Inspired by my attempt last December and from my friend Stephanie, I’m going to try blogging each day in December — holiday themes, of course! I’m calling it “31things.” Click here for more details. Read below for today’s post.

This post’s topic: Best gifts received

Here are some of the top gifts I ever received:

• Money that later went to adopt my first dog, aptly named Mario. We got him at Animal Friends! I was in first grade.
• A Nintendo! That came in the 1980s. My parents stayed up that entire night playing Mario. That was my first connection with Mario — a relationship that will last a lifetime!
• A bike. I think there were two along the way. But a kid needs a bike, so I was happy to get one!
• A photo of Three Rivers Stadium taken by a friend.

I’ve always enjoyed gifts I receive. But I prefer giving gifts. Stay tuned for a few posts about that!