Given Jacob's history with hobbies, it was no surprise that Jacob's father was reluctant to buy him a magician's kit for his birthday. "Geez, Jacob... You sure you wouldn't rather I got you more guitar lessons?" He suggested. Jacob was insistent. "Dad, you've got to get me the magician's kit. This time I'll stick with it for real. I promise! Come on, Dad," Jacob begged. Jacob's father sighed and then replied, "Oh, I don't know, Jacob. Things are awfully tight right now." But Jacob's father was reminded of his own youth long ago, when he quit from football and started karate practice before hardly getting his equipment dirty. So when Jacob's birthday came around, Jacob was both surprised and pleased to find the magician's kit that he had desired so badly with a big bright bow on it.