for Ken—from me the Visconti-Sforza Tarot deck (restored version—what his persona’s “bosses” would have been playing with), Queensryche’s Promised Land CD-ROM game (I’ve had the article about it in my DayRunner since March 1996—finally found it on ebay!), and a page-a-day Learn Italian calendar (the outside back shows such helpful phrases as “Are you a supermodel?”)

We gave formal portraits of ourselves to many of our friends and family. That's all I can say, because some presents haven't been distributed yet. ;-)

from Ken—An Arias windchime: These are gorgeously made chimes based on actual scales (I’m not sure if this one’s C-pentatonic or A-pentatonic) so they sound like music. I’ve coveted them for years and years. I’m now joking that he’ll have to get me a different size every year now. This particular one has copper-coloured pipes. A very silly squiggly pen that writes in four different colours and has a compartment for secret messages. 5th-row tickets to Styx on Sunday (yay! whee!) and front-row tickets to Paula Poundstone this Friday (that was a surprise!). The DVD of “Gun Shy”, adding to my Sandra Bullock DVD collection. A best of Sid & Marty Krofft DVD set, which an episode of “The Bugaloos”!

from Sarah & Scott—A gorgeous gold spiral choker on a brown, soft leather cord: I already know several outfits that it will go perfectly with. A maiden/mother/crone plaque (must decide where to hang it…). Floating star-shaped candles. For Ken, Neil Peart’s _Ghost Rider_ and motorcycle-shaped chocolates.

from Teresa—An otter t-shirt!

from mes parents—A writing book called _Goal, Motivation, and Conflict_, and money. Also, money from one of my gramothers; she set aside a fund so my sisters and I get something every year. We’re supposed to use the money for something personal, not for the house (e.g., going out to a nice dinner is acceptable; buying groceries is not). One year I bought my wonderful black burnout velvet goth dress. I’m coming up with all sorts of ideas for this year, and can’t decide. These include a Middle Eastern dance class, a decent postal scale, hiring a maid to give the house a good scrub (believe me, this does not feel practical, but luxurious!), or maybe dinner at our favourite sushi place (a pricey place, but an all-you-can-eat buffet—we save it for special occasions).

from Donna—A Calvin & Hobbes book, holiday finger towels, red and green M&Ms (a tradition), and a CD of holiday music.

from Ken’s mom—A book on gardening because she knows that’s my big project for 2003, gardening notepaper, movie certificates.

from Ken’s dad—A Clapper, and fleece pullovers (for both of us).

from Steve & Joelle—A basket full of lavender-scented bath products. Mmmmm.

from Amanda/Dave/Gordon—Season 4 of “Buffy” on DVD! Ooh. Maybe I’ll put Grandma’s money towards a converter box. Hmmmm…

We’ll be exchanging presents with all of our SCA friends at Twelfth Night.