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Stu | all galleries >> Daily Bowl of Stu >> December 2004 > What just happened?
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Dundee Stu

What just happened?

23 December 2004

247.
The madness intensifies. Like all men (apparently), I have been guilty of leaving just about everything until the very last minute. I thought, mistakenly according to 'She Who Knows Best', that I had completed my Christmas shopping. Liam's present from me was purchased three weeks ago. I bought Linda's last week. The only one I still had to get was Cathie's, and since I didn't have a clue what to get her, Linda decided that she would get something for me to give to her. So, I thought, that was me done: all that remains is for me to help with the wrapping and pay the credit card bill. Delusion. Two days to Christmas, and Liam hasn't bought a present for anyone... so I had to do that on his behalf (okay, I loaned him some money, and we both went shopping together). Later, Linda came in with half of Debenhams' and all of Marks and Spencer's in carrier bags (you will not believe just how much stuff can fit into our small car), complaining that she can't think of what to get her mum (Cathie). For several weeks now, Linda has been plugging away at me: 'You know, Mum has everything she needs, but she has always said she would like to visit New York...' 'Stop right there', I interrupt, 'I, too, would love to visit New York, but we can't afford it'. I know the tactic: aim high. If she starts out asking for London, she knows she'll end up with a weekend in a caravan site in Montrose. You know where this is going, don't you! She started with New York, then worked her way down through Barcelona, to Paris, then London and, finally, Edinburgh. Barcelona worked out cheaper than all of the others, but the flight times were awkward. So now a four-star hotel in the centre of Amsterdam has been booked. It doesn't end there, however: oh, no. It won't be much of a break for Cathie on her own, so someone has to go with her. Guess who that someone is? 'It will be a present from both of us', says Linda, 'and it was nice of you to think of me too! That's a great present. Thanks!' Wait a minute... this is supposed to be from the both of us, but not only am I paying for all of Cathie's trip, I'm also paying for Linda's! Not only that, but I don't even get to go myself!!! Have you ever had the feeling that you've just been done!!!!


It's Christmas


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Carmen28-Dec-2004 01:28
Lovely abstract. I feel for you, Stewart, really I do. You'll pardon me though, when I say that I'm chuckling right now. Great title and commentary. ;^) Sorry.
Guest 24-Dec-2004 16:08
Um pouco de repouso Stu...! Eu adoro sentar-me diante da chaminé com um bom cognac, ou Porto, e esperar o Pai Natal à Meia Noite... Bom, jà não acredito no Pai Natal, mas é algo de màgico, e todos temos falta de um pouco de sonho...
Bom Natal A ti e toda a tua familia Stu.
Wenche Aune24-Dec-2004 15:10
Very nice abstract. Merry Christmas to you all.
Zak24-Dec-2004 13:13
thats a good tactic Linda used there! ;-)
Merry Christmas to you all!
Lori Rolfe24-Dec-2004 11:07
Do they need an escort from the USA? :-) Merry Christmas Stu!
Karen Leaf24-Dec-2004 04:15
It appears Linda knows the rules, very very well.
You are a GOOD man, Stu.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Pepe Zyman24-Dec-2004 02:07
Cool
jude24-Dec-2004 00:32
I can't help but smile at how you REALLY deep down love making them happy.. Sweet..
Elaine (etfitz)24-Dec-2004 00:23
You are a good man!
Gayle P. Clement23-Dec-2004 22:57
Very generous of you, Stu :^)
Gayle
Ed Knepley23-Dec-2004 22:49
I can associate with that tale - except here it's "she who must be obeyed". Merry Christmas, Stu. I've really enjoyed your sharing with us - may it continue into a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
laine8223-Dec-2004 22:46
Done like a dinner...or...There's a sucker born every minute.! Wooeee, go girls !!
Stu, think of it this way, you get to spend quality time cooking, cleaning & washing for Liam while Linda is gone & if your unsure of how it's done, ask your wife. She's had lots of practice at it..LOL!

Merry Christmas, Stu.
Guest 23-Dec-2004 22:32
Done like a kipper! Hilarious tale... your goodwill goes a long way, well at least as far as Amsterdam :)
northstar3723-Dec-2004 22:07
Dublin would have been a cheaper option ;-)
Gilles Navet23-Dec-2004 22:04
poetic pic, an another great abstraction
You have your own world Stewart
Gilles
Robin Reid23-Dec-2004 21:50
Stu I am both laughing and cringing at your story. There is so much "universal truth" in your tale that I want sob and smile.
Guest 23-Dec-2004 21:50
Oh man - the implied chaos of the pic, then your tale of woe... you've been had! Fleeced! Played like a toy piano! But then, think of all the quality time you and Liam will have together...
Guest 23-Dec-2004 21:39
Enjoyed the story, I did my stress free shopping this year via the internet, hate trailing round M&S, Debenhams etc. this time of year.
Guest 23-Dec-2004 21:14
A trip is a wonderful gift! Very nice of you. When you visit the states, I will show you a little southern hospitality. Happy Holidays to you and yours... johnny