For a typical population--you're anything but typical, Hil--the question certainly indicates the level of identification with the university community. I've heard people in Provo--home of Brigham Young University--talking about how "we played" who never even attended the school.
Lorne: My little prince. Oh…what did they do to you? Angel: Nina…tried to…eat me. Lorne: Oh, you're--medic! You're gonna make it Angel. Just don't stop fighting. Doctor! Is there a Gepetto in the house?
'Smile Time'
Spike's Bitches 48: I Say, We Go Out There, and Kick a Little Demon Ass.
[NAFDA] Spike-centric discussion. Lusty, lewd (only occasionally crude), risqué (and frisqué), bawdy (Oh, lawdy!), flirty ('cuz we're purty), raunchy talk inside. Caveat lector.
Connie Neil - Nov 11, 2013 10:43:51 am PST #6221 of 30002
brillig
Connie Neil - Nov 11, 2013 10:43:53 am PST #6222 of 30002
brillig
Zenkitty - Nov 11, 2013 12:28:28 pm PST #6223 of 30002
Every now and then, I think I might actually be a little odd.
pimping the gift exchange - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO.
Why do you torment me so?! I do want to, but I'm scared I'll crumble under the pressure.
Scrappy - Nov 11, 2013 12:32:40 pm PST #6224 of 30002
Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
My nephew has always followed Michigan Football (where his grandma and great and great-great-grandfathers went), even though he went to a totally different school. he sayd "we" for their teams.
beekaytee - Nov 11, 2013 12:40:35 pm PST #6225 of 30002
Compassionately intolerant
Why do you torment me so?! I do want to, but I'm scared I'll crumble under the pressure.
I totally had this reaction in the beginning, but then...after a major mess-up by the Royal Mail, and Jars' gracious response to it...I just relaxed into it.
To be honest, there isn't a lot of opportunity for creative gift giving in my life, so the exchange is a great outlet for me.
Then there are the other benefits.
If you did not see the picture of Cagney walking around with his gift last Christmas...a rawhide wreath...you have not seen cute. I loved it as much, or more, than he did!
NoiseDesign - Nov 11, 2013 12:42:32 pm PST #6226 of 30002
Our wings are not tired
I had a bad experience with the gift exchange the last time I did it where I sucked at getting my gift out on time and ended up being really guilty about it and then I never did get my gift. Too much stress and angst for me.
Zenkitty - Nov 11, 2013 12:48:39 pm PST #6227 of 30002
Every now and then, I think I might actually be a little odd.
We need a support group.
beekaytee - Nov 11, 2013 12:53:14 pm PST #6228 of 30002
Compassionately intolerant
Yikes.
Well, it is definitely no fun if it is no fun!
I'm sorry to hear that. Of all the things in life that are stressful, gifting really shouldn't be one. Though, I know it is for a lot of people.
I've told my epic stories of gifting fail here over the years...especially in relationships. There it seems to be all about things other than the simple appreciation or giving spirit. Way too fraught for some.
I still enjoy it though.
§ ita § - Nov 11, 2013 1:49:44 pm PST #6229 of 30002
Well not canonically, no, but this is transformative fiction.
I have general gift anxiety. I'm good with focussing 80% of my effort on my sister. Fuck, I don't even think I receive gifts right, so...
WindSparrow - Nov 11, 2013 4:00:05 pm PST #6230 of 30002
Love is stronger than death and harder than sorrow. Those who practice it are fierce like the light of stars traveling eons to pierce the night.
I enjoy the hell out of the gift exchange by watching other people enjoy the hell out of it.