P-C, did you ever say what the reason for these gifts is? Because that's where I'm unclear.

It's my first job, so everything is on me? I'm unclear on the whole thing too. It's a thing. Boys take care of girls.

Ethnic custom, basically, right?

Right, ita.

For instance, I just realized something yesterday. When I took everyone out for dinner a few weeks ago, my aunt...um, let's see: the wife of the uncle who got me the job, the uncle whose sister is married to my mom's brother. She gave me $25 to buy something for my new apartment. Which was the same amount I gave to her daughter for her birthday some weeks before.

In Indian society, the money just circulates.

P-C, one issue that comes to my mind is that your mother wants you to send this money right away -- as in, she seems to think that you shouldn't be spending any money on anything (like food or rent) until you've fulfilled what she sees as your family obligations.

I'll stay out of ethnic obligation issues on whether and how much to give. But if I'm reading your mother's perspective correctly, she needs a reality check. It's all well and good to remember the family (and whoever brought up the Savings Bond idea last week -- I like it, too, especially for the youngest set), but not if it's going to put you out on the street.

Happy Birthday, erika!!!!

one issue that comes to my mind is that your mother wants you to send this money right away

I was wondering that, too. Can you split up the gifts over the next few checks? Like send to your sister now. Next closest relatives with the next check. Cousins with the next?

I was wondering that, too. Can you split up the gifts over the next few checks? Like send to your sister now. Next closest relatives with the next check. Cousins with the next?

By dad told me to get it done with by the end of the month or so. Or in a month. Or something.

To be honest, this won't break me. At all. I've never lived from paycheck to paycheck; I have more than enough savings to survive. Hell, I have enough to pay off my student loan entirely right now, if I could deal with losing that financial cushion in my bank account. It's just the psychological trauma of lots of money going bye-bye, but like I said: my dad just spent that much money on me in one weekend. So I technically already, in my head, have spent it.

Someone entertain me while I finish up my school work.

It's just the psychological trauma of lots of money going bye-bye, but like I said: my dad just spent that much money on me in one weekend. So I technically already, in my head, have spent it.

perhaps that's why he did it. Just like your aunt gave you the $25 back. Your dad knew that you had this obligation, you needed to buy stuff for your place, and that it would be hard to do both. So, he spent his money on you so that you can spend your money on someone else.

Juggles geese for sj.

Happy birthday, erika!

{{{cass}}} I wish I could come down and distract you.

juliana! The jacket showed up this weekend! mwah!