stereotypical single woman

The only thing worse than the brain-busting, sleepless nights, and complete loss of confidence that is gearing up for finals is that span of time after you take them but before the grades have been posted. It’s my purgatory here on earth. I”m sitting on pins and needles here, checking Blackboard approximately every 10 minutes or so, hoping that something, anything will be posted. I was in very good shape going into finals, but it doesn’t matter that you had an A in the class when your final is worth 40% of your grade. Ughh… So I’ve been hunting the internet looking for things to distract myself, and yeah, I found one!

I’ve never had much luck with online exchanges, but I’ve been watching the “Pay it Forward” phenomenon spread through the blogosphere like wildfire. I’ve been tempted to join, but prior experiences have jaded me. Previously I’ve entered a raffle, won a sweater, but never received it. I also participated in Sockapalooza 4, sent out my sock pal’s socks (on time even), but never got mine. I know I shouldn’t whine. In the first case I was just happy to help Digit, and in the second, well, I’m a little bitter. Knitting socks is a lot of work. Dammit, I really would have liked to have gotten my socks. There’s a good chance both senders put the items in the mail and I just never received them but, well, it’s still disappointing to be told you’re going to get something, spend weeks anxiously looking in your mailbox, and never receive anything. So as I was hesitant join “Pay it Forward.” But something about the fact that it’s the holidays combined with the fact that the ever amusing and oh-so-cool Stella posted it (seriously, go see her, you’ll be very glad you did) I gave in and joined as well. Yes, I still have faith in other people (albeit a little less in the US Postal Service.) Yes, I am a complete sucker for peer pressure. And gifts from Australia.

So here’s how it works - the first three lucky commenters on this blog* will receive a gift from me in the mail. It won’t be until be after Christmas, because that’s when the payroll (and student loan) fairy will have visited my bank account. But think of it as something to look forward to after the first of the year. You know, that slump we all fall into after the holidays? I promise it’ll be something cool and unique to brighten your day during that slump. The only thing you have to do is post the same concept on your blog and offer 3 other strangers a present. As far as I know (read: I haven’t actually looked into the technical rules) there are no rules as to what is sent or when you write your post. Some people are sending homemade gifts. Other’s aren’t. Do whatever you want to do. All out of the goodness of your heart. And the fact that you’re a sucker for getting presents from the Motor City. Anyone wanna play along????

*oh, and I’m adding the stipulation that if I know you in real life you’re ineligible. There’s a very good chance you’re already getting something from me this holiday, so no double dipping you greedy little bastards.