Genesys Casual

I can't believe it's already December and wherever you are - whether there's snow on the ground or not - it seems everyone is getting into the holiday spirit! So to kick off this merry December, it's time to ask are jolly members: 

What is the most memorable gift you've ever received? 

What really touched your heart, or was so silly you still think back and laugh? Or maybe you got something that was so off the wall you can't get it out of your mind? Tell us about it. 

I'll go first: 

My most memorable gift has to be the weirdest gift I ever received from my twin brother. He has a really bizarre sense of humor and one year he found a stuffed (taxidermy) squirrel mounted on a piece of wood at a thrift store. He thought, "This is for Nicole!" When I opened it, I think I just stared open-mouthed at it for at least a minute. I named him Fred and he was mounted in my garage for years, definitely a topic of conversation for all who laid eyes on it. Why he chose that? Only he knows. However, we love to talk about Fred! 

Now it's your turn. Tell us your most memorable gift below and you'll score the new QOTM badge for December: 

#Events
#General

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
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My birthday is 10 days before Christmas so I usually end up with the dreaded (and detested) "combo gift"... you know, works for my birthday AND Christmas but the present is never doubly good. My brother did this to me for almost 30 years - the worst being a six-pack of soda-themed after Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, there was a Turkey and Dressing soda, a Mashed Potato soda, etc. The only good one was the Cranberry sauce one. That was the year that I got him a pathetic t-shirt and when his birthday rolled around in July he looked at me when I didn't have a gift for him. I asked if he still had the shirt, which he did and kindly retrieved when I asked him to... when he returned, I told him it was a "combo gift" so he needed to enjoy it just like me. To this day, I have not received a combo gift from anyone in my family... lol.

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Amy Sessions
Division Manager, Utility Customer Service
City of Clearwater
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Amy, solidarity! My birthday is 12/21 so I am all too familiar with the combo gift/forgotten birthday.

Several years back I received a Outback Steakhouse gift card from my dad. The thing is, I have been a vegetarian nearly 20 years now. Certainly not a favorite gift, but it was memorable to say the least! I'm still scratching my head on that one...

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Emily Kammerer
Manager - Telephony Systems
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2024 10:05
From: Amy Sessions
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My birthday is 10 days before Christmas so I usually end up with the dreaded (and detested) "combo gift"... you know, works for my birthday AND Christmas but the present is never doubly good. My brother did this to me for almost 30 years - the worst being a six-pack of soda-themed after Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, there was a Turkey and Dressing soda, a Mashed Potato soda, etc. The only good one was the Cranberry sauce one. That was the year that I got him a pathetic t-shirt and when his birthday rolled around in July he looked at me when I didn't have a gift for him. I asked if he still had the shirt, which he did and kindly retrieved when I asked him to... when he returned, I told him it was a "combo gift" so he needed to enjoy it just like me. To this day, I have not received a combo gift from anyone in my family... lol.

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Amy Sessions
Division Manager, Utility Customer Service
City of Clearwater
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We have a few members in my family as well. My brother-in-law is the 28th and then to make his birthday really disappear...his first born was also born on his birthday, haha!

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2024 10:05
From: Amy Sessions
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My birthday is 10 days before Christmas so I usually end up with the dreaded (and detested) "combo gift"... you know, works for my birthday AND Christmas but the present is never doubly good. My brother did this to me for almost 30 years - the worst being a six-pack of soda-themed after Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, there was a Turkey and Dressing soda, a Mashed Potato soda, etc. The only good one was the Cranberry sauce one. That was the year that I got him a pathetic t-shirt and when his birthday rolled around in July he looked at me when I didn't have a gift for him. I asked if he still had the shirt, which he did and kindly retrieved when I asked him to... when he returned, I told him it was a "combo gift" so he needed to enjoy it just like me. To this day, I have not received a combo gift from anyone in my family... lol.

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Amy Sessions
Division Manager, Utility Customer Service
City of Clearwater
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There has been some great gifts but the one that comes to mind is probably one of the cheapest ones I ever got.

