Supportive, humorous family gifts...

[Gawain 0]

I went to South Carolina to visit my dad and his wife for Christmas. It was a short visit, but very relaxing (a relatively new development for my dad and I, within the past 3 or 4 years).

Unlike my mother, whose reaction to my starting skydiving 18 months ago was, "What the hell is the matter with you?!" My dad was far more intrigued, "Wow, that must be exciting."

He had asked me a while ago about where to look if he wanted to buy something related to the sport for me. I gave him a few websites and advised him not to feel obligated at all, as the sport, and gear is highly specialized and to ask a lot of questions.

During the holidays, we tend not to go crazy with exchanging gifts and get a little creative (my sister and dad are masters at this...she can give you toothpicks as a stocking stuffer and you'll be excited at the presentation!).

My dad's gift to me is a plain looking cardboard box, upon the top is a label which reads:

"ACEM Parachute Co. -- (Tear away Kamokazi Model A1, rebuilt from unused Japanese WWII Pilot gear) -- Not to be confused with ACME's New Year's Confetti Packs" Inside the box is a small desktop Dilbert Daily Calendar (a yearly mainstay gift, I give him "Farside" stuff) and a big envelope.

The envelope is a used D&B Marketing with information on the back about breaking seals and accepting terms, etc. On the front is another label which reads:

"ACME Daredevil Life Insurance Co. -- You pay us plenty, and we'll share a little with your family -- Offered only in conjunction with approved ACME made parachute products."

Inside the envelope is a token worth 20 jumps to me.

Of course I'm subjective, but my dad is pretty cool. That makes a good story too!

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[jessd 0]

That was really nice. Very thoughtful - the best kinds of gifts! My boss gave me gift certificate to the DZ for Christmas and I was more excited about the fact that he took the time to ask around at work to find out where I jumped - just the fact that he actually put some thought into it was way cool.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..."

[freeflir29 0]

Cool gift....beats the travel alarm clock and clothes I got. Maybe I should have given a subtle hint about SD Atlanta gift certificates to my family......

[Jessica 0]

My parents are going to let me use their trailer this summer until August to facilitate my cutaway. Hee hee!

Skydiving is for cool people only

[freefallfreak 0]

Jessica,

Just where did you say you were gonna' park that trailer?? Tee-hee...

FFF

"Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up."

[hohonukai 0]

That is so cute. Your family is very creative. And your dad rocks.

I'll have to hint to mine to buy me jump tickets next year.

[n2skdvn 0]

one year for my sister i got her a hard rock cafe denim jacket. I folded it up, put in a box then that box in another so on and so forth (6 boxes in all). then added 30 pounds of weight. I had her pick the gift from one room to the living room and then open it. she did the same thing to me 3 yrs later with jump tix to deland.

if my calculations are correct SLINKY + ESCULATOR = EVERLASTING FUN
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