I bet there likely is an instinct involved in our desire to organize that kind of goes along with the homing/cocooning needs that most of us have, at least most who read this forum. Kind of like when birds build nests for their young. They have definite rules and don't just build it at random, at least the ones I've seen. The desire to be organized takes it to a different level beyond just building a nest but I bet it is still the same general part of the brain (can you tell I'm not a biologist? LOL). Anyway, seems that being organized makes one more efficient thus increasing one's performance at whatever they are performing at, whether it is child-rearing or studying for a quiz or managing their money. For those who are inclined toward the "survival of the fittest" theory (hope this doesn't get too controversial, don't want to get too deep), seems to me that being organized increases one's "fitness" and thus one's chances for survival. Since my DH and I haven't been surviving very well in the chaos we have been living in causing our stress to go up and our money difficult to keep track of, I think I would have to say that I hope to become more "fit" by becoming organized (which I'm doing with the help of this forum and other places) a little bit at a time. (For those who aren't asleep yet because of the length of this post), I will add that another theory might be that we all have a case of OPCD (Obsessive Personality Compulsive Disorder) and just enjoy the bonding that goes along with sharing our disorder. (LOL!) --Alice

I kind of think it's little silly to keep the hostess gifts going round and round. When I entertain, I prefer to take care of everything from soup to nuts, and that's how I like to be a guest, too. Taking or receiving a "little token something" like a book or dish towel, flowers or wine, seems completely unnecessary to me. It's too much like trying to be imaginative or thoughtful, as if the gesture relieves one of writing a thank you note. I believe my hosts mean don't bring anything when I ask them what I can bring. I don't know what the etiquette books say about writing notes nowadays, though. I always send a note to my hosts immediately, thanking them for a lovely time. As a guest, I never take anything unless I'm asked to, which I do happily. The only events I'm ever asked to take something to are BBQs and summertime parties, and then the hosts are specific in ther requests. Evenings with friends, or the less frequent, fancier dinners, nada. I love having people in for dinner, and we're having two couples here tomorrow night. I'm sure they won't bring us any gifts, and we'll have a wonderful time. Sherry

I'm tired, but sitting here trying to remember all the things that make me laugh. There are so many! And so many are just innocent comments that bring hilarious pictures to mind. One butt kitchens, for example. Well, it makes me laugh. :) I'll think of something to share. I guess I could just go through the Week #x accomplishments threads. They're always good for a belly laugh or two. Thank goodness we can laugh at our own foibles. YEAH!

We butt heads a lot when it comes to design decisions (very different tastes and two very stubborn people), but when all is said and done, he's a wonderful guy who'd do just about anything for me. I'm very lucky. My position is, if there's something behind it other than an "I don't wanna" attitude, it's a whinge.