Dear Aunt Kathy, You Suck
embarrassing August 3rd, 2008So you all know how bad I am about buying cards. I’m equally bad at sending them and associated gifts to the recipients on time.
These are the cute thank you cards I received this week from the children of my best friend, who I only last week put in touch with gifts I owed them long ago.
They call me Aunt Kathy because I’ve been friends with their mother since I was five years old, so we might as well be sisters.
Judging from how late I am in the gift-giving department, their mother should drop me immediately from her friend roster. I suck.
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Give me a smiley! I might send you a thank you card. Next year.
Stumble it!
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
HA! You’d fit right in with me and my two brothers, well actually our whole family! We are ALWAYS late, and proud of it! It’s traditional and accepted behavior. It’s the thought that counts, and that part is easy. We can always say. “Yeah, I thought about you on your birthday, and that’s what counts.” If there is a gift sometime later, that’s just bonus for them, or me.
Those kids are damn lucky to have an Aunt Kathy! You’re the best!
Ferd’s last blog post..Date Night
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I’m terrible at this too. The worst part is that every now and then, I’ll get all inspired and send out cards to SOME nieces and nephews, then peter out and forget the rest.
Better late than never, Aunt Kathy.
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Take Requests so you don’t have to
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Dear Aunt Kathy,
I too am a terrible when it comes to taking and giving. And I’m especially terrible at writing thank you cards, and returning phone-calls from people who send me their love.
Unfortunately there is also a flip side. Once when I was a lot younger I gave a ‘nephew and a niece’ a gift I had thought so hard about. But their mother refused saying that she’d only accept gifts once I was out of school and was working.
Doh ! Those gifts were for your kids and not for you lady.
Sigh !
Love
jaffer
Jaffer’s last blog post..Recuperating an old Laptop – Part 1
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Dear Aunt Kathy – would you please name the plastic bag in the tree after me the way they do that star registry thing? I know you would think of me often since you see that everyday…unlike me.
Hugs and kisses
Your beloved nephew, Harold Gunch
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Oh God, Going with the flow here, and knowing that there are several hundred children who refer to my wife as “Aunt Krickett”, I will follow along.
Dear Aunt Kathy:
Thank you so much for the bunny Suit Pajamas you purchased for me at Christmas after my eighth Birthday. I opened them the other dsya, and despit getting my driver’s license two weeks ago they fit. mom insists I wear them at least once, and you will be plaesed to learn that I have won the lead role in our High School Fall Play, “Harvey” and even though I have no lines and am supposedly invisible, the suit will come in handy.
Is there any chance you could accompany us to Red Lobster for dinner on my 18th Birthday? Mom says to ask now.
Thanks, your nephew by a former co-worker at the Seafood Place, Christopher.
P.S. Please don’t order the stuff that smells like feet!
Chris (Casey)’s last blog post..Buca, Buca Di Beppo!
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
PS. always wear your glasses when typing a comment, especially if you’re taking Monday off from work and have been drinking beer!
Chris (Casey)’s last blog post..Buca, Buca Di Beppo!
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
It’s just so hard to keep track, isn’t it? I buy cards and sometimes lose them in the house before it’s time to send them. Recently , I bought a package of U.S. stamps to send postcards, used one and promptly misplaced the rest of them. It’s hopeless. I totally understand where you’re coming from.
It doesn’t help that my sister-in-law remembers every single event in our lives and sends duplicate photos of the family (which we stuff in a drawer – we don’t take “people pictures”). I think it’s because WE don’t have kids. Is that the problem?
My intentions are good, it’s just the follow-through that sucks.
Kev and I often have conversations that go like this: Is it your grandmother’s birthday this month? OMG, NO! It was last month!!! Why didn’t anyone remind us? (They’ve given up, I think.)
Kat
Poetikat’s last blog post..Sudden Death
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Aunt Kathy,
Don’t think of it as being late, think of it as being extra early for next Christmas! Those cards were SO precious!
