Laura's Corner

How about you?  What items did you receive this year?  Anything dreaded to talk about?  Anyone receive the much beloved fruitcake?  I have watched the “Fruitcake Lady” on youtube more than once.  I am hoping I am quoting the correct woman.  She appears to be about 150 years old and is more than straightforward.  You can ask her anything.  From family, dating to sex, she is the “all knowing” Wizardess of Oz. 

For me, I shop for my daughters and send out a couple of Christmas cards.  Sorry for being politically correct regarding the naming of this Holiday, but darnit, someone has to stand up for it!  If you don’t believe in Christmas, then forgo giving and receiving gifts.  Also, make sure you work that day.  I mean, holidays are for those who believe, right?  Choose a different day to celebrate.  Please don’t rain on my parade.

Getting back on topic, how did everyone else fare?  What items did you receive that you absolutely loved?  How about the ones you smiled, said thanks but actually hated?  You know, the one you plan on returning as soon as the lines die down. 

Better yet, what is something you may have received or purchased in the past that you can’t live without?  For me, that would be my kitchen tools, moisturizer and sweet smelling lotion.  Of course soap and water come to mind.  Hair products, because gosh forbid if my daughters go without gel or hairspray, right?  Ok, my favorite jeans, curvy by Aeropostale and tank tops.  My stick shift car, because like Sammy Hagar, “I can’t drive 55”.  My MP3 player, God bless you.  The radio on my desk at work to fill the void.  Crystal Light on the go packets and Mountain Dew, soon to be Diet.  My king size bed just the right size for myself and my children when we watch movies or television late at night.  Ok, DVR, for all of my favorite shows.  My cell phone, just in case.  Text messaging, of course NOT while driving.  And, last but not least, my computer.  Which, if the internet goes down one more time, I will have a heart attack. 

How about the gifts you may have received that you can live without.  How about the 100^th ornament given to you by your mother-in-law?  The one she “really” liked.  That dreaded sweater, something which will be donated to the Goodwill asap.  I know it’s silly, but as a young girl my Grandma gave me a pair of “granny panties” and stuffed a $20 bill in them.  I have no idea to this day where my mom stashed those dreaded things.  I really never plan on finding out.  God forbid she used them for herself. 

For those of us who are looking to “dispose” of items received or have something lying around that you have no use for, please type www (dot) freecycle (dot) org in your searchbar.  (When I copied and pasted from the website, it re-routed me to a trade site.)  It is a place where you can post and request certain items needed for yourself or your family.  On a daily basis, I receive upwards toward 50 emails from others within Milwaukee and the surrounding area who are looking to gift others with everything from household items, electronics to clothing.  I have also seen quite a few items for babies and young children.  Everything is free and you must be able to pick up the item within a reasonable amount of time.  I have been a part of this group for quite some time.  This is the perfect place for someone starting out or in need of an appliance.  Although I am not in need of most of the items, it is exciting to be a part of a community of others who really enjoy giving. 

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy lives to read our community of writers.  It is a pleasure to be able to write and sometimes “stir up the pot”.  Please feel free to comment below regarding your experiences with gifts you have received which you have loved and hated.  Knowing that you will remain anonymous will give you the opportunity to “fess up” regarding some of those much loved and dreaded gifts.

Have a wonderful week!