Tag Archives: birthday

This time of year

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This past weekend was the Jack Daniels Invitational BBQ Competition in Lynchburg, TN. I ate a pork chop sandwich that was the size of a catcher’s mitt, some grilled corn on the cob, and pork ribs. And I took home some fudge. I think I’ll be making a trip to this BBQ competition a yearly ritual.

I have tickets to the Titans game this week. I try to go to at least one every year. We’re hosting Jacksonville and I’m in section 128. Great seats, good enough to see every incomplete pass and missed tackle. I don’t know what happened to the Titans this year, it’s like they rested on their laurels after their success last year. There’s a lesson in there.

Birthdays are upcoming. My Dad’s, my nephew, and my own. Historically there’s been a restriction on personal purchases between October 1st and the end of the year. You don’t want to buy something for yourself and ruin someone’s birthday or Christmas present to you. Pretty much that means I can get away with buying a video game, but not camping supplies or NFL jerseys.

Purchasing Moratorium

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Starting October 1st every year, my Dad and I aren’t allowed to buy stuff. Both of our birthdays are in November, so we can ruin Christmas lists with any kind of spending. Games, movies, gadgets, gear, any small price ticket items that we would normally just impulse buy are all off-limits. Even items “like” potential gifts on a list are off limits. All buying halted, like a stock market in suspended trading. I’ve been really good about obeying the family edict of a moratorium, but my Dad is falling of the wagon.

My Dad has gotten in the habit of finding something he wants, buying it, then telling my Mom what she bought him for his birthday. It’s kinda of funny. He just bought this video headset that simulates a big screen tv and plugs into his iPod Video. I think Mom has gotten on board, just so she doesn’t have to worry about getting him the right thing.

Nevertheless, the Christmas tradition will likely continue of consolidating gift cards. Home Depot goes to my sister, Sears & Sonic cards for Mom & Dad, and some how I end up with Starbucks & Old Navy. I still have some from last year.