Cheers! Stephanie M
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
don’t feel bad at all. my own grandparents couldn’t remember when my birthday was so I’d get b-day cards from them at the strangest, unexpected times. But actually, it was cool to get a gift and card when it wasn’t a normal gift getting time!
chatblanc’s last blog post..Suggestions by Sandy
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Dear Aunt Kathy,
Don’t feel bad, my mom does it all the time to her god son who lives an hour north of us. since it’s so close, she doesn’t see the point in sending it when it’s cheaper to drive there. The things is, we don’t visit them that often so he gets his gifts in a heap like twice a year and can tell which present was meant for which holiday by the wrapping paper. Oh in referance to the comment about “Harvey” you should totally google it if you don’t know the play, VERY funny, I almost wet my pants.
Your loving bloggling,
Sarah
Sarah’s last blog post..Something here smells fishy….
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
My mom is right there with you. She called her mom today to wish her Happy Birthday (it’s today) and tell her that her gift is on its way. Of course, she forgot to stick a birthday card in the box! Now her brother’s birthday is Thursday and she still can’t figure out what to send him!
Those thank you cards are so cute!
Lux’s last blog post..Mancat Monday
August 4th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I’m with you. I stink at cardage and getting out birthday stuff.
I wish I could just pass out twenties to all the kids I need to mail stuff to at the beginning of the year and be done with it all.
Alice’s last blog post..Please Don’t Be Shy!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:30 am
LOL! omg…that’s funny. Sometimes I’ll be sitting at my sister’s house in say … August, and she’ll look at me like she’s just had a brilliant thought…disappear and then come back with something … and say, “I just remembered I bought this for you for Christmas last year”….lol. Why? She should have saved it for the next Xmas…
DrowseyMonkey’s last blog post..If I Was a Chicken …..
August 4th, 2008 at 2:37 am
I am even worst and have some kind of disease to forget anything. Moreover people around me know all this and they don’t blame me for this anymore.
DrowseyMonkey, You are not alone, but My wife now manage it for me now. So I have no problems anymore.
Elib’s last blog post..Argos Beds and Furniture
August 4th, 2008 at 2:48 am
I also suffer from suckage when it comes to sending cards, so I decided to tell people that I don’t send cards because its environmentally unsound. Some people actually bought that too, the buffoons!
I dug out old cards and stuff from the loft, in it was a old mothers day I made for the mum when I was about 5, so I gave her that again this year, she thought it was cute
Claire’s last blog post..Farewell Olga!
August 4th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Ferd — My friend’s kids have come to understand that this is the way it is. I don’t know what they’d do if I was actually on time. They’d think it was Armageddon.
JD at I Do Things — Thanks, I feel better now. Although I’m afraid there’s going to be a year when I forget entirely and they get two sets of gifts for two occasions the following. It’s possible.
Dear Jaffer — Your heart’s in the right place and mine is, too. We just have a problem with timing. Shame your gifts were denied their recipients. But I guess their mother was thinking of you, too!
Dear Harold — You know they charge people for that star naming thing, right? I guess the question is … would you pay to have the bag named in your honor? Hmmm, might be onto something here.
Dear Chris — I’m sorry you only got to enjoy the bunny suit now, but be glad you can still fit in it because I wasn’t about to buy you another. I’m sure it helped you earn the Harvey role. BTW, there’s nothing wrong with “seeing things,” even 6′ 1 1/2″ tall rabbits! No, I can’t go to Dead Mobster. I’ve already reached my mushroom feet quota for the month. Maybe next year?
Poetikat — I feel worse because my friend remembers everything. But she understands me and laughs when I apologize for being late. She, too, expects this from me and it would upset the world order if I changed now. Yep, follow-through is a bear.
