Gifts for Guys
- Thread starter KenpoTess
- Start date
michaeledward
Grandmaster
Tess,
Got a short story to tell you.
About 8 or 9 years back, I did some volunteering in an inner city school. I worked with a 4th grade young man, teaching him piano. An hour a week, he and I would sit at the piano learning music basics, from Billy Joel to Mozart.
At Christmas time, he had a gift for me. Three very nice pair of dress socks.
When I opened the gift, I must say, it was not what I expected. To this day I am embarrased by my reaction. When I saw the gift I expected something much more useless; a box of candy or toy of some sort.
After thinking about the gift, it occurred to me that this young mans' Christmas was probably filled with useful items, like socks and BVD's. These socks were probably his understanding of what Christmas is all about. My understanding was much more commercial and fluff.
I learned a big lesson that day.
Today, when people ask me what I hope for Christmas, "socks and underwear" is answer I give, with fond memories of my teacher.
michael
Got a short story to tell you.
About 8 or 9 years back, I did some volunteering in an inner city school. I worked with a 4th grade young man, teaching him piano. An hour a week, he and I would sit at the piano learning music basics, from Billy Joel to Mozart.
At Christmas time, he had a gift for me. Three very nice pair of dress socks.
When I opened the gift, I must say, it was not what I expected. To this day I am embarrased by my reaction. When I saw the gift I expected something much more useless; a box of candy or toy of some sort.
After thinking about the gift, it occurred to me that this young mans' Christmas was probably filled with useful items, like socks and BVD's. These socks were probably his understanding of what Christmas is all about. My understanding was much more commercial and fluff.
I learned a big lesson that day.
Today, when people ask me what I hope for Christmas, "socks and underwear" is answer I give, with fond memories of my teacher.
michael
OP
OP
That's a wonderful story Michael 
Christmas and other gift giving days are soooo Materialistic, that I shudder when the commercials blare out of the boob tube, hawkers screaming their wares.. Seeing ads.. No Payments til 2007~!, in the same 60 seconds, Credit card debt problems?
Kids having temper tantrums when out shopping with parents, pushing and shoving if you're negligent with your time and find yourself in a MALL.. *runs and hides*
Those heinous animated dolls greeting you as you try to slide unseen into a store.
Smiling Automotons following you around demanding your attention 'is there something in particular I may find for you? no thank you.. 2 seconds later.. their clone is right in your face repeating it..' blah blah blah..
No I don't care for what has become of our 'Holidays'
An old cartoon ripped from the paper my late dad used to carry around with him at this time of the year.. a family looking in a store front window at a nativity scene.. the Father poking the Mother.. "Look Dear,.. They trying to put religion into Christmas now, what next?"
Your story brought some good thoughts.. Thank you ~!
~Tess
Christmas and other gift giving days are soooo Materialistic, that I shudder when the commercials blare out of the boob tube, hawkers screaming their wares.. Seeing ads.. No Payments til 2007~!, in the same 60 seconds, Credit card debt problems?
Kids having temper tantrums when out shopping with parents, pushing and shoving if you're negligent with your time and find yourself in a MALL.. *runs and hides*
Those heinous animated dolls greeting you as you try to slide unseen into a store.
Smiling Automotons following you around demanding your attention 'is there something in particular I may find for you? no thank you.. 2 seconds later.. their clone is right in your face repeating it..' blah blah blah..
No I don't care for what has become of our 'Holidays'
An old cartoon ripped from the paper my late dad used to carry around with him at this time of the year.. a family looking in a store front window at a nativity scene.. the Father poking the Mother.. "Look Dear,.. They trying to put religion into Christmas now, what next?"
Your story brought some good thoughts.. Thank you ~!
~Tess
Since I'm a simple person all I'd like is a new set of gloves to spar with. People don't like my old ratty looking ones from '89 when I purchased them :jedi1: .
PG 13 bah humbug. Fine then...
Well Anime dvds
are always a nice present.
Sharp pointy objects
are always welcome.
Video games for the gamer like me.
These are a few of my favorit things.
Getting Bvds
Or lots of socks
And all of that jazz
I simply remember it's the thought that counts I feel really glad.
Sung to the tune of a few my favorite things.
Might not quite fit but oh well
Well Anime dvds
are always a nice present.
Sharp pointy objects
are always welcome.
Video games for the gamer like me.
These are a few of my favorit things.
Getting Bvds
Or lots of socks
And all of that jazz
I simply remember it's the thought that counts I feel really glad.
Sung to the tune of a few my favorite things.
