On A Graduation Gift

As I mentioned before, my niece graduated from high school. I've been thinking for a long time about what would be a useful and meaningful graduation gift. When my father graduated from High School, everyone received a watch. I kind of like that idea, but here is what I came up with.

First and foremost, I made two mix CD's. The first is music that is somewhat (in the last 5 years??) current and relevant that I think is useful and good to know if she doesn't already. On the train trip home, I went through my entire iTunes and grabbed every track that I thought fell into this category and then tried to shave it down to 18 tracks. I came up with some LCD Soundsystem, Sufjan, Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, Beirut, St Vincent... etc. It is called "Now."

On the second CD I included tracks that I didn't know when I was 18 and that I'm glad I know now. Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Peggy Lee, Nick Drake, Serge Gainsbourg, Bill Withers. This CD is called "Then."

After this, I thought would give the recent grad the gift of mobility, so a gas card was in order. Additionally, this is the car is the best place to listen to mix CD's.

Finally, what I have yet to disclose is that I will be the proud owner of an iPhone 4, hopefully next week (thanks to someone who is incredibly generous). Therefore, I thought it my duty to pass along my current iPhone to someone who might not be able to purchase one on their own and would appreciate it. So, the purchase of an Incase was in order as it has saved my phone from about 100 different drops.

It's such a special time, ya know? I remember being done with High School so clearly and the opportunities that seemed at my finger tips. My hope is to enable her to take advantage of them.