Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Non-optional social conventions

If the last few weeks have taught me anything, it is that I find I am kind of uncomfortable when people I don't know very well give me things.  Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful, just a bit uncomfortable.

Last week a couple of the ladies I work with at church threw me a baby shower and invited, well,  all the ladies at church. It was a really nice affair with fancy snacks and decorations and a flower bedecked "throne" and everything.  There were some people I knew rather well, and a few I have only ever passed in the hall and don't even know their names.  It was nice to talk to people and I got some very awesome things for the little bug.  At the end I was presented with a lovely list off who gave me what, and I realized I was stuck. Suddenly I am obligated to write thank you notes, and go to their showers (at least 3 of the guests are expecting soon themselves), and generally participate in the usual social customs that I have so scrupulously avoided for the last 6 years.   Or I could move.  I might do that instead.  But I will probably look up addresses and buy cards.  Although I still think a vocal thank you should be enough.

I hate the idea of giving gifts for the sake of doing what is expected. I always worry that I will get them something that they already have, or will hate, or will just take up room in a box or closet somewhere for the next 10 years. Babies are one of the exceptions, since it is really easy to know what a baby needs. But generally, gifts given just because the day demands it don't actually mean much too anyone.  I don't get people gifts for birthdays or Christmas unless at some point in the year I see something an think "Oh wow,  what'sherface will love this!" Then when you get something from me, its because I thought of you, and not because Santa Clause demands a yearly sacrifice.  Luckily for me, my friends and family seem to be of a similar mind, because I don't seem to have made them mad at me with this system.

So this is me, sucked into a convention I will probably never be free of.  And this is why none of you will ever get a Christmas card from me.  It's not a snub if no one gets one!


(Also, Go me!  That whole thing was typed one handed so as not to disrupt a snoring child)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

What's New

In response to the question "What's new?"  I can honestly say nothing, and everything at the same time.  Unless you find broken sleep and dirty diapers interesting, (which I don't) I don't really have much to say at the moment.  I'm still watching my TV shows and playing computer games, but mostly in 20 minute bits.

On the up side, we have actually been out and around and hanging out with people.  The little bug is really quiet and usually very easy going, so we don't have to worry about subjecting our friends or the world at large to an angry screaming baby every time we leave the house with her.  She sat as happy as you please for 3 hours in a coffee shop the other day.

Which reminds me (because that's what I ate at the coffee shop) , it is pumpkin pie season!  Which feels really strange, because we just put away the AC last week, but hey! I love my pumpkin pie, and there is a recipe I am wanting to try out.  I will let you know how it goes when/if I get around to it.  It has been a weird fall.  Not that I have been outside much to see it, but my apartment should not be that warm in October.

Also, I miss work.  Not in an "I want to go back already" kind of way, just in the way where I don't read as much when books aren't passing through my hands four days a week.  How do normal people do it when they have to go out of their way to figure out what they want to read and then have to go all the way to the library to pick it up?? Going out of my way to get to the library is hard work!   I know I am just spoiled, but I do miss the easy access and the being an insider.  

Anyway,  more people are coming to wander through my apartment later, so I really should go do dishes or something.