Now here's a question for all of you. What do you get a graduating Kindergartner? Toys, a hug, maybe... For graduating seniors it is pretty easy... Off the top of my head I can think of a number of suitable gifts to give an 18 year old...
1) Car. First choice would be a brand spanking new one. Something sporty and probably red. Nothing like raising a child seeing to it that the child graduates and then putting him behind the wheel of his own machine of death! You can always step it down to something economical and "safe", it's your money. Or you and the child can peruse the classified ads and find one that way. A car is somewhat a significant gift, perfect for a significant occasion. Price $500 - $25,000. You could even step the price down to $0 if you give the kid the beater that you are currently driving...
2) A nice outfit or pair of shoes (or both if you are feeling froggy). You know, the latest and greatest, the hip stuff, or basically something with somebody else's name on it... I will never understand how putting your name on a pair of jeans makes those jeans cool. I know sailors who have their own names on their pants, I don't see a wave of teeny boppers running out to get a pair of Petty Officer Wilson's pants. Yes, the Navy is a fairly popular job, but I don't think it is because of those pants. If you do decide to do this, don't go to some bargain store, and buy something fake, get the real stuff. Retailers know the deal and there will be sales. You buy some knock off, like some Nikke, or some Roobeks, or something out of somebody's trunk, your kid will think that his 12 years of cheating on tests and lying to you about his homework will all be for naught. The child put in quite a bit of effort to get that diploma, you can finally quit buying his shoes from K-Mart just this once. Price $75 - $200.
3) Luggage. Nothing says, "Congratulations, I love you {insert child's name}, now get the heck outta here!" like a new set of luggage. With a set of luggage don't skimp here. Get the whole set. If you buy your kid luggage, your message is clear: Time to Go! This does not mean that you don't love your graduating senior, or that you aren't proud of their accomplishment, it's just that the living arrangements are no longer conducive to that many grown folks in the same house under the rules of one. Because as many of you know, there is nothing democratic about house rules. There is one protocol about house rules: They are set by the governing body [homeowner(s)/parent(s)] and are expected to be followed the governed [everyone else -regardless whether they pay rent or not]. It is that simple. That's why parents can get away with "Don't do as I do. Do as I say!" Anyway, buy the whole set, that way when the kids pack up they won't have to worry about where to put everything. Price $45 - $700. Quality is something that can be waived on this item. Why? Who cares if the suitcases fall apart. Once the child has packed and loaded them onto their conveyance of choice, it becomes their problem. Remember they're smart, plus they have a diploma to prove it, they will figure it out.
4) Bus/Plane tickets (One-way). This is good. Actually, these would even go nicely with the Luggage. One-way tickets might seem cruel and unusual, but to me it says that after the triumph of surviving the rigors of childhood and earning the diploma to prove it, you have confidence in them that can and will make it in the real world. Price $0 - $1500. That all depends on just how far you want to send them.
5) A trip to your local military recruiter. Now, this type of gift is one that gives to everyone in America. It shows that you and your family are patriotic. Plus, if you are still a little worried about your kids, you needn't because they will receive 3 hot and a cot every day. It costs you nothing, and it provides the children with a job that gives them purpose, direction and motivation. And if you didn't quite finishing raising them, don't worry Uncle Sam will gladly take over and finish the job for you!
6) Lease. What else could say how proud you are of your child's entrance into adulthood than by giving them their very own lease to their room in your house. Here you can tailor the deal to fit your needs. You can charge them money and still make them do chores. (There is still no maid service in the house, kids!) Sure, they might complain how it's not fair and how they still shouldn't have a curfew, but rules are rules (See gift idea #4 on luggage). Plus, if they don't like your lease, you can show them where they can get a lease from someone else. I don't mean drive them around either. Show them the classifieds. Heck, they know how to read, they've graduated, right?
See, there are a lot of great gifts to give seniors. I guess a kindergarter really only needs a couple of hugs, some encouragement and love. They realize it is a big deal, but I don't know if they understand the scope of what is going on. I don't think they realize that their lives, their place in society could very well depend on how they perform the task of going to school to graduate (yet again) for the next 12 years. Well, it is summer now, and all he knows is that he is now a first grader. I guess I won't put any pressure on him to graduate, yet. He still has a little time before the rubber meets the road. After all school starts around Labor Day right? He can enjoy his summer!
By the way, does anyone know which of the Power Rangers is in these days?
Take Care,
Vice
I have a feeling this summer is going to be busy. Among all the goings on, the house is for sale. Already, it has contract on it. It seems promising. Closing is set for mid-June. I can't wait! I started actively searching for a new place this past weekend. Had a couple of prospects but nothing really panned out. I will be making more calls this week. Hopefully things will be a little better. I am not trying to rush into an apartment or a house. I want to make sure I get the one I want. I don't want to live where I am currently, but I need something bigger than this one bedroom apartment. 2 or 3 rooms will do or another house. The house is something I don't want to rush either. And with the constraints on my time as it is, I don't want to end up getting something I will not want to be in for too long. This summer I am taking Re'Sean to my parents' place for the summer. I want to be in a different place by the time he gets back. I guess when I look at my to do list, there is not many items on it, but all of them require quite a bit of time to accomplish.
What else? Oh yeah, I have written a new song. Actually, it was done a couple of months ago. I have been struggling with the lyrics. I know what I want to say, but I am not sure... (Like you guys care about that stuff anyway). Anyway, I put the song on vicesounds.com and on www.audiostreet.net/vicesounds but I keep taking it down due to my feelings about the song. I am going to release it, hopefully soon. When you hear it you probably be like, "This is what he was worried about???" What can I say, that's just the artistic side of me...
Well, this is enough for now, two posts in one day...
Vice
The summer will soon be upon us and with that brings a couple of important graduations that I would like to announce. My cousin from Alabama is graduating real soon. I know I haven't been the one to always keep in touch, but I did want you to know that Congratulations are certainly in order. From living here in the Washington D.C. metro area I often wonder where all the kids that don't make the news for heinous crimes against humanity end up. My cousin is a shining example of where, they graduate and move on to become part of the productive part of society. It's a testament to her and her family. I am sorry that I missed her brother's graduation and I am sorry that I will be unable to attend this one. I wish you the best of luck, Tyease!
And now for the other graduation...
This one is for my son, Re'Sean. He is getting ready to graduate from Kindergarten. I couldn't be more proud! For those of you with kids that they care about know what I am saying, for those of you who don't know what I am saying are missing out. This is what life is all about. Since January 22, 1998 I no longer had to ask the questions "What is the meaning of life?" and "What is our purpose here?" Everyday when I look at my little boy and watch him grow up those questions get answered over and over again.
Tyease, I know you will continue to succeed in all your future endeavors. Re'Sean, I got you.
Love and all things nice,
Vice