Back in high school a good friend of mine and me were both really in to Andy Riley comics, and we both handed each other very similar shaped gifts that year, it was the same book "Great Lies To Tell Small Kids", and we both just laughed, great minds think a like. Still have the book to this day. 

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Anton Vroon
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I really want to see the rest of this book, it looks hilarious! 

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2024 19:37
From: Anton Vroon
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

There has been some great gifts but the one that comes to mind is probably one of the cheapest ones I ever got.

Back in high school a good friend of mine and me were both really in to Andy Riley comics, and we both handed each other very similar shaped gifts that year, it was the same book "Great Lies To Tell Small Kids", and we both just laughed, great minds think a like. Still have the book to this day. 

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Anton Vroon
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The most memorable gift I have received was the time my family and friends gave me. When someone gives you time, theyre giving a portion of their life that they'll never get back. That is why the greatest gift I have received is their time. It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them.

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Arjay Robles
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My most memorable gift was an iPhone 11; gifted by my wife. ;P
Why is it most memorable? - 'Cz she reminded me of it every-time she wanted a gift ;\ & that's like at-least once in a month :D

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Ashiesh Sharma
BT plc
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December is undoubtedly one of my favorite months of the year. The most meaningful gift I receive is when my mom presents me with a board of pictures from my graduation, proudly showcasing our shared moment.

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Najah Murad
na
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My most memorable gift was getting a nintendo64 for Christmas in 2000' with the purple controller. The system has brought me so much joy over the years to now be able to play it with my 7year old.

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Elyse Gritsonis
Business Analyst
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I really thought about answering this. I will never forget the Christmas that I got an N64 with Goldeneye. That was my "Christmas Story" moment. 

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Matt Lawson
Genesys - Employees
Online Community Manager
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 09:20
From: Elyse Gritsonis
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My most memorable gift was getting a nintendo64 for Christmas in 2000' with the purple controller. The system has brought me so much joy over the years to now be able to play it with my 7year old.

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Elyse Gritsonis
Business Analyst
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H**l yeah. So many fond memories of Goldeneye on the N64

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Anton Vroon
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 12:12
From: Matt Lawson
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

I really thought about answering this. I will never forget the Christmas that I got an N64 with Goldeneye. That was my "Christmas Story" moment. 

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Matt Lawson
Genesys - Employees
Online Community Manager
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 09:20
From: Elyse Gritsonis
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My most memorable gift was getting a nintendo64 for Christmas in 2000' with the purple controller. The system has brought me so much joy over the years to now be able to play it with my 7year old.

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Elyse Gritsonis
Business Analyst

Fond memories stacking proximity mines 8 deep in doorways.

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Seean Weaver
MAPFRE USA - Telecom Analyst
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2024 15:04
From: Anton Vroon
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

H**l yeah. So many fond memories of Goldeneye on the N64

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Anton Vroon
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 12:12
From: Matt Lawson
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

I really thought about answering this. I will never forget the Christmas that I got an N64 with Goldeneye. That was my "Christmas Story" moment. 

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Matt Lawson
Genesys - Employees
Online Community Manager


Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 09:20
From: Elyse Gritsonis
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My most memorable gift was getting a nintendo64 for Christmas in 2000' with the purple controller. The system has brought me so much joy over the years to now be able to play it with my 7year old.

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Elyse Gritsonis
Business Analyst

I ALMOST said my N64! I spent countless hours playing Mario Kart on that thing - good times. Happy to hear you're able to share the joy with your 7 year old!

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[Larissa] [Huffman]
[AustinEnergy]
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 09:20
From: Elyse Gritsonis
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My most memorable gift was getting a nintendo64 for Christmas in 2000' with the purple controller. The system has brought me so much joy over the years to now be able to play it with my 7year old.

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Elyse Gritsonis
Business Analyst
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I don't know why the only gift I can come up with is the brown bomber jacket I got in middle school. I must have really wanted it and recently saw it described as vintage fashion...

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Stacey Sanchez
PACU- Workforce Operations MGR
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I love that jacket!

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 12:26
From: Stacey Sanchez
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

I don't know why the only gift I can come up with is the brown bomber jacket I got in middle school. I must have really wanted it and recently saw it described as vintage fashion...

