Thoughts on gift-giving

Feeling overall upbeat. It's a freakishly hot night in Bangkok, but then again, it would be freakish it weren't hot. Waiting for my advisor to call me in after she reads the second draft of my paper. Hopefully, all of this will be over as soon as humanly possible so I can get on with things. The month is drawing to a close and next month, I have to seriously start thinking about my Christmas shopping. None for my family of course - we're not gift people. As kids, my brother and I got presents; Christmas, birthdays, the works. But as we got older, my father told us gift-giving was over because we loved each other everyday, and we didn't have to prove it with stuff. Of course, we're still obligated to show our affection through materials with our friends, but family is now no longer on the list. Which helps me tons because I never know what to buy anyone. Ever. Personally, I like gift certificates, but apparently, Thai people think they're the ultimate in rudeness and thoughtlessness. Didn't know that until one of my professors had a baby and my class couldn't decide on what to get her and I suggested such a certificate. Everyone looked at me like I'd said to feed the baby glass. Culture shock, much? Nowadays, I just nod my head at whatever anyone else suggests and never again utter those hated words.

Final thought: Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Yippee!