Stephanie — I hadn’t looked at it that way. I have to get on a new “early” schedule. Yeah, let’s call it that.
chatblanc — That happens with us, too. One year, I dropped off Christmas gifts in summertime. The kids couldn’t have been happier to get them when it was warm. It was funny for them to rip open gifts wrapped with snowman and Santa paper.
Dear Sarah — See, that’s the thing. You think you have a plan to visit, but before you know it, three or six months have passed and it’s not a plan anymore. Thanks. I feel better! Yes, I had to Google Harvey. How did I not know about a 6 foot imaginary rabbit all this time? p.s. I see the fish-naming contest is going well!
Lux — Well, at least she called. That’s more than I do! She’s ahead of the game. Yes, the cards are so cute I felt like a dolt opening them, especially since they came so quickly after they got their gifts. Her kids are so well-mannered. Me? I have work to do.
Alice — That’s not a bad idea, and frankly, I don’t think a kid minds having twenties thrown at him randomly. In fact, it might be more fun that way!
DrowseyMonkey — Hey, are you recovered from your birthday party now? What a bash you had! Christmases in August are the best Christmases. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, and not because it’s 95 degrees in August. But that helps.
Elib — Thankfully, my friend’s kids don’t hold it against me anymore (if they ever did). It makes me the “forgetful Aunt” they can laugh with their friends about. No fair! I don’t have a wife to remember these things!
Claire — Oooo! “Environmentally unsound.” I gotta remember that. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll forget that, too. Funny about your mum’s cards. How adorable. Better late than never!
August 4th, 2008 at 6:09 am
I am a big fan of the once a year gift giving idea. I do that with my sisters. We live far apart, so every summer when we get together I deliver the Xmas/birthday presents personally. It’s easier for me that way and they don’t seem to mind or they don’t actually tell me that they do.
Neena (NeenMachine)’s last blog post..Macy’s Free Shipping Offer
August 4th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Cards I am good at…remembering the birthdays I suck at. HEEHEE!
Lauren’s last blog post..Camp
August 4th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Thank GAWD for this post! I remembered that my mother in laws birthday is this month! I can’t remember which day but hopefully it’s not in the first four days of the month! lol
I have 5 kids. It’s all I can do to remember to send out gifts to them, my mom, my step mom and my mother in law. We only live by my mother in law so the rest have to be mailed. UGH!!!!!! I’m HORRIBLE about this. I’m ALWAYS late by a week or so. Not that I forget…it’s just the process of buying, wrapping, packaging and then mailing the gifts. I would LOVE to send money but it doesn’t work for most of my kids. And the girls are so sentimental. lol They think money is so impersonal! ;P
I’m impressed your friend makes her kids write thank you cards. I am so socially inept that my kids say it over the phone. hehe
Anyway, like it was said before, it’s fun getting gifts at different times of the year so at least they can count on that from you!
Lori’s last blog post..I can’t cook
August 4th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Dear Aunt Kathy,
Thank you very much for the Junk Drawer mug. I enjoy it very much.
I can’t write thank you cards… I know to write ‘thank you very much for -gift here-’ But then, I feel like I should write other things. ‘I enjoy it because it helps me drink milk’ Um… it’s kinda weird to write that…. So, I usually don’t. Then, I need to find something ELSE to write, so my thank you card has more than one line. ‘It is my favorite mug’ Hmm, that works. I put that in. Then, I feel like I have to write something else, and write an entire paragraph explaining how grateful I am and why I love my present. I mean, really, does anyone actually say ‘I love this thank you card! I will treasure it forever!’ Not really… So I just end up with something like ‘Dear so-and-so, thank you very much for -gift here-. It’s my favorite one of -more of something I have-. Your friend, Regan’
Hmm… I’ll just stick with that.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:20 am
AHahaha! I’m the same. I’m so bad at it that I keep a very short list of people to send cards/gifts to, and I refuse to be manoevred into sending them for all the nephews and neices because it’s better to miss them ALL out than risk offending someone by not sending something to their child. I know. I’m very bad.
