Christmas Comes Early

Due to some funky schedules, my family celebrated Christmas this past weekend. We'll still have our Christmas at Home come the 25th but our big celebration has already taken place. In the past I've listed pretty much everything I received but I've decided to take a lighter approach this year and hit on a few keys items. Interestingly enough, but perhaps not surprisingly, most of my gifts were photography or kitchen/cooking related.

For the kitchen, I got an immersion blender, electric martini shaker and silicone-tipped tongs. I asked for the blender and tongs but the martini shaker was a gift from my 20 m/o niece ;-). It's certainly an interesting contraption and makes for a conversation piece sitting on the counter... but I have yet to test out it's effectiveness. The other two items don't requite much explanation as to why I wanted them, I don't think.

Santa must be a photography guru, 'cause he brought me Nikon's 18-200mm VR lens. I've always tried to stay away from the equipment-whore trap so why do I need another lens? Perhaps first and foremost is the focal range. I've really gotten in the habit of not carrying my 70-300mm, because it takes up a lot of space, but there are times when I'd like more than what my 18-70mm offers. Combine that with Nikon's take on image stabilization and you have a simply amazing lens. I tested out the IS/VR last night and at 200mm I couldn't believe a) how much handshake I had and b) how it was reduced to almost nothing. I plan on selling the two lenses this replaces and just carry it and my 12-24mm most of the time. I also got a UV filter and circular polarizer for it so I'll have no excuse for taking crap pictures!

Making up the rest of the list is a new duffel bag, Transformers on DVD, a video game, some gift cards, clothes and a few other random things. The duffel bag replaces my old one, which was messed up something proper by throwers over the course of recent travels. It seems really well constructed, sturdy and should serve well for our upcoming vacation to Japan. As for Transformers, read the link if you really need to know why. I look forward to watching it on the home theater when it's finished.

All in all it wasn't a bad Christmas. Things were definitely different because of some family issues but if there's one constant in this world it's that life keeps on keepin' on. Spending the day with family is never a bad thing and pulling out a come from behind win in Scene It doesn't make it any worse. What's on your list for Santa?