plan ahead for birthdays and holidays

We had my Mom over yesterday for barbecue and cake on her birthday. Thought about this last week and with Paco’s support on getting barbecue stuff organized this was very easy. My Mother and I don’t always blend well. She did manage to interject a non-sequitur comment about a child she gave up for adoption before I was born but as Paco just let it go by without comment (as did I) this was a brief ripple in anotherwise quiet visit.

Though it is a little early, I sent my Dad a KIVA gift certificate for his birthday. On his actual birthday the whole family will be vacationing together. I am sure my Moms will make a special party or something – but I think my Dad will enjoy “changing the world” one loan at a time!

Sent a care package to M. She’s my cousin’s ex-wife and has a son a year younger than Max. She has MS and has done amazing things to keep herself and her son E. happy and thriving. Although she lives in Washington we don’t see M. And E. nearly as much as I’d like. Hm. Making this a GTD/index-card goal; to see M and E—and also my cousin in Port Townsend.

has his birthday on February 1st. I got his birthday card yesterday “What is happiness but good health and a poor memory?”—Albert Schweitzer and on the inside “when is your birthday anyway?”. Max woke up a little early this morning so I had a couple hours to write a letter before breakfast had to be made, laundry folded etc. I can mail the card at the post office later this morning as I have a couple errands to run.

her true birthday is tomorrow but she preferred to come over to our place today for cake + ice-cream. She liked her present (the Sesquipedaliana board game I got a couple months ago). I nice visit!

Father’s Day cards today! I had talked with my Dad and Mom#2 over the weekend but it was still fun to jot notes and mail off 2 father’s day cards: 1 humorous and 1 sentimental.

Turned out he’s never seen Man vs. Wild – so I explained the fire-starting stick he has is the same kind as used by British Special Forces and also Bear Grylls when he’s on an adventure. I hope he watches the DVD soon! Mom’s birthday is in June and I bought a board game I saw at Third Place Books called “Sesquipedaliana” which is her nickname for herself (someone who uses many multi-syllable words).

Paco wanted to get my Dad one of the Man vs. Wild collections; then I found on REI online one of those Magnesium fire-sticks that makes 3000 degree sparks – and some “maya dust”; quick-start wood shavings that will ignite even when wet. So all together they will make an “adventure” gift! I got Mother’s Day cards today! I also remembered to send a birthday card to my friend that I’ve known since we were six years old! I am enjoying this goal; and that I am remembering to mail things!

Is the next birthday coming up in our family. Time to start thinking and searching for a good birthday present.