I hadn't heard of it, P-C, but I'll check it out when I get some time. Thanks!

Where did you get this idea?

Why, from the internet of course. It's my source for all half-baked, un-thoroughly-researched ideas.

Now I bet they're not exploiting elephants over there either.

Change Thai to US and you get five times as many hits off that search.

Sigh. Why do some people have to be so dumb? Causing inconvenience and disconcertion to other people (namely me?)

Back story: My Mom loves b-day celebrations (much like myself and certain other Bitches). Her office is an absolute Middle School of favoritism and political bullshit. Mom, not being an adorable girl in her 20's or a suckup, and having a bit too much attitude for her own good, is not a Favorite.

Somehow this led to her b-day being largely ignored, even while other people with b-days the same month, or even week, were being showered with attention and free lunches (a couple of years running). Which, in turn, led to my Mother, who I love (even though she sometimes drives me up the flipping wall), to have very Hurt Feelings.

Because I didn't want to have to see my Mother on the verge of tears at another b-day dinner while relating what her office mates didn't do to commemorate her special day, last year I came up with A Plan. I decided to have flowers sent to her at work, and I emailed one of the Birthday Ringleaders to ask for the address, casually mentioning that I wanted to send flowers, for her birthday, ON THE 12TH. Birthday Ringleader gave me the address, called me a good daughter, and Took the Hint. Last year, Mom's desk was decorated and her birthday celebrated.

This year, sending flowers was not in the budget (since it looks like she's getting new tires - her idea - for her present), so I emailed one of her work buddies, mentioned that I had nudged Birthday Ringleader last year and asked whether I should do it again this year. Work buddy tells me it's a different person who's in charge, but don't worry - that she'll remind her. Work buddy instead of casually mentioning it, just forwards my email, that included comments regarding Hinting at Birthday Ringleader. New Birthday Person takes umbrage at my apparently disparaging comments re Birthday Ringleader and shoots me an email telling me how I've offended them and etc.

So then I had to send an apologetic over-explainy email back - I 'm sorry I caused offense, just a little joke, please forgive, etc.

Why couldn't Work Buddy have just sent a New Email? Why? Why? Why?

And if this gets back to my Mom, I'm going to be peeved. I feel like I'm paying a popular kid to let her sit at their lunch table - popular kids better not rat me out, dammit!

t /rant

Aha! Batslash T shirt!

OT3.

Looks VERY nice.

Covet.

::squinty eyes at Plei:: aren't you supposed to be in a meeting? You're supposed to use that iPhone for good, missy!

Congratulations to your neice, Kristin!!!!

Batslash T shirt looks very nice!

::squinty eyes at Plei:: aren't you supposed to be in a meeting? You're supposed to use that iPhone for good, missy!

I'm out of it. It ran short.

Did you at least get your coffee out of it?

::is totally taking notes on her paper-thing::

EpicTangent that is awful. You are a good daughter. Too bad your Mom's office mates are suck (typo left in on account of appropriateness) jerks.