I have wanted a Chia pet since 1983. Scooby-Doo? Herb garden? Or maybe the traditional Chia head sprouting green hair would look best in my kitchen. Any of these would be fine. Every year I toss out helpful hints to people that might feel obligated to buy me a gift. But so far, no luck.
I thought this would be the year. I had been hinting, as usual, when, about two weeks before Christmas, my husband came home from town with something he’d bought for himself: a “Clapper”. You’ll remember those from the K-tel style commercials where elderly women gleefully clap their hands to turn their TVs on and off. (Yes, it is literally impossible to choose a gift for someone who buys a Clapper for himself on December 15.)
“Um,” I asked. “Did we need one of those?”
“I’m not sure,” he said. “But I’ve always wanted one.”
I couldn’t complain. He must have been near the Chia pets to find a Clapper, no? And not everyone knows the rule – ridiculous TV products can only be received as gifts.
So he hooked it up to a light in the living room. We have so many wires and lines and electronics hooked up to the TV that we can’t get by with one on/off switch like the great-grandmother in the commercial.
The Clapper almost works. The light will eventually turn off, after about nine minutes of various clapping combinations. This takes longer than just walking over to the switch, but it’s definitely more entertaining. One afternoon I accidentally turned the light on by blowing my nose in the next room.
It was another year with no Chia pet for me. I’ll be hinting again in 2009. But, having a Clapper is so exciting that I don’t mind waiting at all.
If you have another Thanksgiving party, put your suggestion on the invitation. Somebody, somewhere, somehow will get the hint!
Posted by: Maureen | January 01, 2009 at 08:58 PM
I didn't have Thanksgiving this year. Somehow I was just too tired. I suppose I should have sent out "unvites", so people would know it was off - and not think they just weren't invited.
Posted by: Leeann | January 02, 2009 at 09:31 AM
My partner's niece gave The Clapper to her boyfriend for Christmas. And I didn't even know they still sold them in stores (Canadian Tire)!
Every time I see a Chia Pet at WalMart now, I'll be thinking of you.
And hey...it looks like I've bypassed the firewall!
Posted by: Sally Tubello | January 10, 2009 at 10:38 PM