Greg's cousin is getting married next month, so there's a bridal shower for her this weekend. Greg's Mom called to talk to me about it.
First she asked:
Are you going to make it?
Answer: I'm not sure. Chris has two ball games and I don't know how I'll be feeling.
Reply: That's too bad.
Then she asked: Do you know what you want to do for a gift?
Reply: Honestly, I haven't even thought about it.
Mother in Law: Well, someone suggested that we do what I always give for Christmas.
Reply: silence -- I had no idea what so always gives for Christmas, I get a gift card to Barnes and Nobel that I am very happy with.
Mother in Law: You know. The box with all the office supplies in it.
Me: Light begins to dawn. I remember thinking that she knocked over the local Staples when I saw that gift opened up on Christmas morning.
Mother in Law: Jay also suggested that we get a laundry basket and put laundry soap and stuff in it.
Reply: That sounds good to me.
SIDEBAR: I really don't care for bridal (or baby) showers. I wasn't even all that excited for my own. I HATE feeling embarrassed. What I hate even more are all the "typical" everyday, goofy gifts. I've made it a policy to not give them. Look what happened next:
Mother in Law: What do you think? I would really appreciate your input.
Reply: I don't think you really want my input.
Mother in Law: Why? I really would appreciate it.
Reply: I usually give movie tickets and a gift card to dinner.
SILENCE!!!!!!!! For like 30 seconds!!!!
Mother in Law: Oh. My. Well... That certainly is different. Oh. I never would have thought of something like that. Oh. My.
Reply: That's just what I do, that doesn't mean that's what you have to do.
SILENCE!!!!!!! AGAIN!!!!!FOR LIKE ANOTHER 30 SECONDS!!!!!!!!
Mother in Law: Wow. That's awesome, I guess.
My sweet mother in law gave me a great laugh! I know that I don't really fit in the mold of most things with Greg's family, but this is just hilarious. I know that there's probably some manners book out there about what is appropriate to give as shower gifts, but I've never been one to roll with the crowd.
I always tried to give couples something that most really don't have. The opportunity to go out to dinner and to the movies. I always felt that I would appreciate that more than a laundry basket, but that's just me.
I know that showers are part of our culture when people get married and give birth, but am I that wrong? And who, in the name of all that's holy came up with the idea of shower games? I mean really? Holding an ice cube with a plastic little baby in it is supposed to be fun? And the first one to melt all the ice wins? What's the skill in that? And the diaper game? EW!!! The whole idea is just disgusting! I know I've only mentioned baby shower games so... Has anyone heard of the M&M game? I really don't think it's anyone else's business how often you and your spouse have sex. And what's the idea of all those stupid kitchen utensils your supposed to memorize? The showers that are fun to go to are personal showers for your friends -- preferably ones that their mother and future mother in law are NOT invited.
Anyway, that's just how I feel about showers. I'm sure I'm wrong. I know it's all supposed to be fun. But really it's not. I do go to showers for close personal friends and close family members. And if I don't go (like this weekend) I usually send weird gifts, like movie tickets and gift cards.
For baby showers I give movie tickets, a gift card for dinner, $20 bucks for a babysitter, and ear plugs. Now THAT'S a useful gift!
By the way, I never win any of the prizes given at showers. Can you tell?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I guess I'm like you-- dinner & a movie is what I like to get and often what I give, but usually for Christmas. I don't go to many showers either, but I went to one recently that was really fun. It was for a preschool teacher. It was a surprise party and alot of the kids in the class were there with their mothers. There were alot of spanish & samoan people there & Man, they know how to have fun! The games were even fun--my favorite was the race for us grownups to drink apple juice from a baby bottle. When she opened the gifts she had to guess who each was from and if she guess correctly she got to draw on the givers face with lipstick. If she guessed wrong the giver (usually their kid from her class) got to draw on her. She was a mess by the end! There was food, and more games. This party was the longest shower I've been too. We left after 3 hours and it was still going. Not the typical baby shower, but even the non-shower person (me) enjoyed it.
What is the deal with the M & M game??? Sounds interesting....
I think you give out great gifts
Post a Comment