Shhh… did you hear? I’ll be 30 in less than a month. THIRTY! Yes. Thirty totally rocks. I love thirty. And as a bonus, I get to turn 30 on Easter Sunday. How cool is that?

Now I know that some of my family members are reading this… the kinda family members who occasionally buy birthday presents. So let me help you out here. This is what I want:

Gift Certificates:

Campmor.com - For camping and hiking gear.
Sweet Marias - For green coffee beans.
Amazon.com - For random cool stuff. I promise not to buy text books with it… OK, no I don’t promise. But I’ll try hard not to. Kinda.

But the major thing is: don’t buy me something if you don’t have the money. If you’re planning on charging it… don’t. I’d rather have a nice inexpensive email from you… And don’t spend 3 bucks on a card. I’m sorry… but I don’t keep those I read them then throw them away. [Gasp!] So you’d really be better off sending me a scrap of paper with a thoughtful note… and the 3 bucks.

For friends in the Springfield area. Don’t get me anything. Just come hang out with me some time. I miss you. Oooh ooh, or watch my kids for me so I can go hiking some Sunday at 2pm.

All I want for Christmas is…
an Amazon Gift Certificate.

Oh and pizza… but that’s always a given.

And maybe for the WindFM to stop playing Christmas music 24 hours a day… please?

Here’s a list of the books I need for my classes at AGTS this semester.  If you have any I can borrow or buy cheap, please let me know.

PTH 553 The Person of the Leader
“This course examines the development of the sense of self and its impact on ministry effectiveness. Attention will be given to the cultural, familial, intrapsychic and spiritual dynamics that influence this self understanding.”
  

HOM529 Communicating the Message I
” A comprehensive course dealing with essential and creative elements in the development of sermons. Attention will be given to all aspects of preparation and composition and to each part of the message. The theology and history of preaching, contemporary perspectives, methods, development of resources, and sermon analysis will also be considered. This course will enhance the skills of veteran preachers while providing a solid foundation for the less experienced.”
 

PTHM 520 Contemporary Family Ministry
“This course surveys the essential components of marriage and family counseling and parenting skills training. Its objective is to enable the minister, chaplain and family life educator to appropriately conceptualize family relationships and relational problems and to employ effective intervention strategies. Topics include: understanding the marital dyad, building healthy family relationships, and implementing effective parenting techniques. Students become familiar with relevant educational psychology theory to assist them in their ministry.”
  

Oh my, I’m thrilled to see that the The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe DVD will be released on April 4th. [Four days before my birthday... hint hint]

The next Narnia movie, Prince Caspian, will be out in December… How can I possible show enough excitement?

Update: Mom and Dad got me the Narnia DVD for my birthday. THANKS!

“The choices are endless, and folks who roast their own coffee are choosey. So why not get them an E-Gift Certificate from Sweet Maria’s and let them do the shopping for themselves!” - Sweet Maria’s E-Gift Certificate

Java Jewels Coffee Bean Jewelry

“Blending taste with style, Java Jewels coffee bean necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings are the perfect gift for coffee lovers, caffeine addicts… So go ahead and wear your favorite blend. Feel the buzz.”

Oooh Coffee Bean Jewelry… Yet another thing I don’t need. Go ahead, add it to my slightly odd wish list. How about a “Triple Shot” necklace and/or bracelet?

—
A note from one of my supporters:

Get cool wholesale jewelry and all kinds of pretty jewels to wear. Deals on wholesale sterling silver and other natural beautiful jewelry galore.

Because you know I need one of these for Christmas… nevermind that I don’t even know where I’m living in February. Surely I could store it until I find the perfect place for it… Come on. It’s for the children.

“Fans that are interested in making a $195 donation to Cardinals Care will receive a Springfield Cardinals Bar Stool from the 2005 season. 100% of the money raised will stay in the Springfield community.” - Springfield Cardinals