Thursday, October 16, 2008

The biggest packing challenge

So, what has caused the most angst as I've been preparing for my trip? Trying to figure out what the heck to bring as gifts for the host family I'll be staying with for a couple of nights. This is complicated because:
  1. I have never met them,
  2. I don't know how many kids they have,
  3. I don't know the ages and accompanying genders of said kids,
  4. I have almost no clue about what boys in the 10-14 year-old age range would think is cool.
I went to Target, Patina, and Walgreens and ended up with the following (for the kids):
  • Matchbox cars
  • Markers
  • Gel clings for the window (Halloween themed--fun!)
  • Hello Kitty flashlight keychain
  • High-bounce superballs that light up when you bounce them (actually very cool)
  • Star Wars twist-up crayons
  • Goofy foam sunglasses that look like frogs, lady bugs, or butterflies
  • A ton of decorated pencils
  • Snoopy/Peanuts mechanical pencils
  • Gum
Truly, you would not believe the hours I have spent over the past week or so agonizing over what to take as non-stupid gifts! Clothes and shoes are easy easy easy compared to this.

At this time next week I'll be en route to Amman aboard Royal Jordanian Airlines. Whoo-hoo!

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