Help me figure out clues to a gift please

December 21, 2013 5:55 PM

My mum makes me an advent calendar with little gifts and chocolates every year. The past two days I've unpacked a nail and a piece of a vinyl disc - she says these are clues to an event on Monday. She had previously asked me to keep a two hour slot at an allotted time free the day after tomorrow. Now I wanna know what treat I'm in for (I can only assume it's something positive!) but I cannot for the life of me figure out what this could be. I mean, I have one idea but don't wanna list it here as to not distract you. I'd really like to see what you guys might come up with. (Full disclosure: There's a chance this is a play on words and my mother is German. Nail is "der Nagel" and for the disc I have apparently not figured out the correct term yet...)
posted by mrsh to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (15 answers total)

By "piece of a vinyl disc" do you mean a record (like a music recording on vinyl, lord I'm old), or are we talking something flappy, and if so how big, do you have a photo?
posted by Lyn Never at 6:04 PM on December 21, 2013

Response by poster: Yes, like an old-fashioned music record. Here's a link to a photo of the two items: https://www.dropbox.com/s/x3mg5x2dmzpyghs/2013-12-21%2020.19.44.jpg
posted by mrsh at 6:05 PM on December 21, 2013

I'm not sure what your gender is, but maybe she's booked a manicure and/or pedicure for you?
posted by katie at 6:07 PM on December 21, 2013 [2 favorites]

My first thought was a gel manicure, since it's for your nails and the gel is very shiny like vinyl!
posted by blnkfrnk at 6:11 PM on December 21, 2013 [1 favorite]

I would also guess Mani/Pedi!
posted by katypickle at 6:13 PM on December 21, 2013 [1 favorite]

Aw, you're shaking the proverbial box! Let it unfold rather than spoiling your mom's fun early and enjoy the suspense!
posted by cecic at 6:16 PM on December 21, 2013 [11 favorites]

My first thought upon seeing the picture was "Huh, chip and nail... Chip'n'nail...CHIPPENDALES!" but you would know better than I whether that is something your mom would send you to.
posted by coppermoss at 6:20 PM on December 21, 2013 [5 favorites]

I know but I'm not going to tell you. That would be wrong.
posted by bleep at 6:26 PM on December 21, 2013 [11 favorites]

A Nine Inch Nails concert.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 6:30 PM on December 21, 2013 [6 favorites]

Best answer: Nail=Fingernail, music discs used to be made of shellac. I think you're in for a mani/pedi with shellac polish. This seems to be a thing. Sorry for spoiling your surprise.
posted by The Toad at 6:42 PM on December 21, 2013 [2 favorites]

Is there by any chance a local production of Jesus Christ Superstar? (Sorry, but that would be exactly my family's humour...)
posted by DarlingBri at 7:57 PM on December 21, 2013 [3 favorites]

Anything going on near you that could be described as record-breaking?
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:07 PM on December 21, 2013

Two hours is the approximate length of a movie. No idea what the movie might be though!
posted by Joh at 9:08 PM on December 21, 2013

Response by poster: Shellac mani/pedi it is! Well done, guys.
@cedric and @bleep: my mum wanted me to guess it, else she wouldn't have put the clues.
@coppermoss and @DarlingBri: your answers made my mum laugh out loud over breakfast :)
Thanks all.
posted by mrsh at 1:46 AM on December 22, 2013 [4 favorites]

What a fun mom! Enjoy your spa day.
posted by headnsouth at 6:55 AM on December 22, 2013 [1 favorite]