Jay’s last blog post..It’s life, Jim …
August 4th, 2008 at 8:21 am
LOL- Makes you picture them scampering to the mailbox from January to July “Did she send anything yet????”
sue’s last blog post..The Front-Butt
August 4th, 2008 at 8:53 am
We have a growing list of kids’ presents we owe. As large as the list is getting, we might have to wait for our tax refund check to go on a shopping spree.
xmarks’s last blog post..The differences between the first child and the third child
August 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Gift-giving suckage is all about context.
My kids (ages 10, 12, 14) haven’t received a card or gift (for birthday, Christmas, or graduation) from my brother in three years.
Better late….
August 4th, 2008 at 10:14 am
You’re supposed to send your nieces and nephews gifts?
Jeff’s last blog post..It’s Party Time!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Neena (NeenMachine) — I’m guessing they don’t mind the lateness. A gift is a gift is a gift, I say!
Lauren — I don’t even try anymore to remember the actual birthdays. If I can ballpark it, I’m way ahead of the game.
Lori — That’s a tough one, when it looks impersonal to give money. You’re right, too, that this whole gift-giving thing is hard when it’s in drips and drabs. We should just take one day a year for birthdays and make it like a marathon Christmas shopping expedition. Then hand them all out on a new day called “Birthdaymas.” I’d totally accept that.
Regan — I enjoy it because it helps me drink milk. Oh, girl, you make me laugh. I know thank you cards can be a struggle to write, but they’re so nice to get. You don’t have to send me any, though. I don’t deserve one that says “It’s my favorite money.”
Jay — My problem is my list is already short! That’s what makes me such a bad person. If you’re lame and you know it, clap your hands!
sue — Oh, no, don’t make me envision that. I’ll cry.
xmarks — I’m telling you, do it all at once. Don’t time it for their birthdays. Keep ‘em guessing and then you don’t have to worry about being late.
BabaBooey — Are you holding out hope? If not, I’m getting them gifts! Poor kids. Geez!
Dear Uncle Jeff — Did you forget about us? Mommy says you haven’t been heard from in a while. We’re worried for you. You’re not in jail, are you?
August 4th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Well, it’s the thought that counts…
I mean, sure, the thought could include timeliness, but no one ever talks about that really.
And hey, you get to be the cool aunt who makes Christmas and birthday go all year round!
(notice the helpful marketing spin on that, by way of consolation…)
Jenn’s last blog post..The Toddler Labor Spam Conspiracy
August 4th, 2008 at 11:34 am
As long as you make the effort they’ll love you. I bet gifts are fun after the holidays, it is like twice the celebration!
DirtyLaundryDiva’s last blog post..Can I get a drum roll for the looser…
August 4th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
For shame….how can you sleep at night?????
Bruce’s last blog post..Something is Terribly Wrong!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I agree with DirtyLaundryDiva. Kids probably love to drag out their birthday, so another gift after the holiday would be cool!
Margaret’s last blog post..Fact or Myth: Are Mac Users Snobs?
August 4th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Talking of late, I’m a bit late here! How about the fact that I am usually making Mo’s birthday card once she has gone to bed the night before her birthday – and I live with her! I am shocking at remembering birthdays, let alone sending the cards on time!
Babs – beetle’s last blog post..Who IS this?
August 4th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Look at it this way. If you send a gift and it arrives on the birthday or holiday, it gets mixed in with all the other gifts and gets lost in the shuffle. If you send it weeks or months after the event it’s like there’s another holiday. You gift gets all the attention that day and is extra, extra special. So you become The Great Aunt Kathy!
By the way if your sending money to Regan you might as well include me as well. Do you need my address?
August 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I, right now, am looking at a sack of gifts I still haven’t mailed from last Christmas. You are not alone in ProcrastiNation.
