Feeling lousy

I am just not a thoughtful person. My cleaning lady just showed up with presents for the boys, and it didn't even occur to me to get anything for her son, who is two weeks younger than El P. Rats.

Comments

[mc]

Agh, we are just starting to understand the new regime of gift-giving now that Ess has entered the picture. I never would've thought of the cleaning lady's kid, either... All that's occurred to me from Ess-related presents so far is that we now have an excuse not to tip the dog groomer so extravagantly this year. Which I'm sure they're totally thrilled about.

[MoMo]

I have no idea if my cleaning people even have kids, which is kind of sad. I just double their pay rate for the day so hopefully if they do have kids, it's helpful to them. It's so tough to figure out what to do in all of these situations during the holidays.

[Cory]

You're a very thoughtful person, and most likely have given your cleaning lady a holiday bonus, yes? Next year, maybe your boys could make something for her child?

[Elizabeth]

Don't feel badly. These types of things are bound to happen at Christmas. I also feel bad if I do remember a gift for someone and they don't have one for me, or if I give a gift that's much "bigger" than the one they give me. It makes me feel bad b/c I feel that my gift has inadvertently made THEM feel bad or thoughtless, like you are feeling. So you just can't win...givers and giv-ees never match up exactly. My take is just to give the gifts I remember to give and accept graciously the gifts I receive and try not to compare what I give to what I receive, in either direction. It's hard though.

[Elizabeth]

Also, if you want to give the cleaning person's son a gift, it is not too late and it will be appreciated, I'm sure! And if not...it is not a big deal. You are a very thoughtful person, Moxie!!

[J-Shap]

This is why I wish we could just throw the whole present thing out the window. I'm going to come off like a scrooge here, but I think a call, hug or handwritten note is plenty for the holidays. Instead, I scramble to find something for the person that will end up cluttering their house until the guilt-waiting-period passes and they can get rid of it. It's the warmth I want to pass on to my loved ones, not just gifts.

If it were up to me, we would just buy things for each other if we happened to see something that we know the other would love, holiday or not holiday. Personally, I think that would be more meaningful - to know someone was just thinking of you for no particular reason. All this holiday gift-giving seems so hollow to me.

Bah Humbug.

[Meira]

Oh, I hate that feeling. My babysitter got Big Kid a card for his birthday, but I had gotten her nothing (they have the same birth date) and part of me wanted to rationalize it with "But you broke the rules! We're not friends (even though I do like you!) it's business! No gift required!"
In a most ironic fashion, five minutes later something will have me thinking, "Geez, why can't everyone just be nicer to each other?"
(rolls eyes at self)

[Menita]

Oh Moxie you are anything but thoughtless! I understand your feelings, though. And see? I have nothiing constructive to offer.

[SheilaC]

That is a lousy feeling when that happens - seems like there's somebody every year I can feel guilty about.
Can you give the cleaner some baking on her next visit, to take home and share with the family?

[MBT Shoes]

Good stuff as per usual, thanks. I do hope this kind of thing gets more exposure.

[Sandra]

I have never blogged breofe, but for a chance at $100 bucks at the best store on Planet Earth, I will gladly give it a whirl I must start with my favorite item at the Coop, which is the El Rancho Black Bean Chips. I am fearful that by hyping them, I will decrease my chances of finding them, but I am in a giving mood. Giving advice is what I do for a living, so you can rest assured that this will be $2.50 well spent. I cannot find anything that is even half as wonderful.My other advise for this Holiday Season is that we all learn to simplify things a bit. Take a moment to assess your place in this time, and your time in this place. In all of the chaos around you, find and cherish the ones that love you most. Feed on it and use it to feed others. We need each other now more than ever. This World can be a scary place, so be sure to embrace! Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping and Happy Co-opping to all!Kevination

[Saddam]

Glad you have this contest. I've been mneniag to send this suggestion but haven't gotten around to it until this incentive came along. You are doing a good job at the Coop of sourcing many items locally, or as locally as possible. I would like to see the coop source even more items from local growers and producers, and less items from out of state or out of the country. Obviously there are many items that can only come from far away. But I'm sure there are still more items that could be obtained closer to LA. Thanks, and keep up the good work. Don White (Co-Op member)

[Roger]

You would do it if you had to. I have buried cats and dogs and hleped my other girlfriends do the same.I am sorry that he had to do that and that your family had to lose Moxie.God bless.