Hi all. This empty blog lately has definitely been a testament to how busy I’ve been. My apologies. My workload isn’t going to ease up before the 10th, but after that, I may return to posting (after copious amounts of sleep). I actually am writing this post for the purpose of posting a Christmas list– of sorts. This is predominantly for the benefit of my family, however, all are welcome to read and comment as always. I realized last year that by not asking for anything at least semi-specifically, I ended up with some very nice (but unusable or impractical) things. If I have to get a gift at all, I’d rather it be something that I will actually use and appreciate (and I’m sure you’d rather spend your money on something which won’t go to waste). My “list” is actually still not very specific (I still like surprises, after all), but it’s a good set of guidelines. Just please keep a couple of things in mind if you are planning on getting me a gift:
1) There are no caveats; i.e., if I say ‘anything from’ a certain shop or company, I do mean ANYTHING. There are no exceptions.
2) Less is more. I’m not looking for quantity, just quality and meaning.
That said, here is the list:
1) Anything from The Body Shop. I have loved everything I have ever bought from there, and I definitely agree with the stance they’ve taken with regards to charity causes and fair trade products.
2) Anything from Ten Thousand Villages. Completely fair trade and so many awesome creations from around the world to choose from =].
3) Anything from the To Write Love On Her Arms Online Store (http://www.zambooie.com/twloha). I definitely agree with this cause, plus they have fast shipping! A great combination.
4) iTunes Product (RED) Gift Cards. Music + Good Cause = Awesome.
5) Tim Hortons Gift Cards. I could always use more Timmy’s money, seeing as there are three on campus and one down the road from my house.
6) Non-music merchandise from the Anberlin Online Store (https://www.shopbenchmark.net/site/anberlin). I already have their music, but anything else would be really sweet (*cough*dogtags*cough*).
7) HMV Gift Cards. Because entertainment is always appreciated.
8 ) Payless ShoeSource/Soft Moc/Spring Gift Cards. I have discovered a need lately for classy-but-flat boots which I can wear to businessy events (so that I don’t have to kill my feet/back/legs in heels every time).
9) Any flavour of Celestial Seasonings tea. I go through a box roughly every three weeks, and it’s all-natural, ethical, and delicious to boot.
10) A cheaper item (less than $50) on my ThinkGeek wishlist (http://www.thinkgeek.com/brain/gimme.cgi?wid=81d514722). I have some pricey stuff on there which would be sweet to have, but if I am going to eventually own them, I will buy them with my own money.
And now for something else…a list of things which I would really rather not be given:
1) Starbucks Gift Cards. The one on campus doesn’t accept them, and there isn’t one near me otherwise. Not to mention, I don’t go to the one on campus very often anyways.
2) Clothing store Gift Cards. I’ve got more clothing than I need already. I love clothes shopping, but it’s not a good idea to encourage me to walk into a brand name clothing store 
.
3) Coffee, beans or otherwise. I love it, but again, I’ve got tons.
4) Grocery store Gift Cards. This sounds like it would be really useful, except that very few of the chains back home are here, too. Unless you are able to get a gift card for Metro or Food Basics, please avoid giving me these.
5) Furniture Store Gift Cards (IKEA, etc.). Again, it sounds like it’d be useful, but the reality is that the less I have to put into storage at the end of the year, the better.
So yeah. I’m really not picky about most things, but it’s good to have a set of guidelines anyway. Feel free to make your own educated guesses based on this list. I am literally about to fall asleep at the keyboard, so I’ll stop here, but hope you all are doing well! I’m definitely looking forwards to coming back and just doing nothing for two weeks =].
Cheers,
T
