Who’s Been Naughty; Who’s Been Nice?

South Africa Dreamin’

This is just the time of year I would typically distribute my Christmas Wish List as a child. It was a tradition in my household while I was growing up and I continued it until I was well into my 20s. Yeah, I can be that chick. I knew no one was really paying me or the list I gave them any attention post high school but it was habitual I guess.

No matter that I wasn't going to get half the things on my wish list because my parents were struggling to keep me in a private elementary/junior high school and my older brother in a private university. Struggling to make sure I could participate in Girl Scouts, attend dance classes and take piano lessons while sacrificing things like new furniture for themselves. Those wish lists encouraged me to dream, to have the audacity to ask for more.

A post will soon follow with items I would like to give to my loved ones this year. Don’t worry, I no longer leave milk and cookies out on Christmas Eve. But the Charlie Brown/Peanuts Christmas song is officially in my CD rotation.

Drumroll Please… Presenting My OFFICIAL 2007 Christmas Wish List!

An iPod. Notice that I just mentioned playing CDs. I do not own, nor have I ever owned an iPod. Tragic, I know. And I honestly haven’t missed having one until this year. But, my last few airplane rides with the cumbersome CDs, CD player and CD case were just a plum mess. As if traveling via airplane hasn’t become complicated enough. I also have a daily commute of close to 3 hours (round-trip) so the convenience of owning an iPod will make my life just a little easier.

Tickets to a Stevie Wonder concert. I missed the most recent show at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. No real explanation needed for this one. He’s a musical genius. Funny, I’ve met him but still haven’t seen him perform. Right behind Stevie are Earth, Wind & Fire (Note to Diddy; they are a band.) and Prince - another musical genius.

A v-neck cashmere sweater in black, grey and/or orange. Staples, staples, staples. It’s a no-brainer. Perfect paired with slacks, a pencil skirt or even denim.

A Louis Vuitton classic monogram speedy bag. I normally stray away from items that every other female in NYC owns. But, it’s compact (unlike my shopper tote) yet roomy enough for a squirrel like me and the cost per wear will actually make it worth the money in the long run. Plus, I love that it looks just as chic with a pair of stilettos as it does with sneakers. The Fendi ‘Spy’ bag, the Chloe ‘Paddington’, the Hermes ‘Birkin’ - all too trendy for this working girl. The LV Speedy stands the test of time.

A plasma flat-screen television. I don’t know much about electronics so I have a little more research to complete before picking one out. (Ben, HELP!)

A fish tank. And fish for the fish tank. What a sleek addition to my bachelorette pad, right? I owned goldfish growing up but now I think I want tropical fish. I know they require a lot of work (I can barely manage my apartment now.) but I’m up for the challenge. I think the fish would add such a relaxing element to my home. Perhaps this desire has something to do with me being a Pisces?

An all-expense paid trip to South Africa. I am already working on making this trip happen by my dang self in 2008 but who can blame me for trying? A little financial assistance would be most appreciated. Hoping to visit Capetown and Jo’berg. And ya know I’ll blog about it when I do.

I am compelled to add that I know gift giving is not what Christmas is really about. I’m a Christian (Although I’m starting to wonder what that truly means - Mom don’t panic.) and I feel that the commercialization of Christmas is just beyond. C’mon - Cyber Monday? Still, I enjoy this season and all it has come to mean to me and my family. This PSA is officially over.