WindSparrow, all good ideas, but I'd rather she had needed money to pay rent and put food on the table and such.
One of the reasons I suggested Target (and of course, KMart, Walmart, and heck, even places like Walgreens), is that... well... there have been times in my life when a twenty-dollar gift card meant I didn't have to choose between having deodorant and shampoo or food and fuel that month. I don't think I admitted to my benefactors that I was using those cards for unromantic necessities, fibbing a bit on thank you notes.
My Hungarian Thanksgiving dinner. [link] [link] [link]
If you send her a giftcard - she can use it to buy gifts. Buta giftcertificate to the local "luxury" grocery store ( if there is one ) would be good too.
WindSparrow, you are wise.
So? Do I mention the overage first?
My Hungarian Thanksgiving dinner.
Yummers. That cheese platter looks like it might have been the most fun part of the meal.
So? Do I mention the overage first?
I would. How about something like, "Mom, I'm sorry, but when I gave you the numbers for the trip, I must have mis-spoke. You've sent me more than your fair share, and so I'm going to send you $$ back." She can either accept this or tell you not to worry about it. Maybe you can counter with something goopy like, "Aw, Mom, I've always wanted to be able to foot the whole bill on trips like that for both of us. I'm not quite there yet, but now that things are getting better for me, at the very least I can pay my own way, please let me do this." If she is still resisting at this point, then you accept what she says, and fall back on the gift cards plan.
Said to mom, "Please go away so I can love you again."
I am overpeopled.
Oh, Cass. I can SO relate. I'm sorry, though.
Thanks, WindSparrow!
We were debating lentils versus lentil soup like it was the serial comma or olives on a muffaletta. Or, you know, like Buffistas. But with less enjoying it.
Clearly, we need a little break.
