# A virtual gift-giving MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [November 28, 2011, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330 "2011-11-28T10:03:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/41 "2011-11-29T15:37:21Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Ah, time for a little more shopping before class (Sorry I pooped out early last night - I was tahred!!!) Some may be more random than others - I decided to try the grab bag approach. šŸ˜ƒ šŸ˜ƒ šŸ˜ƒ > > [For **Brick**](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/soup-and-sandwich-ceramic-tray-duo) > > [For **Kanga**](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/green-rhino-trophy-head) - after all, who wouldnā€™t want one of these?? > > [For **CatDude**](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/remote-control-t-rex-kit) - he and Cuervo can have hours of fun with this. > > [For all the girls](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/porn-for-women) šŸ˜‰ > > An extra[stocking stuffer](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/senior-moments-memory-workout) for **swampy** > > [For **BooFae**](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/multi-color-double-tagua-necklace) > [For **Soapy**](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/glass-water-faucet), just because > [For all of our resident winos](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/corkcicle)šŸ˜‰ > [And for **Woody**](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/wood-tie) > > I think I have a new favorite on line shopping site. šŸ˜ƒ > > More later, when my virtual credit card stops smokingā€¦ I LOVE that site. I canā€™t afford to _buy_ anything right now, what with the remodel project and everyone who wants their cut, but I LOVE that site ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/42 "2011-11-29T18:14:29Z")
Monday Dec 12, we need to be at the hospital at 6AM, with surgery scheduled for 7:30. Daughter will stay at our house to tend to our critters and weā€™ll spend the night before at my momā€™s house, since itā€™s a much shorter drive to the hospital than from here. Dare I hope that the 5th timeā€™s the charm? Weā€™ll be going to Baltimore again on Tues for some pre-op work. If recovery goes like his last surgery, he could be discharged on the 14th or 15th. Guess I need to make sure I have a bunch of knitting to keep me occupied in the waiting area. The hospital in Baltimore is a good one, even if the parking there sucks. Iā€™d even be allowed to spend the night in his room, but Iā€™m thinking itā€™ll be better for both of us if I get real sleep at Momā€™s. So here we go againā€¦ ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/43 "2011-11-29T18:19:57Z")
:DITā€™S SNOWING!šŸ˜ƒ Very tiny flakes and not sticking, but ITā€™S SNOWING! ---
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/44 "2011-11-29T18:22:18Z")
Ok fine, Iā€™ll do some non-shopping in a bit. Just saw the eye doc. Pressures are good, holding off the family eye curse, optic nerve - check, doing fine. Ordered some new glasses while I was there, for those days when I donā€™t feel like sticking plastic in my eyes. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/45 "2011-11-29T18:44:21Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Monday Dec 12, we need to be at the hospital at 6AM, with surgery scheduled for 7:30. Daughter will stay at our house to tend to our critters and weā€™ll spend the night before at my momā€™s house, since itā€™s a much shorter drive to the hospital than from here. Dare I hope that the 5th timeā€™s the charm? > > Weā€™ll be going to Baltimore again on Tues for some pre-op work. If recovery goes like his last surgery, he could be discharged on the 14th or 15th. Guess I need to make sure I have a bunch of knitting to keep me occupied in the waiting area. > > The hospital in Baltimore is a good one, even if the parking there sucks. Iā€™d even be allowed to spend the night in his room, but Iā€™m thinking itā€™ll be better for both of us if I get real sleep at Momā€™s. So here we go againā€¦ Good thoughts starting NOW! ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/46 "2011-11-29T19:13:04Z")
Yes, many good thoughts headed your way! I am currently caffeinated, exercised, and putting off my shower. The puppy desperately needs park time. My bedroom and bathroom are hideous wrecks and need cleaning. I have about five errands to run, and I havenā€™t been able to find any new shoes. I need shoes. Last year, I bought two pairs of Sketchers, and they are very nearly dead. Iā€™ve been wearing that particular style of Sketcher for nearly five years now. Itā€™s time for a change. Also, my sneakers are wearing out. So, with money in hand, I found a $50 pair of Fila five-finger shoes, which, while not the Vibram variety, still kick butt. I am currently breaking them in. But for daily wear, I had no luck yesterday. I am on a budget. I stopped at Payless first and was delighted to see shoes I actually liked - cute designs, manageable heels, and colors that wouldnā€™t clash with everything I own. Except, when I started trying them on, the size 8s were too small, and the size 8 1/2s were too big. Grrrr! So, then I went to Target, where the selection was completely picked over. Nothing in size 8 or 8 1/2 at all. _sigh_ I shouldnā€™t be surprised, really. Not after Black Friday. I will probably have to wait to the weekend to see if there are any sales/new inventory. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/47 "2011-11-29T22:02:36Z")
Thanks for the good thoughts. It helps that we know the hospital and the surgeon so itā€™s one less unknown to deal with. Quiche will be ready in about 20 minutes - crab, onion, spinach, and swiss - it smells yummerrific! Plus Iā€™ll have leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. Yay! ---
