Lucky dip

It's been absolute donkeys since I've been here and done this, I know. If it makes you feel better, I think about you all the time. But two things happened. Well, really one: I can't be bothered.

Okay, that's not entirely true. I think I spoilt you and me earlier this year with my daily blogs. When I look back, I think I blogged so much cos I really hated my jobs, which was really affecting all aspects of my life. I needed an outlet for my thoughts cos I wasn't happy. It was my therapy, which I don't need anymore cos I'm much happier now. I love my job so much. As much as I loved it back in North Carolina. And I never thought I would ever feel that way again.

But there is one thing that I am not happy with in the new job: the lucky dip. Lucky dip is what some Scottish call Secret Santa. I vowed after last year that I would never do the lucky dip again. But here I am, doing it again. Would you like me to tell you why I have such little regard for the lucky dip? Well, you are reading this, so it makes me think that you do...

All Secret Santas that I have known have always encouraged a playful aspect. The very first time I did it, I gave someone a box of dog food -- with some bubble gum and candy at the bottom. That is wit to a 12-year-old. Anyway, any person that participates in Secret Santa knows not to expect very much in terms of presents. Well, not at my last job. With only £7, they expect Tiffany jewellery and Rolls Royces. Dog food would not be acceptable or thought of as amusing.

But when I began, I had no idea of this. And it didn't help when all the names were passed out, several teachers said, "Hey, who ever got *** should get her a vibrator! She said that she would like one!" Yes, I got ***. No, I did not get her a vibrator. I have more sense than that. As amusing as that would be, it would still be icky. But I had a good think about it. I ended up buying her a tin of some biscuits that I noticed she really enjoyed. And an electric toothbrush. The note said something like, "I heard what you wanted, so I thought I'd get you this a multi-tasking tool." Did not go down well. At all. So badly that I felt such guilt to buy her another gift.

And now, the lucky dip again this year. Pray for me.