oooh - I feel all mushy inside

Let me be upfront and say I do not come from a heritage of gifting. I'm not particularly good at receiving gifts, and quite honestly find buying gifts a little overwhelming some times.

They require so much thought. What if I get it all wrong? What if my best girfreind is already sick to death of ornamental candles or vases? Are socks and jocks really that bad a gift for dad? I confess, I tend to buy gift vouchers.

I do go so far as buying vouchers that are appropriate. My best girlfreind gets a voucher from decent home decor stores. My straight, golf playing mates often get Golfers Warehouse vouchers. Book lovers - Exclusive vouchers and so on. SO it's not like I coulnd't think of anything at all for you - it's more like I thought you'd do far better chosing something appropriate for yourself - let me point you, with all my love, in a specific direction.

Anyway - I was at a family gathering (the future in-laws) yesterday to celebrate J&P's engagement and CV's nephew MV is turning 8, so that got thrown into the mix. But, beacuse it's also my birthday coming up, CV's brother WV (and family) and J&P got me gift too.

My intial reaction - without any disrespect to any of them that may reading this is: 'What on earth for!?!' But then, as one does, I had to open them.

Now, it's not Christmas, so for a moment all attention is kind of on me for a moment, as opposed to being sprea around the room. And being the terribly honest guy that I am - I might not be able to feign a response of delight if the gift sucks. The preassure is on!

First up was a gift from WV (and family). They took the best route for me - an Musica voucher! Haven't tried to redeem it - but whatever I buy, I will relish! No doubt I'll be buying a collection of rare soul cuts, recently re-mastered and re-released, or something from the Hed Candi stable. Thanks guys - it's YUMMY!

Then there was one of those enormous gift bags from J&P. Gift bags are wonderful at conceling the true contents of a gift, often with narry a hint because of their shapelessness. But with the lack of and sort of shape comes the real threat of getting something I might just not like. So, it was with trepidation I opened the gift from J&P. OhMyGOSH!!! As I realised what I was pulling out the bag, I think I momentarily became the same age as CV's 8 year old nephew. I felt all mushy with excitement inside.

I'm a sucker for Superheroes. I was never a comic book fan, but ever since the advent of the hight tech superhero movie, I've becomse a sucker for them. Wel inside was not one, but two collectable figurenes each one individually cast in lead, hand painted and numbered and endorsed by DC. Here they are below:

I'm not sure if I should un-pack them, or keep them in the original boxes to retain their value. Either way if anyone out there is thinking about something to get me for this and many a birthday to come in the future... here's the link to the page. *bashfully* And no that was not a shameless punt for birthday presents - just a suggestion if the thought had crossed your mind ;0)

I know I'll be ordering a few of these little gems online pretty soon! Thanks to WV (and family) and J&P for the amazing and totally unexpectd gifts. The big day is on Sunday, and although I know what CV got me, I can't get my little paws onto that too until then... so I'm still bursting with anticipation! I think I might just start liking the idea of getting a year older again.

Ciao4Now