Moratorium: Wish List

If all our days are numbered...

I am trying to minimize EVERYTHING at the moment, and I request that you think of this when you decide to gift something to me. 

Most likely, it will come down to me keeping whatever you give me FOREVER (because I am a hoarder of sentimentalism). So, I ask that you'd choose your gift wisely. 

Words sure do mean a lot. And I'm not talking about a cutesy Hallmark pre-written and typed paragraph with your signature below. I'm talking about a heart-felt notebook or scratch paper letter of humor, wit, wisdom, haiku, personal requests, a bible verse (not just the reference), personal remarks and criticisms of the past three-hundred and sixty four/five (depends how you count it) that I have just lived. 

I always see a birthday as the one day in the year when everyone is obliged to make sure that they are nice to you. You can't get in trouble on your birthday - it's like you get off scott-free. You can eat breakfast in bed. The spotlight is awkwardly on you when they sing (we've all been serenaded by a chorus of beloved), and you feel like you've accomplished something, but you can't quite figure out what it actually is. You feel appreciated because everyone gives you a hug on that day, EVERYONE.

But I also always see a birthday as a guest book for a rude awakening. I know that you are so glad that I'm born (maybe you aren't or could care less), but tell me why. How, specifically, have I impacted you, and how can I impact you more? How I can be a better person. Tell me how I can reflect the actions of my savior better. Tell me the areas of my life that you see fit for a revival. Tell me what I could have done better. Tell me how I should give the glory to whom it is so rightly due. Tell me how you grow within 365 days. Remember, rude awakenings welcomed.

why do I keep counting?...

Screw New Year's. A birthday is the real marker. 

The thought, time, and detail that goes into a gift will not go unnoticed by me. The simplest of gifts can go a long way, even if it is a piece of tree bark with my name etched onto it and you took the time to etch. 

But, if you aren't too keen on any of the above, I would suggest the fleeting following:

laptop

non-Vera Bradley backpack for school

textbooks

earplugs by the bucket load (purple and 33 level)
figs and passion fruit