Thursday Thirteen

I haven't done a Thursday Thirteen in a few weeks now. I keep getting side-tracked with all the madness fun stuff that's been going on. We're heading into a very busy weekend and next Tuesday is going to be a momentous day. Yes, it's a national holiday my birthday, but that's not even the MOST exciting thing happening that day. It will be Little A's 1st Day of Preschool! I'm really excited and really sad all at the same time. I simply cannot believe that little munchkin is ready to start school 2 days a week already. Where does the time ago?

So, before I start singing "Cat's in the Cradle", let's lighten things up here. First, I made mention of a little giveaway that I'm brewing. It's going to be cool and announced here on Sunday, so stay tuned!

Second, I love lists and I love gifts, so I REALLY love it when I can combine the 2. And so, I bring you:

Thirteen Gifts I Would Buy Myself for My Birthday (if I had the cash)
*And this is in NO WAY meant to be a hint dropper. It's just fun and I was running short on fab blogging ideas.

1. I am a purveyor of kitchen tools. I am currently coveting a Japanese Santoku knife to add to my cooking repertoire.

2. Since I am trying to reignite my love of reading, there are a couple of books that I would like to add. I loved Jen Lancaster's first book so much, that I want to get her 2 follow ups. "Bright Lights, Big Ass" and "Such a Pretty Fat"

3. On my trip to Maine this past May, I finally acquired a pair of incredibly comfy L.L. Bean flip flops. I want another pair. I've worn this pair almost every day this summer and they're quickly approaching worn out status. The good news, they're on sale right now!

4. I love chocolate. Godiva chocolate more specifically. The milk chocolate truffles show up in my dreams frequently. Mmm mmm mmm.

5. Since I'm going to jump back on the weight loss bandwagon VERY soon, I need an appropriate receptacle for my iPod while I run. I have yet to find earbuds and an arm band that will work. It's very frustrating. Any recommendations out there?

6. With all this weight that I'm going to lose, I'm going to need to buy new clothes. What a shame. So, an Old Navy giftcard would be at the top of my list.

7. It's no secret that I love to take pictures and I'm hopelessly inept when it comes to using my DSLR that I got for my bday LAST year. I need a workshop where an expert can show me how to use this silly thing (because I am NOT reading the owner's manual).

8. And after I master using my DSLR, I would go buy a copy of Photoshop so I could make my pics look even better. Oh, and I'll need a workshop on how to use Photoshop. See reason above.

9. I am slowly but surely getting caught up on my scrapbooking endeavors. A couple of things I would get myself are a prepaid plan with Shutterfly so I would actually PRINT a fraction of the 2000 pics that I've uploaded in the last year. And then, I would drop a load of cheddar at one of MANY local scrapbooking supply stores.

10. Something that I enjoyed tremendously as a younger person (ahem) was horseback riding. I am dying to go again. I'm not talking barrel racing. Maybe a trail ride or something.

11. And after that horseback riding adventure, and all this exercising, I'm going to need a spa day. Yes, a spa day full of massage, manicure, pedicure, & waxing. The whole kit & kaboodle!

12. I love B&B's. I've stayed in a few different ones and so far, I've yet to be disappointed. I would love a weekend at our local Stone Fort Inn or drive up the road to Whitestone Inn. Ah, can we say "relaxation"?

13. And finally, I would acquire a full time personal assistant to do housework and other silly tasks that take away from me spending time with my family and my hobbies. Wait, this belongs on the list of "Things I would do if I won the lottery". Oh well, how much do you think an assistant for the day costs?