My 2013 Birthday Wishlist

Let me treat you to a selfish, self-indulgent, consumerist list of presents I want people to buy me. Yay!!!

1. Quiet, the Power of Introverts in a World that Won't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
   At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.
   
   I've wanted to read this book since skimming the NPR interview with Susan Cain. I already know that I'm going to like it. It's just a matter of getting my hands on a copy!! I have it on hold from the library, but I'm 72nd in line for a total of 22 copies (i.e. it's going to take a long-ass time!).
2. butter LONDON 3 Free Starter Pack with Queen Vic nail lacquer
   
   This was a tough call because Polish & Co. was my second choice--but they didn't have the color I was looking for. It's an ethical dilemma because butter LONDON is Seattle-based (and thus has the "buy local" appeal) yet Polish & Co. is a black-owned business (and thus has POC economic solidarity appeal). They're both three-free (non-toxic), so like I said, it all came down to color options. I've been looking for a purple-y berry color for awhile (as well as deep burgundy and a classy glittery red, but this is besides the point), and Queen Vic fits the bill! I've been very pleased with the butter LONDON 3-free polish that Rachel got me for Christmas--in fact, I'm wearing it right now!--and am satisfied overall with the brand (despite their disingenuousness about being called "butter LONDON" but being based out of Seattle, WA, USA). Although it's pricey stuff, it's good quality and at least minimally carcinogenic? :) The nice thing about the three-pack is that you can specify any color you want for the nail lacquer. Sweet!

3. Ann Taylor Loft Box Pleat 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, size M and Marisa Trouser Leg Pant in Coastal Gray, size 8
   
   I do my best not to purchase clothing very often, for the sake of minimizing my participation in a global economic system that is ultimately predatory, oppressive towards developing countries and also determinedly entrenched. That being said, I would like to have some more options for work clothes, as I have been cycling through multiple combinations of the same five sweaters, three skirts, two dress pants and three dresses since October of 2012. A new blouse would be nice.
   

Also, the clasp (the last of two) of my trusty dress pants finally quit on me a couple of weeks ago, so I'm down to two pairs of dress pants. Whoops. I've tried finding a new pair at department stores, but they all seem to be cheaply made and really don't fit well. These Ann Taylor Loft pants would hopefully last longer than my current $10 clearance dress pants (again, the clasp is broken, but I wear them anyway). I'd enjoy a comparable pair from the Gap, even, since Rachel told me their labor ethics have improved after some vociferent consumer lobbying (power to the people!). Luxury items are indeed luxury items, but at least they're (hopefully) durable. And knowing me, I will wear the same clothes for up to ten years if needed!

It goes without saying that I'd be happy to receive any kind of bagged, full-leaf, fair trade organic tea; any book that has a strong female lead (woc author/protagonist a definite plus); any Christian theology and/or Biblical commentary (e.g. Old Testament Anchor series) book; or any type of fair trade, organic milk chocolate.

Go forth, my friends, and buy me things.

Love,

April