My Mom's Birthday

Me: So Mom, what do you want for your birthday?
Mom: Nothing.
Me: No really, what do you want?
Mom: Nothing... well, maybe the soundtrack from Sound of Music. Your sister plays the same DVD scenes over and over. With the CD, she can listen to the songs without turning on the television.
Me: Okay, that's really a present for her. How about for you?
Mom: Nothing... well, I have been thinking about getting a scanner.
Me: Cool. I-
Mom: I already know which one I want. I'll buy it and you can pay me back.
Me: You haven't quite grasped the whole birthday concept yet, have you. I'll take care of it.

A tug-of-war of wills followed.

So after she bought it, I reimbursed her and set everything up. It was part of the negotiations. To think, this was actually an easier birthday gift year.