A Christmas Wish List

Tis the season here in Finland fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la: temperatures well below freezing, 8 inches of snow on the ground, and Christmas lights on every corner. Many times a day I find myself humming Christmas tunes and instead of shoo-ing them away (like I must do mid-July) I let them take over...so as to only make my spirit bright! So with my new found Christmas spirit, I would like to take this opportunity to compile my personal Christmas wish list. (ahem, ahem, family).

1. (the ever popular and probably never happening) WORLD PEACE!
2. THE NOOK!!!!!! www.barnesandnoble.com/nook See above blog post!!!! The Amazon Kindle: www.amazon.com/kindle This thing is seriously amazing. I don't know why no one ever thought of it before! The Kindle is basically an electronic book. Kindle owners can download 350,000 book titles at highly discounted prices from anywhere in the world using the Kindle's own "whispernet". My teammate Erica just got one and I am loving how sleek it looks. And, since I have been in Europe for almost two years, I can honestly say that it is TOUGH to find English books when you want them. I have only one more book in my small, English library to read until I am totally S.O.L.. The only thing that I don't like about purchasing the Kindle now is that (like the Ipod) there will always be a newer, cooler version that I will want more. However, at this point in my life, it would be truly great to have the convenience of a Kindle. Oh and maybe a cover for it (something classy and hinged) and maybe a book light...just sayin...
3. Ipod Nano: www.apple.com/ipodnano (pink 16gb) The newest Nano is really cool. It rocks a larger screen and even has a video camera embedded. Since my volleyball career may soon be over, I'm going to need some kind of music device to run with. The Ipod Nano is a classy little device and the perfect size for fitness. While I would love an Ipod Touch as well, I think that I would rather have an Iphone someday...so I'll save my touch experience for that.
4. Brown Riding Boots: Ahhh. I wish there was a website to direct Christmas shoppers to, but alas there is not. I've been searching for these flat-heeled, minimal-detailed, hit-just-below-the-knee, camel-to-dark-brown riding boots for so long I've begun to think they don't exist. I have found some nice ones recently on the Victoria's Secret website and on various shopping trips (size 11 does not exist in Europe!) but I haven't found the perfect ones. I'll keep looking...until then...
5. Underwear: I refuse to wear any underwear that is not Victoria's Secret. H&M while you maybe the only decent intimates store in northern Finland, your underwear is skanky and cheap (like some of your clothes) and I prefer quality fabric riding up my bum. Mom's got this covered. Thanks, Mom! I love you, Mom!
6. A Tiffany Key: www.tiffany.com/keys These are so pretty and expensive that I know not only will I never get one, but I should never be TRUSTED with one. But, it's nice to dream. Sigh...
7. DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Perfume (small bottle): I'm not much of a perfume wearer, but I can't get enough of this one. I like subtle, fruity scents and this one is the epitome of that. Feminine and fruity, I once doused myself in this smell at the Seattle airport only to be hit on 3 times in a row by classy old men each asking me, "Darling, what is that marvelous smell?" only to be informed later in the conversation that they weren't hitting on me at all but hoping to buy the same scent for their wives. Tomato, tomatoe...still wish I had it.
8. Professional Teeth Whitening: Lord knows no one in Europe gives a shit about their teeth (quality or color!) but I still do! Crest Whitestrips can only do so much! ZOOM! Whitening is where it's at! Although a little bit expensive it's SO worth it. And you don't have to waste time putting and peeling nasty strips from your teeth...bonus!
9. Lasik Eye Surgery: Probably a little more important than the color of my teeth (and by probably I mean DEFINITELY) but about 1000x more expensive and cool. I reallllllllly want it...but something tells me I'm going to have to wait til I have health insurance. Which is not any time in the near future.
10. My family and friends! I miss you guys so much! Life in Finland sucks without you and I'm looking forward to coming home more and more every day. I would tell you to come visit me, but Kuusamo blows. Save your money and lets go on a tropical vacation (fuck it, lets go to Vegas) as soon as I get home. Until then, I'm thinking of you all. And if anyone sees my little baby CC, give her a big hug and kiss from me.

So everyone, I know it's not even Thanksgiving for you, but find that Christmas spirit. And remember, "peace on earth and goodwill to all men". Lots of Love!