Athena’s last blog post..Athena vs. Edouard
August 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
You sound like you might be one of my SisterDears! Cards and gifts, when they come, are always, always at least a week late even though she buys them a month ahead of time!
WillThink4Wine’s last blog post..Manic Monday: BIG
August 4th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
So nice to know that I am not the only one who does such things. Very, very funny post.
And yes, you suck. But at least you got them gifts. My MIL doesn’t buy my son anything….EVER.
Lisa’s last blog post..No more allergy medicine for you, bub
August 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Dear Santa,
There, I said it ! Because that’s how I feel reading all these comments !
What would happen if Santa fell behind and delivered gifts several months late ?
Well in other words, he would be early for next Christmas but that would mean skipping a Christmas.
Think of the disaster that would follow.
Oh my head hurts !
Jaffer’s last blog post..Recuperating an old Laptop – Part 2
August 4th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Jenn — In my head, I’m on time. Yes, let’s say I’m the cool aunt, instead of the lazy one, shall we?
DirtyLaundryDiva — You’re right. Anything out of the expected is fun for kids. I’ve decided I’m awesome for doing it.
Bruce — I can, because I’ve just decide I’m awesome (see above).
Margaret — Yes! It’s like the birthday that never ends!
Babs beetle — And wrapping gifts for Christmas at midnight on Christmas Eve, too? Join the club, my dear.
Lee — OK, so now I think I’m awesome. And I rock. And I’m the coolest aunt that ever lived. As frazzled as I am when it’s time to finally send gifts, it wouldn’t surprise me if I sent you twenty bucks and an apology for being late.
Athena — Oh, somebody’s gonna love you. Nothing like Christmas in August. You’re going to send them before the next Christmas, right? Right?
WillThink4Wine — I had three really cute Christmas tins all picked out from well before Christmas. I put them on the kitchen table, then I moved them to the dining room, then I put them on top of the refrigerator. It’s a disease.
Lisa — There are too many kids here in the comments who are not getting gifts. I’m going to be their Secret Santa, OK? Kids are supposed to have too many presents to count!
Jaffer — If that happened, Santa would get beat up, his reindeer would stomp on his face and Mrs. Santa wouldn’t talk to him for a year. Total chaos.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
The Mrs. writes everything on a calendar to make sure everyone gets a stupid card. Anniversaries, birthdays, everything. it takes her hours to update it every January. I counted, and I’m not making this up, over 200 names on our calendar.
And it gets worse. She sends gifts to dead people. Oh yeah. She marks “important occasions” like St. Patrick’s Day by bringing flowers to their graves. It never ends, I tell you. She reminds me of things like, “Your father’s birthday is coming up.” I remind her that he died 11 years ago, and he really doesn’t care. Oy.
Joe’s last blog post..So, Joe
August 4th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Kathy: I’m very glad to have enlightened you about the play Harvey. I was pretty sure you would get the Christmas story reference, but harvey I wasn’t sure. jimmy Stewart was great in the Movie. You should rent it some time. I’m sending you an email in the AM about a discussion I had today.
Chris (Casey)’s last blog post..Buca, Buca Di Beppo!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Rest assure, you’re not alone!!! I recently sent a blank inside belated Father’s Day card!
KFJ’s last blog post..Changes are a Coming……..
August 4th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
OMG, Kathy…nothing makes me smile more, than seeing the precious things that children write in cards.
It’s soooo damn CUTE!
And it’s quite obvious that these children think the world of you!
Ron’s last blog post..Catholic School Drinking Fountain
August 5th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Hi! Found your blog on someone’s blog roll.
