PERFECT GIFT---ALMOST

Linda at Two Fixer-Uppers  published a recent post about her husband losing his wallet which reminded me of this story.

Years ago, our much loved supervisor was going to be out for an extended health leave.  His replacement was not nearly as loved.

Where Marvin (the sick) was a fair, smart, funny and a laid back leader, his temporary replacement Bob was young, out of his element, nervous, and borderline rude. He had been an assistant supervisor in another division and was really unfamiliar with our end. 

He did manage to  amuse us as he frequently lost his car keys. We knew what was up when around 4:50, he would start patting himself down, muttering, cruising the office, rearranging his desk, picking up papers and looking in corners for those wayward keys.  Sometimes others would spy the keys but remain quiet. I know--mean.

Then it came time for us to draw names for Christmas.  Every one but me feared getting Bob's name. However I really hoped I would get it for I knew the perfect gift for him. I didn't get the draw but quickly was able to convince the one who got Bob's name  (she was easy to spot by the dismayed expression on her face) to trade with me.

Everyone thought I was nuts but I was confident. It would take a trip to the Hammacher Schlemmer's store of cool gadgets but I had this. It was something I had spied on a previous trip to that fun store.

I was going to get him a Key Locator.  It was two part gadget that consisted of a  key fob plus a remote you could press that would make the hidden keys beep, thus giving up their location.  I was really patting myself on the back.

                                       Key locator

I tried it out before wrapping and it worked perfectly. Of course we would miss those afternoon hunts but I knew it was something he really could use.

Bob was stunned when he opened my gift.  After I explained what it was, he even laughed--which he seldom did-- and he said it was just what he needed.

Shortly after Christmas, Marvin came back to work so I never got to see Bob and the Locator in action.  However I ran in to his wife a week or so later at the supermarket and I learned  why it was "almost" the perfect gift.

Yep, you probably guessed it.  Bob kept losing the remote.

Duh, why didn't that ever cross my mind? Probably should have gotten him one of those that you whistle to activate the beep. Can't lose your whistle.

Did you ever give the perfect gift that had one itty bitty flaw?