Speaking of X-mas-

you know my crazy office secret X-mas party thing?

Well, it is going to be in Geneva (AmyLiz will know where it is), which is not that near Rochester (50 miles away). And I have costume fittings until after the party starts with a designer who is coming up that day especially. And I have no car in order to come late, and since I am coming late, I can't get a ride.

I know I don't REALLY want to go, but I feel like a jackhole and am considering renting a car. Or asking the designer if I can leave a 4 pm, although that makes me feel like an ass.

Also, I never get my bosses or cow-workers anything, although sometimes they get me things. I have on occasion made cookie baskets. At least I am away from the craxy too large gift buying boss (one year she bought me THREE OUTFITS!)

I just asked another co-worker if i was mis-remembering about the $20 and she said no, i was right. it was $20 last year and all the previous years. a $20 increase in one year?! give me a fucking break, people.

Try, "oh, I only budgeted twenty. There really needs to be some sort of discussion if something like this is going to be doubled." And hand them the twenty?

(oh the this is the place where you can sneer and insert all you contempt for the absurd practice)

I worked for one office where the support staff gave our manager a present at our little holiday party. I thought this was odd but we all really liked her so I went for it. Then one year they couldn't figure out what to get her and decided to just give her a big box of cash. This became the tradition. It was very very weird.

(But at least it wasn't mandatory. There was very strict greeting card regulation, no way you were signing that thing if you hadn't chipped in. Which was also weird -- like any giftee ever is going to read sixty or seventy signatures and figure out who did and did not chip in on her big box o' cash? Odd odd odd.)

The one attorney I work for is getting a book I know he wants. Last year I got him tamales, he and then other attorney got me Chorus Line tickets.

The new other attorney I work for is a partner and notorious for cheap-ass gifts (when she remembers them at all). Like a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. I will probably get her nothing. Or, possibly have at the ready a $30 Barnes & Noble gift card if I see her walking over here with an envelope.

You want I should have my boss call your bosses and explain class?

I don't even think getting hit repeatedly with a cluestick would do the trick, but i appreciate the offer.

Well, yeah, but $20 cash would feel pathetic in a way a $20 gift doesn't.

This is why I don't like giving gift cards.

Well, it is going to be in Geneva (AmyLiz will know where it is), which is not that near Rochester (50 miles away).

This is obviously going to be an "Oh, HELL NO" kind of day.

I know I don't REALLY want to go, but I feel like a jackhole and am considering renting a car.

You have other obligations! Why on earth would you feel bad about that?!

Tiggy, I totally agree that that shit is insane. But I can also understand how it's easier to go along with something, even something fucked up and weird like being forced into donating. Do you think your boss is aware that the office manager makes it de facto mandatory?

I know where Geneva is! (I lived in Buffalo for 8 years.)

And you shouldn't rent a car for something you don't really want to attend.

The only time I've ever gotten a gift of any kind from a boss was when I left BU after 6 years. They gave me a real hefty gift card which... I have probably lost. CRAP! Did I use it or lose it?

I know I don't REALLY want to go, but I feel like a jackhole and am considering renting a car. Or asking the designer if I can leave a 4 pm, although that makes me feel like an ass.

Dude, totally don't go. Eff that noise!