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Dear Santa '09

Dear Santa,

I know it's been a while since our last correspondence, but I thought I should drop you a line this year as my Christmas Wishlist is a little more specific than usual. Not that I don't still need lots of black socks, but there are a couple of other things I've had my eye on for a while now, and maybe your elves can hammer a few of them out (or at least locate some good deals via a third-party supplier).

1. A BOSU ball and some free weights (8+ lbs)

Between walking and (or) running with the dogs everyday, I am getting lots of cardio. However, my strength training has been suffering. By the time I am done a full day's work, have exercised the dogs, cleaned the house, and folded some laundry, the last thing I want to do is haul my butt to the RecPlex to do weights. A BOSU and some weights would be a great addition to a home mini-gym, and would certainly complement the treadmill we plan on buying with next spring's tax return. :-)

2. A Front Door

Our front door is wooden and doesn't seal particularly well. It also has no window, rendering our front hallway a little dark and unwelcoming, despite the robin's egg blue walls. A steel door with a small window would be a great way to keep out the cold and let in the light.

3. Landscape Fabric

You and I both know I didn't inherit Dad's green thumb. I know you and he didn't always see eye to eye when it came to stocking etiquette, but you have to admit--the man can garden. I think the thing I hate most about gardening is the never-ending task of weeding. As a result, our backyard this year was a total eyesore. I can't let that happen again, and I think that some weed control landscaping fabric might help me to stay a little more on top of it...at least until ragweed season.

4. New Make-up Brushes

I've had the same blush brush for 5 years now, and the bristles are falling out. I don't wear blush often, but now when I do, I look like I am growing a beard. I would also like separate brushes for powder, blush, eye shadow, and highlight.

5. Music
I don't remember the last time Mike or I bought a CD, but given that my iPod nano seems to be on its last legs (the play/pause/power off button no longer works), I think CDs may still be the way to go. Here is a short list of who I've been listening to lately:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Bat for Lashes
Kitty Daisy and Lewis
Joy Division / New Order (both)
The Flaming Lips
Lady Gaga (she's great to run to, in the comfort of my own headphones)
Metric
The Weakerthans
Pearl Jam

6. Books

I don't know how much time I will have for reading this year, between work, working out, and doing homework for my French courses, but you can never go wrong with a good book.

The Greatest Show on Earth - Richard Dawkins
Half-broke Horses - Jeanette Walls
The Complaints - Ian Rankin
Still Alice - Lisa Genova
Demo a Day Books for Chemistry and Biology (I lost my Demo a Day for Biology, and apparently it is now out of print. :-()

7. A J. Crew Double-cloth Carlin Thinsulate Coat in Wild Blackberry

I think I might be a medium, but let's go with large to make sure I can wear sweaters under it. :-)

I think I've held up my end of the bargain so far this year, but rest assured I will attempt to maintain my status on the "nice" list for the remainder of 2009 and well into 2010. I will also make sure Vixen gets her parsnip and isn't harassed by Zeppelin while your sleigh is parked out in the back yard.

Say hi to the wife and elves for me.

Sincerely,

Saedigh