Why I'm going to hell.

I recently asked my brother what he wanted for his birthday. "An autographed photo of Ralph Hipp." (a local news anchor) was his reply.

Ughh. I hate answers like this because they are in fact non-answers. "oh, I'll just throw something cheeky out and then Amy has to come up with a real and awesome gift on her own." Jerk.

But that's fine.. an autographed photo of Ralph Hipp he wants? An autographed photo of Ralph Hipp he'll get.

I go to the station's website and find his email address.

Mr. Hipp, I write, I'm not sure if this is something you would normally do or not, but would you be willing to autograph a picture of yourself for a birthday gift for my brother?

He replied right away: Sure, Amy! There's no way I would charge you for this, I'm so glad you asked and think this would be a good present! Are you here in Topeka; and could come by the station to pick it up? Let me know when his birthday is, and when you might be able to come over. Bring him with you to WIBW if he's nearby..

UH. OHHHHHH... I was assuming he'd just leave it at the front desk for me. No harm, no foul. But this response said to me that he thinks my brother is either very young... or retarded. Do I abort the mission now? Go ahead and get the pic? Or slap a helmet on Tanner and bring him along??

Of course I move forward. My next email indicates how much I appreciate his generosity, and that I'm in Topeka and would be happy to just pick it up sometime.

His next reply: Hi, Amy.. I found a nice 8x10 glossy of the Hippster and brought it to the station with me; I'm ready to sign it, and let me know when you can come over! Could you and Tanner come over to WIBW Friday and see the 4:00 talk show, then I'll give him his picture? Let me know if that might work, and if not, just pick a time and I'll be here!

CRAP! I wasn't expecting the Hippster to be quite so helpful. Again I consider finding some leg braces and taking Tanner on a surprise birthday trip. Lord knows Ralph wouldn't catch on.

But unfortunately we both work on Fridays. I regretfully inform him of my dilemma to which he responds that he'll just leave it at the front desk for me to pick up. Yes! Finally! And even luckier for me, my mother has Friday afternoons off and she was able to pick up said photo.

So teeeechnically I don't have blood on my hands, right? Right??