I am so bad at sending cards on time. As long as there’s money in there…no one will care. And when I don’t have the right card (when I actually do sent a card) I will actually cross out words and write in my own.
http://www.peglegstarfish.com
Julie in Houston’s last blog post..Like a Banshee (Video You’ve All Been Waiting For)
August 5th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Hi Kathy,
I have nominated you for a Brillante Weblog Premio 2008 Award. This was given to me and I was told I need to select some blogs that I think are great and nominate them. I chose yours as one of them because I read your blog all the time and really enjoy it. You can visit my site to retrieve it. Thanks!
peace,
mike
livelife365
Mike Foster’s last blog post..Enjoy Your Trip? Now Get back to Work!
August 5th, 2008 at 4:16 am
Joe — Please tell me your mostly joking, please! 200 people?!?! That’s a full-time job!
Chris — Seems I’m lopsided on the rabbit-related movies. I’ve seen A Christmas Story 900 times, but never heard of Harvey.
KFJ — Good one! I’m sure he forgives you.
Ron — You’re right. There’s nothing cuter than a hand-written card from a child. Gave me warm fuzzies, even though I don’t deserve it.
Julie in Houston — Ah! I’ve done that too. Helps confuse them into ignoring how late I am.
Mike Foster — Thanks, Mike! I appreciate the award and I’m glad to have you as a new regular reader. EC is so great. I’ve found a dozen new blogs that a read regularly as a result. I shall go pick up my award now!
August 5th, 2008 at 4:47 am
It is better late than never. I sent a gift to my friend early last month and the gift is still in the mailing system. It should have reached her on her birthday on 29 July. Last time I talked to her which is today, she told me she got a note from the post office to pick it up.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Aww… don’t feel bad. Even though I’ve visited her several times since then, I still haven’t delivered the t-shirt I picked up for a friend in the mountains…
in early February…
of 2006.
Good thing I didn’t decide to send flowers.
mojo’s last blog post..Thematic Photgraphic 9: Signs (v.5.0)
August 5th, 2008 at 6:52 am
pfffttt!hahaha Birthdaymas!
Lori’s last blog post..Benjamin’s world
August 5th, 2008 at 7:54 am
I’m a bad sender also, life (and now blogging) gets in the way – Sorry Everyone!!
But the kids are who gets to profit from your tardiness…..they get plenty on Christmas or their birthday, it’s fun to get something long after the official huppla is over.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I have five nephews and a niece all of whom have suffered late cards and gifts throughout their childhood. They don’t seem to mind but I feel mortified every time I reallise I’ve forgotten yet another birthday.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Ha! It’s bad enough when we forget or are late, but it’s ten times worse when the recipient (and kids, yet) can respond within milliseconds to rub it in even more…
Gah.
Maureen’s last blog post..A Photog I’m Not
August 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
When we moved last year, I found presents for my niece and nephew from about 10 years ago that I purchased in a timely fashion, but never delivered. I suck too.
Vixen’s last blog post..Vixen needs internet at home
August 5th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
you’re better than i am b/c if i don’t see people in person, they don’t get anything. i know, i’m bad.
love you’re blog! i’m adding it to my blog roll on http://theneuroticmom.blogspot.com/
Kelly’s last blog post..Pause for a Pedicure
August 5th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Funny stuff! I enjoy your posts! Keep them coming!
Jesse’s last blog post..Made in the Third Grade
August 5th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I wish I could tell you the 200 was a joking number. Nearly every day marks some sort of commemoration of someone’s life event. She buys cards at the drug store every week. Because it’s so important to find the perfect card for a dear, close friend she hasn’t seen in 20 years. I should take a picture and post a copy of our calendar. BTW, I don’t even know the majority of those listed.
Joe’s last blog post..Growing Up Dorky
August 5th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
BK — It wasn’t lost, just late! You’re right, though. Better late than never. I’m sure she was excited. I love getting gifts in the mail. Hint, hint.
mojo — It’s best if you just forget about it. I say wear the T-shirt yourself and buy your friend something new. That’s exactly what I did with a pretty top I bought for one of my sisters (I’ll let them guess which, if they’re reading). I liked it so much, I kept it for myself. I don’t remember what I got her in its place.
