Christmas, please!

This is the fourth straight year in a row that "more college" is at the top of my Christmas wish list. Now that my brother's in college, he's asking for the same thing. But education isn't the only thing on our lists, because you're simply un-American if you don't want some material goods!

My brother sent my parents a hilarious list, along with reasons why he wants them. Here are a few selections (and yes, I have his permission, no matter how weird he thinks I am):

• Rain pants. In the old days, when it was raining I could go riding, go back home, and change.  This dynamic changed dramatically with my entry into college.  Now my bike rides frequently end at my place of employment, where there is both a lack of clothes to change into and a negative opinion of employee wearing wet clothing.  Quality is of little importance, as more than likely any pants will have a short life and replacement is likely.
• Backpack. I have a multitude of containers for the purpose of carrying items from one place to another.  However, as is the case with most things, I don't have the one I want.  I'm not too terribly sure which one I want anyways but I can present two that seem sufficient.
• Chrome Midway Shoe. I tend to prefer the color green when I choose clothing and this doesn't change when it comes to footwear.  I enjoy a green shoe and would like to continue the habit of wearing them. These shoes are incredibly durable, comfortable, and awesome.  Also, they're green.

My list? I already know I'm getting an iPod Touch — I'm splitting the cost with my parents because I need one for my internship. (Also, the new ones have a camera on them, and the quality is much better than my cell phone camera — look forward to decent-quality pictures on the blog soon!) After all that expensive stuff, all I really want is a new large liquid measure for baking, and a multitude of socks. I love warm, tall socks that keep my entire leg warm, not just my feet.

I need these in my life.

Even if we know we're not getting a lot (other than college, which is a helluva gift), the most important thing is that we all try so hard to come up with something. Some people think it's a copout to say "it's the thought that counts," but I really think it is — even if you're giving socks or a backpack, a gift becomes a tangible way of showing you're thinking of someone.

One last note: Does anyone have any suggestions on what to get a dad for Christmas? Every year I wrack my brain trying to come up with something for my dad and every year I'm stumped. Last year he got truffles (which went over extremely well. Pro-tip: Use cayenne pepper instead of salt). This year he might just get a hug and some beer unless I'm struck by brilliance.