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Stacey Sanchez
PACU- Workforce Operations MGR
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My wife and I got married and had the idea to have 3 or 4 kids, but for 6 years and trying every method possible, we could not have them.  We gave it up to God and opted for adoption, but God had other plans and the week after we sent our papers to Korea, my wife got pregnant, and we had our first boy 3 days after Christmas and our second the week before two years later.  Another son and daughter followed them.  I would have to say that my kids, especially that first son was the best gift ever.

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Robert Wakefield-Carl
ttec Digital
Sr. Director - Innovation Architects
Robert.WC@ttecdigital.com
https://www.ttecDigital.com
https://RobertWC.Blogspot.com
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Wow! You received the best gift imaginable. What a sweet story, Robert!

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 16:44
From: Robert Wakefield-Carl
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My wife and I got married and had the idea to have 3 or 4 kids, but for 6 years and trying every method possible, we could not have them.  We gave it up to God and opted for adoption, but God had other plans and the week after we sent our papers to Korea, my wife got pregnant, and we had our first boy 3 days after Christmas and our second the week before two years later.  Another son and daughter followed them.  I would have to say that my kids, especially that first son was the best gift ever.

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Robert Wakefield-Carl
ttec Digital
Sr. Director - Innovation Architects
Robert.WC@ttecdigital.com
https://www.ttecDigital.com
https://RobertWC.Blogspot.com
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My most memorable gift  is this Hello Kitty limited edition bag! I am a fan of Hello Kitty and I was so happy when I received this I have been looking for this bag and it is sold out but I got this surprise gift from my partner last 2022 Christmas!

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Irish Ann Reyes
-
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OMG! Adorbs! 

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[Larissa] [Huffman]
[AustinEnergy]
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2024 02:18
From: Irish Ann Reyes
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My most memorable gift  is this Hello Kitty limited edition bag! I am a fan of Hello Kitty and I was so happy when I received this I have been looking for this bag and it is sold out but I got this surprise gift from my partner last 2022 Christmas!

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Irish Ann Reyes
-
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The best gift I've ever received was an illuminated, heart  with the inscription "To the world you are a Mom, to us you are our world". My oldest son gave that to me. 

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Laura Callaway
Application Analyst
St. Luke's Health System
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A Gibson SG. The SG is the guitar I always wanted as a teenager and one Christmas my girlfriend surprised me with this incredibly thoughtful gift. Those humbuckers are something else. It still makes me feel like a rockstar every time I pick it up

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James Rowberry
Manager
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My brother also plays and I remember how excited he was one Christmas when he got a Gibson Les Paul with a Marshall amp! 

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2024 23:22
From: James Rowberry
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

A Gibson SG. The SG is the guitar I always wanted as a teenager and one Christmas my girlfriend surprised me with this incredibly thoughtful gift. Those humbuckers are something else. It still makes me feel like a rockstar every time I pick it up

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James Rowberry
Manager
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My most memorable gift was getting a Sega Master System which gave me a lot of fun moments during and after his arrival.

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Serkan Kaya
Communication Systems Engineer
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Advice.  I remember for my Bachelor party we had a whole bunch of men with life experience who had been married a long time, and other newlyweds, etc.  But the most memorable and lasting part of that day was the advice I received. Much of it I've kept and held on to since then. It's helped me often to strengthen my relationship with my wife.

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Harley Breth
Contact Center Manager
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For me, I have the gift of friendship every Christmas which is precious.

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Heena Patel
Project Manager
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The most memorable gift I received was a VIP pass to Pensacon (Local Comicon in Pensacola), my wife knew I had been wanting to go and never be able to, so she surprised me with an all-access pass. I got to meet Nolan North, who is better known as the voice of Nathan Drake in the Uncharted Series which is my favorite video game series. I still talk about this experience to this day. 

