Strongly Worded

Let's Get Digital

My family birthday celebration occurred this weekend, in my hometown.

My brother noted at the celebratory dinner (4-course Italian feast) that he hadn't yet given me a present. He asked if I wanted a potato masher. The suggestion was actually quite thoughtful, because my brother makes incredible mashed potatoes. He made them at my house once, and shared my own dismay at my wimpy, hard-to-clean masher. I told him to bring on the gift, since before my moratorium on shopping, I'd been looking to replace the sucker myself.

The next day my brother went out. Upon his return, he presented me with a bulky mailing envelope. He apologized for the "wrapping". I opened the envelope and saw a plain black camera carrying case. I felt a wave of awkward disappointment, not just because my mashing abilities would remain compromised, but because I assumed that the camera case was meant to be an iPod case, which I already have (I have a real one). But the envelope also contained all kinds of manuals and batteries and such. I was trying to figure out a tactful way to say that I already have an iPod and don't need or want a generic MP3 player in a fake MP3 case. But then my brother told me to open the case and--hazza--! A digital camera winked back at me. It was the floor model, which is why it didn't come in some more obvious package.

Now you may recall that I've been lusting after one of these for a long time.

"All the mashers were plastic," my brother said. "And I remembered a while back you were wishing you had a digital camera ... so I thought maybe you'd like this one."

I was SO happy. First, because this redeems him, big-time, in the thoughtfulness and generosity
department. And secondly, because now this blog will include fascinating footage. Check out the first installment ...

Posted by Dori at 10:56 PM