess I've rambled enough for now. Have a great week, everybody! :)
That's an awesome gift with an awesome story behind it. Though there's certainly no way you could complain about gift cards either. I've heard a few people say they're "tacky"... but who's ever complained about a gift card, unless it's at somewhere really bad? I'd much prefer that to someone buying me a gift I'll never use. I'm looking at you, in-laws that got me a dorky looking magnetically sealed wallet which 'stops thieves from stealing your credit card number over wifi.'*
ReplyDelete*This is a very real thing and is sitting completely unused on my coffee table.
Ha! That's awesome. Well, if nothing else, you can use that wallet as a white elephant gift, or some sort of cheesy giveaway on your blog. :)
DeleteI love getting gift cards as gifts. That way you get exactly what you want.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome gift your husband got you too but $300 worth of gift cards to Barnes N Noble to spend as you please? I think you won Christmas this year.
Yep. If it is possible to win Christmas, I'm pretty sure the trophy would be mine. I got spoiled! :)
DeleteGift cards are great especially if they are to a store you love.
ReplyDeleteSo awesome too is when your hubby goes to a pile of trouble to find you the perfect gift.
You have a good one there for sure
He certainly is a gem of a man. Incredibly thoughtful. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope 2014 proves to be a good year for you and yours!
ReplyDeleteYour usual Christmas Break Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Marathon?
ReplyDelete