I don't like the idea of opening a bunch of gifts in front of a crowd. There's a real expectation of performance-- oohing and aahing -- that is tiring and awkward, particularly for anyone who is just not that expressive. And you have to modulate your reaction to match the gift...it's awkward.

And juliana, Kristin, and I have done a mean version of "The Muppet Theme."

Is true. Much more unexpected than "Lady Marmalade".

At the last baby shower I went to, the hostess asked us to put our addresses on envelopes for the thank-you notes. At showers, frequently the only thing I find entertaining is the present opening, and it gives people who don't know each other something to talk about.

"Gloria" by ...what's her name? Maybe I'm just jealous because I can't sing it because it's too high for me.

how do you properly indicate different positions/levels at the same company? Write them out like separate jobs?

Depends on how long you were in the different jobs and how different they were, I'd say. If they were pretty similar, and it wasn't like, four years at one and three years at another, then I'd just list the one title, and the time, and the other title and the time, and put the duties together, but if one had duties that were really more important or obviously more cool or whatever, then sure, list them separate.

"Gloria" by ...what's her name?

Patti Smith

I don't like the idea of opening a bunch of gifts in front of a crowd. There's a real expectation of performance-- oohing and aahing -- that is tiring and awkward, particularly for anyone who is just not that expressive. And you have to modulate your reaction to match the gift...it's awkward.

And from the guest's POV (or, I suppose, just *my* POV as the cranky-ass guest I am), you have to act like you really care that they got a toilet brush and then look at it when it gets PASSED AROUND.

But unless you want to come off as a guest like -- well, like *me* -- the guests have to do some performing of the oohing and aahing, though not as much as the bride.

t edit But then I realize there are people who DIG the chance to see every. single. gift. the bride gets, whether to live vicariously or to judge how their gift measures up.

"Gloria" by ...what's her name? Maybe I'm just jealous because I can't sing it because it's too high for me.

Laura Brannigan.

At the last baby shower I went to, the hostess asked us to put our addresses on envelopes for the thank-you notes.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this here, but for new parents I've been known to include a pre-written, pre-addressed and stamped thank-you note with the gift. This only works for some friends, who can be counted upon to see it as the good natured joke-gesture that it is. In fact, for one couple, when I didn't put one in baby #2's present, I learned Dad was disappointed because he had looked forward to what I would write.

Most people sign them where I put the x_________ and also include a line or two of sincere thanks.

I thought baby #2 wasn't supposed to get a shower?

I thought baby #2 wasn't supposed to get a shower?

I wondered about this, too. Cousin already has one child and I bought her a fairly pricey stroller that time around. I gave her somewhat of a pass this time, though, since she's having twins. She still registered for 2 of everything under the sun, making me wonder where all the baby swag she got the first time around ended up.

Damn, I'm grumpy today. I swear, I really do love my cousin.