The Hobbit Hole XXIV - Sand and Stone and Pool and Dell...

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[RosieCotton]

Hey...that's not a bad rundown.

I guess I could at least look quickly at Penney's. I didn't look at anything other than one piece dresses and clearance dress sets. And it's close.

Likely I'll wimp out and go the cheap route, though. That...and honestly, I've never really owned anything seriesly dressy.

[HairOfTheDog]

I think I pinged him the first time around, yes!

[JenB]

Yep, it's abuse. The kids I knew who were on the plan grew up to be just totally whipped children. I'm not in favor of spoiled brats, obviously, but the program just seemed to leech the spirit and life out of kids. Especially boys.

I really dislike that they claim it's "God's Way". Someone should get zotted for that.

[JenB]

A black pantsuit with maybe a yellow top underneath would look really stylish on you! You've got completely the right build for it. You should go!

Check Mervyn's, they can be a little cheaper.

[Overtaxed]

Hehehehe...

[RosieCotton]

Heh...God is much more merciful in some ways than the moderators on FR.

I like that about FR...but it's true, if everyone got what they deserved, there'd be a whole lotta zottin' goin' on.

[ecurbh]

At this point, I just can't decide which I dread more... Going, or telling them I don't want to go.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. There is no easy way out.

[Corin Stormhands]

I think they've changed the name. I know our church at least is doing something different. I don't know if it's just repackaging or a totally new program.

We're dealing with the fact that we don't like the Wednesday night option for Luke starting week after next.

[HairOfTheDog]

Let's go to the dump. :~D

[ecurbh]

And take the certificate with us? ;~D

[HairOfTheDog]

nocomment ;~D

[Corin Stormhands]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

No, brother.

Blessed if you do, damned if you don't.

[Lil'freeper]

The Penney's suit is under $100. Talbots is insane. You're right, though. It's a job at a college, not a corporation. But you do want to convey a level of professionalism at the interview that isn't required at church. A flowy skirt would be ok provided you wear a jacket or top that has some structure and tailoring like this from Chadwick's. Even though you won't have to dress at that level every day on the job, you want to give them the impression you are vey, vey serious about this interview.

[Corin Stormhands]

You know, you guys are really screwed if ecurbh's family lurks...

[Lil'freeper]

Going, or telling them I don't want to go.

I'm not clear on why it is so important for them that you go. Is it that fact that they've spent the money? Or is it because they want to see some outward demonstration of your spirituality?

[HairOfTheDog]

We considered that :~D

[HairOfTheDog]

I'll let him answer too, but I think it's mostly the second.

[ecurbh]

Well, both really. But right now, I feel somewhat guilty that we would be turning down a gift they spent a couple hundred dollars on. The certificate says it's non-refundable.

The spirituality issue has already been addressed to a point. They know I have not attended church for several years now, and have not really pushed the issue. Except for this gift. So there's that.

[Corin Stormhands]

I'm rethinking what I said earlier about returning the certificate.

If you thanked them for the gift, that's all you need to do from an etiquette perspective. You are under no social obligation to do anything else. If they ask you about it, all you have to say is "I'm sorry, we just couldn't work out the logistics and the certificate expired."

Understandably, this is not just an etiquette issue. That's where I think the dealing with it head on comes into play.

[Lil'freeper]

Well, that being the case, I'd go. Stay in the hotel, skip the conference (maybe show up to get the nametags and stuff), and have a lovely date on your parents' dime. Then just tell them it was time well spent developing your relationship and a very thoughtful gift on their part.