Wednesday, January 9, 2008

It's Better To Receive Than To Get

My birthday is fast approaching (February 7), and I'll be turning 26. To celebrate, I'd like a PS2. That's right, I'd like to have a PlayStation 2.

Now, I've made this a little more difficult for you kind souls out there: I bought myself a PS2 the day before New Years Eve. It's this one:



It was a stupid purchase; I realized that then, and I continue to realize it now. That's beside the point. Actually, that's not true; my point revolves around the fact that I was stupid to buy myself a PS2. I mean, I haven't even opened it yet. It's sitting in my room, still in the bag...lurking. Anyway.

So, while talking with my friend Ted earlier today, I said that I was just not going to open it until February 7, since then it would be like a birthday present to myself. I then jokingly said I could even ask my friends for a PS2 for my birthday, since --if twelve people send me 12 dollars each-- not only would they have gotten me a great gift, and not only would the gesture spark that whole my-friends-are-awesome chest-warmth-spread feeling, but it would also mean I would not have randomly spent $150 on a game system. Ted said, "I'd go in on that. Post it on your blog." So here we are.

Some people will see this as a greedy pig's way of trying to mooch off his friends using their sympathy as a conduit. I was certainly of that opinion for most of the day; after all, the inferiority complex in me is quite good at pointing out those sorts of positions.

Now, however, I look at it from an egotist's point of view: it's a good idea. Late last year, I had the great idea to go in with others to get a friend DDR for CMas. "That was an excellent idea," my inner egotist says. "Why am I the only one who has these ideas?"

Well, not to fear, because I've now had the idea for you. If you want to get me a birthday gift, but you think that 10-12 bucks won't get enough of a thoughtful gift, try this on for size:

If you buy me the PS2 I've already bought myself, you'll be saving a man from his demons, freeing him from financial burden while simultaneously gifting him with an enjoyable pastime that he'll let you come over and play.

And isn't that what every gift is really about?

Getting something back in return?

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Sure thing. Just let me know when I can drop by to get my money's worth. *cracks knuckles*

Ted Hobgood said...

This man has demons. And this man has a financial burden. And he loves games. My $12 is on its way.

shoetrumpet said...

This post somehow made me feel guilty that I received DDR from you guys and didn't think to gift you your PS2.

I'm in.

(the DDR was an AWESOME idea.)