Heh - hopefully everyone likes the pun in the title for this entry. And yes, it's almost Christmas and my first semester of grad school is almost over. Of course, I have a final paper due at 11:59pm today and an accounting take-home exam due at 11:59pm on Monday.

Still, this semester has been fantastic - I've learned so much, and I've been able to apply it at work. Now the trick is to get my grades before December 27th so I can take advantage of my employer's tuition reimbursement program. If I miss the deadline, I'll be out several thousand!

Of course, in addition to classes, I need to do some Christmas shopping. As of today, December 14th, I have yet to purchase a single present. Would anyone like to suggest possible gifts? I live in Boston, so I have access to pretty much any store imaginable. Of course, there's always gift certificates and EE savings bonds, but I'd love to get a little bit more creative this year.

Here's the list of people I'm shopping for:

1) My Mom - mid-50's, enjoys reading, listening to NPR and crossword puzzles. Museum educator.

2) My Dad - mid-50's, enjoys reading non-fiction historical texts (go figure), home-improvement projects and The Beach Boys. An architect.

3) My Sister - late-20's, newlywed. enjoys frogs, cookbooks and white wines. High school english teacher.

4) My Brother-In-Law - mid-20's, newlywed (see above). Enjoys Bob Dylan, Stephen King and thick wool sweaters. Retail banker.

5) My roommate - mid-20's, enjoys The O.C., shopping and starbucks.


So, anyone want to post some gift suggestions? I guess my range is about $30-40 a person. I'd truly appreciate it, as I've been totally preoccupied with school lately!