Lori — I thought I coined it, but turns out it shows up everywhere. How ’bout Christmabirthday?
Mamaflo — No kidding. I’m worse off now than I ever was before I started blogging. I need to buy everything on one day out of the year and dole them out accordingly. Or I need an assistant.
Pool Guy — Don’t worry, I do too, even though the kids and their parents don’t mind. They think it’s rather charming.
Maureen — I felt a twinge of guilt every time I open yet another thank you card. Those kids are such sweethearts, I felt so bad.
Vixen — Nice! You take the cake!
Kelly — You’re ruthless. I love it! And thank you for adding me to your blogroll. Mmmm…. rolls….!
Jesse — Thanks. Always nice to have new visitors to The Junk Drawer!
Joe — That’s incredible and God bless her for being so thoughtful. Now, would she mind if I added another twenty or so people to her list and I could put her on a schedule? Yes, post the calendar. It will stun everyone.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Believe it or not, you’re more organized than I am!! At least you sent a message. You’re a good Aunt Kathy!
kirsten’s last blog post..What the Hell Kind of Name is Rulon Anyway?
August 5th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Okay, with kids, I am better at this than I am with my adult friends. I actually have (most of) the Christmas presents I bought for a friend of mine who lives out of town. A few, I actually regifted to closer more urgent occasions. She sent mine in a box (still wrapped and marked with the year) just out of the blue one day. I had to call her and ask if she was dying or something. She said no, she was just cleaning out stuff and didn’t want to move with all of them again.
Elle’s last blog post..Don’t You Just Hate It When…
August 5th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
1) Lordy! 58 Comments. You go gurl.
2) What Jeff said
3) Loved the circles and arrows on your visual aids.
4) Jaffer over-posted. He has to sit out the next time.
5) Regan is on her way to blogging. God help us all.
Geakz’s last blog post..Classic Italian Sub Goes A-Rye
August 6th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
oh welll i never give out thank you cards so i will try
Dear Kathy
thank you for the magnet
i will use a lot (well as much as possible)
and thank you for the wonderful blog
your reader
brooke reagans friend
\
August 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I couldn’t even comment on this when I first read it because I suck beyond all sucking when it comes to presents. And it doesn’t help that my sister is the queen of the birthday shirt that fits perfectly with the matching headband, socks, and earrings, wrapped in beautiful paper with a matching bow she made herself and the card that she found after reading all the cards in the store that is hilarious because it seems to reference some funny private joke that she will mention inside the card before sealing it with a matching and equally humorous sticker.
If I was rich I’d just buy people cars and give them the keys in a tiny gift bag with the tag already attached and no fancy paper or gewgaws sticking out. I might remember to write the To: From: business on the card with a pen I find in my car console on the way into the house. Maybe. Or I’ll hire an assistant to do all that crap.
Shieldmaiden96′s last blog post..Country Piccata
August 6th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Hey, I thought that sweater you have looked like something that I might wear…..
August 6th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Joe, I will begin the clamoring to see the calendar of 200 card-giving occasions of which you speak.
Will your wife grant Kathy an interview? For I have many questions regarding this card-buying behavior.
Let the over-posting begin!
August 6th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
kirsten — Yeah, but I still feel crummy every time I do it.
Elle — It’s perfect that you and your friend are cut from the same cloth. Love this: “I had to call her and ask if she was dying or something.”
Geakz — Now stop making fun of my visual aids. You’re making fun of them, right? If you weren’t, you should. Jaffer paid me to post a second time. We have a thing where I let him do that for a fee. The minute Regan starts a blog, you’ll be hearing about it here.
brooke — That’s a lovely thank you note. You taking tips from Regan?
Shieldmaiden96 — I believe it’s possible you suck more than me, although I can’t count the number of times I’ve bought a card on the way to somewhere, thrown some cash in, and written “Love, Kathy” in the card with a pen I found in my glove compartment that’s half running out of ink. Your sister needs an intervention.
ann of the shampooo bag — You are not the sister who got the replacement gift for the sweater. Poor Marlene. It was such a pretty gift she never got.
