Because Andrew is headed out to Illinois a few days before I leave to join him, we decided to celebrate Christmas early. Sure, he doesn’t leave for a few more days, but hey, we were excited. It’s our first Christmas living together, and while we celebrated last year, this year feels…extra magical? I don’t know. But, since we were excited, we declared Friday night Christmas at our house.
I get gift performance anxiety. I feel like I’m not a very good gift giver. I don’t know why I feel that way, but birthdays, Christmases and such really stress me out. I ordered Andrew a Roku box, the New York Times Essential Guide To Knowledge (he stinkin’ loves trivia and knowing random stuff about everything!) and paid for a month of hot yoga, something we’re hoping to start doing together after the holidays. His stocking was stuffed with a bunch of silly little things, a new iPhone case and a subscription to Runner’s World.
All in all, I went into Christmas feeling good. And, I think I did well.
Andrew, however, blew me out of the water with his awesomeness.
First, I was treated to a stocking with gift cards, gum, my favorite pens, Oprah magazine and other treats. And then came the big gift: a brand new camera. For MONTHS, I’ve been sort of hating my digital camera because it sucks. I love taking pictures, but was starting to feel really discouraged, because there’s only so much you can do with a crappy camera that is nearly 6 years old and cost $60. I’d been hemming and hawing over what to purchase, when I finally settled on a Canon Powershot SD1200 IS. It’s wayyyy nicer than my current camera, but isn’t scary and overwhelming.
Anyways, when I opened my new camera yesterday, I was STOKED. I can’t wait to get a tutorial from Leslie, my photo guru, and go outside and shoot.
After that gift, Andrew brought out another gift.
A bit of back story: when we were in San Francisco last weekend, we visited an adorable little shop called The Button Box in Successories. We were poking around, when I found a ring I loved. I really love unique jewelry, and this ring was exquisite. The designer makes rings from antique buttons. The ring I fell in love with was made from a suit button from the 1920′s. I put it on and…wow. I just loved it. Andrew knew I wanted jewelry for Christmas, because who doesn’t, right?! Still, no matter how many hints I dropped and times we walked by the store, there was no time for the ring to be procured. I even pouted a bit, but eventually, I just figured he must have something better up his sleeve.
Last night, Andrew placed an old cigar box in my lap, wrapped gorgeously with ribbon and other adornments. I opened it, and inside was a small tissue-wrapped package. And inside?
I love it. Seriously. It is such a unique piece and it reminds me of our special weekend in San Francisco. And? It’s a RING FROM MY BOYFRIEND, OMG! I love that he went to the trouble of having it sent to surprise me. I also love that I have a fancy new camera to take awesome pictures of said ring.
All this to say: I am one lucky girl. Seriously. I feel so loved and spoiled…what a great way to kick off Christmas.
Copyright © 2012
Ooooh so pretty!!! You ARE lucky!! I’m so glad you had such an awesome Christmas.
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I am a huge fan of unique jewelry as well. I think that the ring is gorgeous and even more special because it reminds you of a special time with Andrew. I love this time of the year!
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Very pretty ring! :0) Merry Christmas!
Cheers
Allison
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Oh, I knew Andrew would do good! I love the ring and that he had to go out of his way to get it for you.
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Wow! I love it-so beautiful. Also, we have a Roku, and it’s awesome…my fiance loves it-so way to go!
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Holy WOW! I love it! I love anything art deco from the 20s. That is just gorgeous. What a sweetheart you have!
I have that same camera and I love it. It takes great pictures and has lots of fun settings to play with. Enjoy!
Merry Christmas!
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Love it! I love things like that, unique, meaningful gifts. You can bet you probably won’t see anyone else with that ring! Yay for happy Christmases!
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Oh my gosh!! What a wonderful way to start Christmas!! Lucky girl!
Thanks for the hints too lol – I’ve never had OR made a stocking before, and I had no clue what was supposed to go in them. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t mandarin oranges any more but now I have a few good ideas
I’m sure you guys are going to have an amazing Christmas!! I love that he put so much THOUGHT into what he got you!
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Wow! That ring is gorgeous! Merry Christmas to you.
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my heart just melted…first, I love that he totally did that on a whim and surprised you…what an extreemly thoughtful person. second, I love that you got him the NYTimes Essential Guide To Knowledge (NYTimes rocks for more than Grubstreet)…it’s really great though. third and finally, that is a serious camera..can’t wait to see all of the great shots.
happy holidays to you and yours.
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Awesome! Mister and I aren’t doing presents this year, just stockings, and I just packed and hung his the other day. I’m so excited for him to open his! And I have no idea at all of what he’s getting me. We’ll see….
Merry awesome boyfriend presents for Christmas, Amy! =)
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How awesome!! Merry Christmas Amy
Hope you’ll share some of your photos when you start practicing on the new camera.
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[...] few people Twittered/emailed me about the gorgeous ring Andrew got me. I don’t know much about it, other than what was shared when I originally found it. The [...]
Wow, love the ring! My engagement ring was my husband’s great-grandmother’s, it was made from a button that was on the pants of a Mariachi singer. Something like that. Anyways, a year later we were in a second-hand store in Seattle and found another ring with a similar design that fit him. Fate.
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[...] Friday, I shared the joys of my Christmas with Andrew. I was so touched by his sweetness, particularly when it came to the ring. The fact that he [...]