Saltah'na
Chinese Canadian, or 75% Commie Bastard.
Member # 33
posted
I have a rather interesting Dilemma here.
Despite the fact that my GF will be in Vancouver for Christmas, we agreed that we would exchange presents on Dec 24, my birthday, as we have for the last two years. This time, her sister will come in her place to give me my present.
There is a problem. I really don't know what to get her. Well, I do. I already have the present picked out (not purchased yet). It is a very nice (and small) Panasonic ShockWave Walkman that she has had her eye on for quite some time, but due to financial constraints, she can't afford it. Fortunately, I can.
However, there is one thing that has been on my mind since lunchtime.
The first is Baloo's article that he posted last week. I found it really heartwarming and sent it off to my girlfriend. She didn't seem to have any reaction to it, she doesn't even remember what the article was about.
Today, I saw this article during my lunch break. That really made me reconsider my gift.
As some of you may know, she was born in Vietnam. And as some of you may remember from a previous discussion, her homeland was hit by massive floods during the last few months. The death toll from these floods are said to be around 700-800. More could die from starvation and disease as the flood has wiped out crops and polluted drinking water.
None of her relatives and family friends are affected by the flood to the best of my knowledge. But I'm thinking of making a donation to a relief fund (provided that I could find one), and give her the donation receipt as proof for her present. In my mind, I was thinking it would be a great idea, as I see this as a very generous thing to do for Christmas. As said in the Star Article, it gives a whole new meaning to the Christmas season.
Only several things stop me from doing so. First, she's in Vancouver. I would feel more comfortable if I could give the receipt to her in person instead of someone else. Secondly, I know she's been wanting that Walkman. She has been looking at it before she went to Vancouver, and she might be disappointed by not getting what she wanted. Thirdly, I'm not even sure if she'll even like what I did for her Christmas present. After all, she is expecting a gift this year.
I was thinking that next year might be a good idea to start, but the flood however got me thinking otherwise. My budget is $100. That's the amount of what her Walkman costs. I could simply donate that money on her behalf to the Relief fund.
Ideas? Recommendations?
------------------ I can resist anything....... Except Temptation
[This message has been edited by Tahna Los (edited December 20, 1999).]
posted
If you're giving the gift, remember who you are trying to benefit.
Are you giving the gift mainly to feel better because you have given one?
Are you giving the gift primarily for your GF's benefit? If so, which will mean more to her? A walkman from you? A donation to the relief fund in her name?
What you decide to give depends entirely upon what you expect to get out of giving. What you expect go get out of giving depends on your motivations, either generous or selfish. Ultimately the decision is yours.
posted
If you could squeeze another thirty dollars for the gift, you could easily do both, but that's not an option, so I'd just end up reiterating Baloo's post. Although in a less intelligent way.
------------------ Elim Garak: "Oh, it's just Garak. Plain, simple Garak. Now, good day to you, Doctor. I'm so glad to have made such an... interesting new friend today." (DS9: "Past Prologue")
posted
I'm afraid you would know more than anyone here about what your girlfriend would prefer. I really don't think any of us can tell you one way or the other what to do.
------------------ "'...This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' cried the Spirit stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse. And abide the end!'" -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Saltah'na
Chinese Canadian, or 75% Commie Bastard.
Member # 33
posted
Walkman features: - 28 hours of continuous tape play on ONE AA battery - Exterior that absorbs the force when walkman is dropped. - Remote Control - Auto Reverse - Digital readouts and 20 station memory. - Super Bass setting - Battery Checker.
And it's $100 Canadian Dollars, which IS cheap, by the way........
------------------ I can resist anything....... Except Temptation
[This message has been edited by Tahna Los (edited December 22, 1999).]
posted
What you could try doing, if you want her opinion on it, is mention something about it randomly and get a pulse on what she feels about those sorts of relief effort things. Then, if she seems to like that idea more, you can do that instead.
posted
Who in the world would ever need to have twenty preset stations? I only have five, and I hardly ever listen to one of them!
------------------ "'...This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' cried the Spirit stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse. And abide the end!'" -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
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