I should really get over this whole poor-me-Christmas-was-my-birthday-so-I-never-got-enough-presents thing, especially since this looks like it's going to be a lean year for me in the gifts-buying department (Got to get something for the niece in California, of course! Something as good as those fairy wings she loves last year!) But I'm just not there yet. Maybe when I turn 35. So to all my friends, loved ones, and stalkers admirers (but mostly to my family), I present:

Okelle's 2007 Wish List

In semi-order of wantingness.

1. Warm clothes. I am such a grown-up.
   
   
   
   
   • I want socks, yes, socks, and long underwear for Christmas. But not just any old cotton socks and long underwear, noooooo. I want the good stuff. Smartwool, in lightweight and middleweight walking weight. REI, etc, store brands are fine, but please, I like the Smartwool-type socks. They make my feet happy.
     
   • And middle-to-heavy-weight silk or wool underwear. Winter Silks has been spamming me ever since I first requested a catalog. I can't afford any more of their damn products, even though mine are wearing out. Give them some ROI on all their mailing and tech support costs, and everybody wins! A couple of years ago, my ex bought me this amazing pair of wool long underwear (she got the REI brand, though, which was probably less expensive). Now my favorite pair of underwears EVAH have runs in them. I am an XL in these.
     
   • And I want a decent pair of wind-resistant running pants to go over my nice long underwears! These are extremely hard to find in my size (18-20 or 2X) at a reasonable price. These might be too warm for a short-term walk/run, but possibly good for skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking. The important thing is that they be nylon-y and wind resistant with room for long underwears, not that cotton crap you can get at Target.
     
   • A new coat. My old one is pilling and otherwise so decrepit I'm ashamed to have the bigwigs at work see me in it, especially when I'm wearing otherwise decent suitage. A gift certificate to a store that sells decent coats, like Macy's or Frugal Fannie's, would do the trick.
     
   
   
   
2. Real mail. I don't care if it's a card, a postcard, or a letter -- I love getting mail from people who don't want my money.
   
   
3. Phone calls, emails, hugs, prayers, reiki, and random acts of kindness.
   
   
4. Attendance at my birthday party. Not sure if I'll do it on or around the day itself, or on Chinese New Year, like I did a few years ago.
   
   
5. Things that smell good. I love these (but only the ones that smell like flowers, not fruit or candy), and most stuff from here and the hair products these guys put out. In general, you can't go wrong with lotions or bubble bath that have botanical smells -- nothing sweet or fruity. I'm also very fond of these and these Both are available at Whole Foods or, if you want to shop locally, Cambridge Naturals -- note that I have combination/oily skin.
   
   
6. Toys. My thinkgeek wish list. Let me show you it.
   
   
7. More toys. Only under the clever name of "entertainment" and "merchandise." My Amazon.com wish list. Let me show you it.
   
   
   

Okay, that's enough gimme's. If anyone wants a Christmas/Yuletide/Holiday card, please comment here, and with your address if you think I don't have it. Aunt Charity, I've been trying to track you down for over three years! I know you moved to Sacramento and I still haven't sent you a thank-you note for that lovely present you sent me when I still lived in Cambridge. If you see this, please comment with your address! All comments for this post are screened until I un-screen them, so you won't be posting your address to the world at large.