And, yeah, Joe needs to write about his uber-organized wife. I’ve never heard of such a thing. I want to know more about this freak behavior!
August 7th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I know the focus of this post is “How Aunt Kathy Allegedly Sucks,” but to me it is pretty refreshing seeing kids (whether at their mother’s prompting or not) actually wrote you thank you notes. Manners seem to not be something everyone teaches nowadays, unfortunately. At least it seems that way. But then I am now “over thirty and should not be trusted” so what do I know…
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August 7th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Better late than never, right?
Sometimes it’s nicer getting christmas gifts in july, since at christmas you get so many…so you could tell them you planned it that way so it would be extra special??
Chelle’s last blog post..Keep Out of The Pond!
August 7th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I’ve been thinking about this since I ran across it the other day. Don’t feel bad — a lot of us hellasuck at remembering birthdays of nephews, nieces, cousins and etc.
If I can remember the birthdays of my wife and kids, I figure I’m doing well…
Ethan Nobles’s last blog post..Superheroes that didn’t make it
August 7th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
TheSnackHound — I know what you mean. They might have needed a prompt, but they still did it and I love them for it. Refreshing indeed!
Chelle — They loved it the one year I dropped off Christmas gifts in the summer. There they were, tearing through wintry-looking wrapping paper in 90 degree heat. Very fun for everyone!
Ethan Nobles — I feel the same. One out of five remembrances ain’t bad. Count yourself lucky.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Not a terrible idea, but (a) the shirt wouldn’t fit me and (b)… bein’ a guy, if I wore it… it’d just get weird.
Mojo’s last blog post..55 Flash Fiction Friday (#6): “Synchronicity”
August 9th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Mojo — Oh, didn’t consider that. Of course, you could wear it and it’ll be our little secret.
August 9th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
maybe
You shall never know
August 12th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I have a pile of thank you cards right beside me for all the kind folks that attended a 30th anniversary party for us. I’ll get to them soon!
August 13th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Data Entry Lady — You better, or I’m getting Miss Manners after you! Probably feels like a big job. Do a few at a time. You’ll make it.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Wow! All of you sound like me! I have three kids 6 & under, and I always forget birthdays. And who has time to go to the store with three kids and pick out a card that costs $4?! Anyway, I finally solved the problem. I found a company called Send Out Cards that sends me e-mails reminding me of birthdays & anniversaries. I can find a card online, add a personal message, and they print and mail the cards for me. Even better, I can send really cool gifts or gift cards along with the card. Thank you notes? No problem–I can send the same card out to everyone on my list with a click of the mouse! The best part? The cards cost about $1–with postage! Wah-hoo! Problem solved!
September 10th, 2008 at 3:38 am
Karen — That site sounds amazing and just what I need because my problem is that I never transfer birthdays to a new calendar every year and I can’t remember on my own. Getting an email reminder is just what the doctor ordered.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I love getting my reminders! Several friends have asked me, “How did you know it was my birthday?” Do I have a secret life as a spy? No, I just have Send Out Cards.
It’s amazing how happy people are when you do remember! Anyway, you can send three cards for free (inc. postage) from my website. The site is packed with info, too, so you can truly see if this will be a tool that can help you. My number & e-mail are listed, so you can call me/e-mail me if you’d like me to give you a personal walk-through of the site.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Sorry Kathy,but I can’t help crying out with laughter.You are a good aunt,and don’t worry.I know you’ll do much better than that in future.
Handbag for life’s last blog post..Paris Fashion Week: Handbags Show
October 13th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Handbag for life — Oh, you’re so kind! I’m not really sure I’ll remember next time. Of course, Christmas is coming up. If I plan accordingly, they might have their presents by spring instead of summer.