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AndrewSaltonstallPensacola Christian College, Inc.
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Most memorable is probably the SNES my parents gave me for Christmas 1991. My brother had just been born on 12/2 so my guess is that they didn't want me to feel forgotten. I got like 7 or 8 games with it too, and knowing what I know now, that was an expensive Christmas. But I played that thing for a solid 15 years even as other game systems came and went, it just held a lot of nostalgia for me. I really should see if they still have it kicking around somewhere....

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Seean Weaver
MAPFRE USA - Telecom Analyst
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The most memorable gift I ever received was a Lego Black Seas Barracuda.  I had made a comment during the summer at a kids birthday party about wanting a big Lego set like that and my boyfriend at the time (now husband) had heard it and remembered.  He got me one that year for Christmas.  I will never forget how excited I was not only for the gift but that he had paid so much attention. 

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Gina Palmer
Manager, Workforce Management
Papa, Inc.
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Mine would have to be Voltron: Defender of the Universe!  I pretty much got one thing per franchise, one M.A.S.K car, one Transformer (at least official) and in this case, the complete and formable Voltron.

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Ben Hammond
Workflow and Reporting Analyst
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My most memborable gift was given to me by my father when I was in Jr High.  Old Navy hoodie sweatshirts were extremely popular back then which is what I ask for for Christmas.  I'm not sure my dad had heard of the store because he traveled over an hour to the nearest Navy Exchange and bought me an "Old Naval Sweater" (you know, like the ones actual US Sailors wear).  

He was so excited that he was able to find exactly what I asked for.  So he was confused by my reaction when I tried to figure out what it was. Ultimately, he said "what, you wanted an Old Navy Sweater".  At that moment, I understood the effort that he put into the gift and was very appreciative.

Our family still laughs at that gift.  While it was not what I was expecting that christmas, it has been my most memorable gifts I have ever received.

P.S.  I went on to join the US Navy after high school so I probably should have hung on to the sweater.

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Kris Charles
N/A
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I think this is the cutest story. How sweet of your dad! 

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2024 07:45
From: Kris Charles
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My most memborable gift was given to me by my father when I was in Jr High.  Old Navy hoodie sweatshirts were extremely popular back then which is what I ask for for Christmas.  I'm not sure my dad had heard of the store because he traveled over an hour to the nearest Navy Exchange and bought me an "Old Naval Sweater" (you know, like the ones actual US Sailors wear).  

He was so excited that he was able to find exactly what I asked for.  So he was confused by my reaction when I tried to figure out what it was. Ultimately, he said "what, you wanted an Old Navy Sweater".  At that moment, I understood the effort that he put into the gift and was very appreciative.

Our family still laughs at that gift.  While it was not what I was expecting that christmas, it has been my most memorable gifts I have ever received.

P.S.  I went on to join the US Navy after high school so I probably should have hung on to the sweater.

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Kris Charles
N/A
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My parents were anti motorcycles.  On my 16th birthday my father who was the least motorcycle interested person I know, got me up and asked me to get dressed.  I thought we were going to work in the garden or I was going to help him with something in the house.  
He asked me to close my eyes and walked me out the front door 
When I opened my eyes I saw this.  This bike gave me the freedom to go on so many great adventures on and off road.  Top speed a cool 30mph.  Seeing this picture brings back so many amazing memories.  I have not seen this bike for over 35 years.  Now I need to convince my wife to allow my son to have one. 

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Simon Fear
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Wow! Your dad is cool!

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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2024 05:51
From: Simon Fear
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

My parents were anti motorcycles.  On my 16th birthday my father who was the least motorcycle interested person I know, got me up and asked me to get dressed.  I thought we were going to work in the garden or I was going to help him with something in the house.  
He asked me to close my eyes and walked me out the front door 
When I opened my eyes I saw this.  This bike gave me the freedom to go on so many great adventures on and off road.  Top speed a cool 30mph.  Seeing this picture brings back so many amazing memories.  I have not seen this bike for over 35 years.  Now I need to convince my wife to allow my son to have one. 

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Simon Fear
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I got gifted a PS2 (yes I'm that old) for Christmas as a surprise from the whole family. I had a little tear up in truth.. .few years ago now to be honest :D

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Paul Ruiz Gilmour
Customer Solutions Design Specialist
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I can make you feel really young.  I was on the OEM team to design and deliver the IBM PS/2 286 computer.

