Huffman Coding

I am pretty hard to shop for.

I pretty much have everything I want and certainly everything I need. My family knows not to get presents related to my interests (bicycling, music, computers, board games) because I am pretty particular with my tastes.

Because of this, my wife announced two days ago that she had gotten nothing for me for Christmas. I printed off my Amazon wish list to give her suggestions, but told her it really didn’t matter as long as Santa has presents for the girls. But with the Amazon wish list in hand, she went to Target one last time to find something for me and found none of the music or games at the store. This was no surprise to me because, again, I do have unusual taste. If the Target down the street (or the other one up the street) carried it, would probably have it by now.

So with two days to go before the holiday, Chris said I should just get something for myself for Christmas. Less than willing to brave the last minute crowds, I suggested she use the two-pack CFL light bulbs I just bought at Lowe’s as a present, but she was not amused.

When were first married, the situation was reversed: I had no idea what to get her. For awhile there I ended up getting her a bulky sweater every year.  I(t) was pathetic.  It doesn’t help that my wife’s birthday is also in December.  I now prepare by maintaining a gift list throughout the year and I pull from it this time of year

But with Chris at work today and all the other presents taken care of, I actually hit the mall to shop for myself.  I did get another gift for Chris and even presents for my cat and the mother-in-law’s dog, but I couldn’t find anything for myself.

Then I realized Chris has already given me the best Christmas gift of all…

The gift?

“Understanding husband” points redeemable for the next time I forget something about her.  Priceless.

(BTW, the one of the CFLs didn’t work and I had to return them.)