Might not quite fit but oh well
Flatlander
Grandmaster
:rofl: Good effort! It was terrible, but a good effort. :rofl:
R
raedyn
Guest
I didn't think it was that bad! Don't mind him, someguy, he's just a big mean bully! *wink*
Why don't you make a better wish list, hmm?
and it wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I don't have a clue what to give flatlander for christmas. nooo... not at all....
Why don't you make a better wish list, hmm?
and it wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I don't have a clue what to give flatlander for christmas. nooo... not at all....
O
Oak Bo
Guest
Well, since you're asking, a Fairtex banana bag 
Actually, I think Christmas has really taken a turn for the worse over the years with all its commercialism
The way I see it, it's a time to give, share and be with loved ones that you hold dear.
When anyone asks, I allows tell em just to keep it simple.
It will all be greatly appreciated
Ok, back to your regular program for tv viewing
Actually, I think Christmas has really taken a turn for the worse over the years with all its commercialism
The way I see it, it's a time to give, share and be with loved ones that you hold dear.
When anyone asks, I allows tell em just to keep it simple.
It will all be greatly appreciated
Ok, back to your regular program for tv viewing
M
Melissa426
Guest
Speaking of gifts for men...
I am a newbie at TKD, taking lessons since May.
Anyway, is it appropriate or even expected to get the head instructor a gift?
What would you all suggest?
Thanks,
Melissa
I am a newbie at TKD, taking lessons since May.
Anyway, is it appropriate or even expected to get the head instructor a gift?
What would you all suggest?
Thanks,
Melissa
OP
OP
Oak Bo, Great sentiment
Melissa, Hey there
It's a nice gesture, though I think it's best if the entire group or grouping by belt rank (dependant on how large your school is) chip in and designate someone to get the gift for your Head Instructor. *something everyone agrees on is nice*
Hope this helps~
~Tess
Melissa, Hey there
It's a nice gesture, though I think it's best if the entire group or grouping by belt rank (dependant on how large your school is) chip in and designate someone to get the gift for your Head Instructor. *something everyone agrees on is nice*
Hope this helps~
~Tess
OP
OP
Well,
What I want for Christmas is well beyond anyones powers to give me...
So Instead, I'm going to focus on giving to others.
What I want for Christmas is well beyond anyones powers to give me...
So Instead, I'm going to focus on giving to others.
Ah, well... its not important.
Besides, I've said what It is I want in every post I have made to the forum, so...
Besides, I've said what It is I want in every post I have made to the forum, so...
Melissa426 said:
My instructor would get alot of little stuff and mostly food. Liked a baked loaf of banana bread, chocolate bread etc. I think it is hard to organize a group to get a combined gift especially when some just don't have the money. But its easy to put together cookies or fudge or date bars and its really the thought that counts. TW
Hey Tess, Does Seig still want that Flamethrower?
Rope.
Specifically a 600' spool of 7/16th" PMI Maxi-wear caving rope.
I'd want it all in one length at first since there is a 710' mineshaft that I'd :inlove: love :inlove: to drop after adding another 125' length at the bottom (or ... the top) by tying the two ropes together using a double fisherman's knot. That way there's only one knot to cross instead of the four we had to the first time we did it. I didn't go all the way to the bottom the two times I'd been there... that little voice kept warning me off. Now, well dang it... am gonna do it.
After doing that particular shaft then I'd cut it to whatever lengths that I'd need. My present rope is several years old but still workable and still strong, but having that nice new rope is soooo nice.
With the old rope lengths that I have, I'd use them for permanent rigging in certian caves around these parts. It'd save the trouble of having to haul all that rope to do the drops every time. Trust me, in Utah... it can be a pain to carry all that rope on top of personal gear.
Specifically a 600' spool of 7/16th" PMI Maxi-wear caving rope.
I'd want it all in one length at first since there is a 710' mineshaft that I'd :inlove: love :inlove: to drop after adding another 125' length at the bottom (or ... the top) by tying the two ropes together using a double fisherman's knot. That way there's only one knot to cross instead of the four we had to the first time we did it. I didn't go all the way to the bottom the two times I'd been there... that little voice kept warning me off. Now, well dang it... am gonna do it.
After doing that particular shaft then I'd cut it to whatever lengths that I'd need. My present rope is several years old but still workable and still strong, but having that nice new rope is soooo nice.
With the old rope lengths that I have, I'd use them for permanent rigging in certian caves around these parts. It'd save the trouble of having to haul all that rope to do the drops every time. Trust me, in Utah... it can be a pain to carry all that rope on top of personal gear.