**Author:** ![Ashes\_Ashes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/db5fbb/32.png) [@Ashes\_Ashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashes_Ashes)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/48 "2011-11-29T22:39:48Z")
Pretend shopping is hard work! Who knew a budget and practicality would make the perfect gift _more_ difficult to find? Iā€™ll down a few dozen pixi stix whilst contemplating. What **Swampy**? Wait to open? Thatā€™s unpossible! Itā€™s official-- my freezer is at capacity. Thanksgiving and bagel hoarding have it packed like a wenchā€™s costume at RenFaire. Somebody kick-start me shampooing the guest room. I cleaned the kitchen and need some opinions. Is oven cleaner safe to use on coookie sheets? I use sil-mats but grease still gets baked on, so I sprayed 'em with cleaner. I ran them through the washer, but dā€™you think theyā€™re okay? Also, be careful with those disposable toilet bowl cleaners! The blue gunk got on my hands while cleaning the sink (before the bowl oā€™course) and now my right hand looks pale blue and corpse-like. ---
**Author:** ![Ashes\_Ashes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/db5fbb/32.png) [@Ashes\_Ashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashes_Ashes)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/49 "2011-11-29T23:08:39Z")
Pretend shopping is hard work! Who knew a budget and practicality would make the perfect gift _more_ difficult to find? Iā€™ll down a few dozen pixi stix whilst contemplating. What **Swampy**? Wait to open? Thatā€™s unpossible! Itā€™s official-- my freezer is at capacity. Thanksgiving and bagel hoarding have it packed like a wenchā€™s costume at RenFaire. Somebody kick-start me shampooing the guest room. I cleaned the kitchen and need some opinions. Is oven cleaner safe to use on coookie sheets? I use sil-mats but grease still gets baked on, so I sprayed 'em with cleaner. I ran them through the washer, but dā€™you think theyā€™re okay? Also, be careful with those disposable toilet bowl cleaners! The blue gunk got on my hands while cleaning the sink (before the bowl oā€™course) and now my right hand looks pale blue and corpse-like. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/50 "2011-11-29T23:11:13Z")
Aaaand now I need a nap. And a Valium. Dad came knocking on my bathroom door while I was showering. He was in the throes of a panic attack, but true to form, would not call it that. Because, dammit, heā€™s a man. So, after I asked him to wait 30 seconds while I washed out the shampoo, dried off, and put clothes on, I spent the next hour taking his blood pressure, holding his hand, trying to get him to eat, assuring him that he would not be put in a home, and listening to him describe symptoms that pretty much read ā€œPanic Attack: see also, stress, anxiety, and emasculating fearā€. Still havenā€™t heard back from Mom, which is _weird_, because sheā€™ll usually answer a text in 10 minutes. Ran errands to get his prescription meds (including Xanax for . . . ANXIETY! But, he doesnā€™t have anxiety. Remember that.). Got groceries. Got some takeout lunch for myself, and have sat at the kitchen table for the last hour, keeping an ear open for Dad. My day has been derailed, and I really want a nap. On the plus side, it looks like Iā€™ll have my first tutoring student shortly AND I may have an interview for part-time holiday work at Cost Plus World Market tomorrow. Yay! **Ashes** , we should hang out. I hennaā€™ed my hair two nights ago and must have made a really good batch, because the palms of my hands are orange as an Oompa Loompa. Weā€™d make a great pair! ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/51 "2011-11-29T23:54:03Z")
Howdy Yā€™all! Home. Tahrd. Sniffly. Sinusy. Ick. Made potato/corn chowder for dindin. Yum. Donā€™t feel like postinā€™ more right now. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2011, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/52 "2011-11-29T23:57:37Z")
As usual, the quiche was yummerrific! Thatā€™s all Iā€™ve got. Feel better, **swampy**! Altho I expect your ā€œsickā€ is your conscience getting back at you for picking on me. šŸ˜› ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/53 "2011-11-30T02:11:13Z")
OK, gift time: [For **GT**](http://www.lehmans.com/store/Garden ___Digging_and_Cultivating___ E_Z_Till_Garden_Cultivator___1176195?Args=) [**Mooooooom**](http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm/subsection/2) and [Daaaaaaaaadā€¦](http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=194&formfield1234567892=21&formfield1234567894=&term=DESK+ORGANIZER+SUSHI&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0) [**Spaz**](http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=46&formfield1234567892=13&formfield1234567894=&term=pANIC+BUTTON&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0) [**Swampus**](http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=109&formfield1234567892=10&formfield1234567894=&term=toy+snake&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0) [**Rosie**](http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=39&formfield1234567892=14&formfield1234567894=&term=ginormous+gem&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0) A [stocking stuffer](http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=136&formfield1234567892=13&formfield1234567894=&term=Bobblebottom&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0) for just about everyone. Iā€™ll do more later. Iā€™s tahred. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/54 "2011-11-30T02:38:27Z")