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Robert Wakefield-Carl
ttec Digital
Sr. Director - Innovation Architects
Robert.WC@ttecdigital.com
https://www.ttecDigital.com
https://RobertWC.Blogspot.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2024 09:01
From: Paul Ruiz Gilmour
Subject: QOTM: What's the most memorable gift you've received?

I got gifted a PS2 (yes I'm that old) for Christmas as a surprise from the whole family. I had a little tear up in truth.. .few years ago now to be honest :D

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Paul Ruiz Gilmour
Customer Solutions Design Specialist
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Probably getting my first phone

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Christina Veloski
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My youngest brother was born the day after me. As the eldest of 5 boys, I would have been grateful to get a little brother on my birthday, but that year was the first boy-girl party I had. It was a big deal for 9-year-old me to have all my friends there and start to feel "grown-up." Then, about halfway through the party, my Mom had to leave for the hospital to give birth. I was devastated, having to tell all my friends to leave early and spending the night sitting in the hospital waiting room.

Of course, the next morning I got the best present ever, a healthy little brother.

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Kris Wolf
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I'm pretty sure that the N64, like some other people here, was one of the most memorable gifts that I received in 1997. Also, my cousin, the ex-onwner, gave me all of the cartridges. Here in Brazil that videogame and the accessories, cartridges etc., was really expensive. Hahaha. I woke up with the brand new box and 5 cartridges, a rumble pak and a memory card. So nice to remember. 

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Gustavo Marone
Coordenador Telecom
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One of the most memorable gifts of my childhood was the Plamobil pirate ship, first edition... My brother, sister and I played a lot with this boat, my 3 children also played with it, and it's still in good condition!

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Lionel Florence
Directeur UDJ
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Ooooo so many random options with my interesting group of friends! 

I'm going to throwback to circa 1998, when my parents gifted me a purple Gameboy color that came with three games and the Gameboy camera attachment with printer. I'm pretty sure that's how I took my first selfie! 

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[Larissa] [Huffman]
[AustinEnergy]
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A Mary Kay 12 days of Christmas gift.  It was fun to open a box each day with new products to try.

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Sherri Gordon
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The most memorable gift I received was a Rubik's Cube 3/4 sleeve t-shirt. The body of the shirt was white with a Rubik's Cube on the chest and the sleeves were bright yellow. I was never able to solve the cube so not sure why I remember this so vividly. 

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Steph Voelker
Systems Administrator
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My most memorable gift received is my high school yearbook from senior year. Due to being part of a large family & the expenses that come with it, yearbook purchases were rare in my family. For senior year, I joined the yearbook team and we made them in house rather than shipping it off to a company to produce. I was so upset when I could not afford one senior year, but I moved past it. About 7-8 years after I graduated (and asking the school every few years if they had any copies I could purchase), under the Christmas Tree for me was my senior yearbook. Turns out, a school board member was moving and was selling all of the yearbooks she collected during her tenure at my school. I cried, my mom cried. The rest was history. Best gift ever!

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Jacqueline Turner
Workflow Coordinator
NYCM Insurance
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Most memorable gift would have to be my Grandads watch that was passed down to me from my Father. Memorable and most favourite. 

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Lewis Staffa
Chat Bot and Voice Bot Administrator
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The most memorable gift I have ever received has to be a book my daughter gave me. It was a book she wrote about me. It was so special because we were deep in to her teen years and didn't get along much in those days. It was like a big hug and reassurance I didn't know I needed as a mom. It is wild how motherhood can get you right in the feels at just the right moment in the most unexpected ways. She is 21 now and we are super close but I still have that little book. 

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April Uran
Sad Face Error on PureInsights Screen
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My Holidays to Miami, Florida. Lovely one.. 

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ANIL HANDA
SENIOR DIRECTOR IT
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Difficult to tell or sometime to remember the best gift you have received.  I noticed that it wasn't the size or the value but the person and the context of the gift received.

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Nicolas Quermia
Technical Account Manager
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