Iā€™ve been reading along, but havenā€™t had time to post. AWESOME topic, **FCM**! And excellent gift choice for me; I would _love_ to have a little greenhouse. Maybe in a future remodel. I think I would go with some local items such as a selection of ice creams from [here](http://www.jenisicecreams.com/), or maybe something from [Etsy Team Columbus](http://etsyteamcolumbus.blogspot.com/). I happened to pick up an the [Holiday Gift Guide](http://www.columbusalive.com/content/sections/current-issue/index.html) issue of Columbus Alive on the bus today and they had some really cool stuff, too. Unsurprisingly, I liked the [gardenersā€™ page](http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2011/11/24/giftguide/garden.html). Also, the [under $20 page](http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2011/11/24/giftguide/20for20.html) has some cool stuff. Iā€™ll come back with specific ideas for Mumpers later in the week. Guess I should get some stuff done. Hugs all! GT I donā€™t remember ever having been to Uncommon Goods. What a cool site. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecae2f/32.png) [@The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Blue-Sighted_Shadow)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/55 "2011-11-30T07:41:38Z")
Some local presents, take your pick: [Chocolate from Schurraā€™s Fine Confections](http://www.schurrasfineconfections.com/browse.cfm/holiday-baskets/2,15.html) [Beer at the Tied House Brewery](http://tiedhouse.com/beer-alpine-gold.html) [Yarn, fabric, needles and notions, etc. from my favorite yarn shop](http://www.bobbinsnest.com/store/pc/home.asp) [Gold from the Golden State](https://www.google.com/search?q=gold+bullion&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=17_VTtjhHKOhiQKC5cWZCg&biw=1280&bih=875&sei=2r_VToTZIabXiAL53pmaCg) I know itā€™s generic, but something is sure to please. I spent today manually updating records. The records have to be done manually because. Thatā€™s it, thatā€™s the reason, because. 7 clicks per record, with an occasional bonus 8th click. No data entry. Justā€¦clicking. All. Day. Long. And I get to do it again tomorrow! I went to Michaels tonight to buy decorations for the office tree trimming party on Friday. It took forever, but I got almost everything on the list. I couldnā€™t find any inexpensive stockings that didnā€™t look cheap, so weā€™ll personalize glass ornaments instead. The ornaments are nicer and less likely to be eaten by mice in storage, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/56 "2011-11-30T07:58:31Z")
Attention **Echod** :\*\*!!יום הולד×Ŗ שמח \*\* ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/57 "2011-11-30T08:21:40Z")
ā€œCome when you can! When you can!ā€ OK, so on one hand sheā€™s said ā€œwhen you canā€ and on the other she sounds like someoneā€™s dying, so whatā€™s gotten into my mother? Ah. Two unopenable easy-open cans, I seeā€¦ As soon as I get the patents all lined up and a _maquiladora_ to build them, any Dopers get a handsome android (their own notions of handsome) specializing in such things as killing roaches, taking june bugs outside, changing the cat litter and opening unopenable easy-open cans. ---
**Author:** ![Noone\_Special](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noone_special/32/2863_2.png) [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/58 "2011-11-30T08:47:04Z")
> [@anyrose](#): > > Attention **Echod** :\*\*!!יום הולד×Ŗ שמח > \*\* \*\* šŸ™‚ !!×Ŗודה ×Øבה, ו×Øד\*\* (dear Og, coding a Right-to-Left message is a _ **mess!!** _) > [@Nava](#): > > As soon as I get the patents all lined up and a _maquiladora_ to build them, any Dopers get a handsome **android** (their own notions of handsome) specializing in such things as killing roaches, taking june bugs outside, changing the cat litter and opening unopenable easy-open cans. Your new [phone](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29) does all this? :dubious: Can it make coffee, too? šŸ˜ƒ Have been very barely following the proceedings, will try to come up with some ideas for presents. Sometime. Real soon. Maybe even before Christmasā€¦ ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/59 "2011-11-30T11:10:56Z")
Good Morninā€™ Yā€™all! Up and caffienatinā€™. _YAWN_ ā€˜Tis 44 degrees Amurrkin out with a predicted high of 56. Actinā€™ like late Fall even! **BBBobbio** :eek: Snakes!!!111 :eek: I feel somewhat better, still sinusy. Every freakinā€™ time the weather changes I get this. GRRRRRRā€¦ And now thisā€¦ \*\* HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!! HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!! HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY DEEEAAARRR SSSPPPEEECCCIIIAAALLL111!!! HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!! \*\* Now I must seek out more caffiene plus feed rumbly tummy. Then, alas, irk purtification must once again commence. Home visits part of the day and paperirk the rest. Rah. Happy Hump Day Yā€™all! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2011, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330/60 "2011-11-30T11:47:25Z")
_ **Happy Nooner Day!!!** _ I managed to snooze till 6, and I considered going back under the covers after dealing with the critters, but here I am instead. \*\*FCD \*\*has left for work, Iā€™ve had some quiche and caffeine, and I have no idea whatā€™s in store for today. Speaking of store, I may run to WalMart - it shouldnā€™t be too crazy on a Weds morning, right? There are some really cool gift ideas floating around here. I still need to come up with the $10 goofy exchange contribution for our Christmas craziness - Iā€™m going to try some small local places. Altho $10 worth of TP is both useful and hilarious! šŸ˜ƒ Iā€™ll figure it out. Happy Wednesday!! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-virtual-gift-giving-mmp/604330.md?page=4)