If I had a tv and wanted a tivo, I'd be thrilled to have a usable one. It's the sort of thing I probably wouldn't spend money on myself for...even if that were in the current cards. Having a working model means not having to fork out for one until later. Plus? Being able to see if I actually used it enough to warrant buying one? Priceless.

Many, many strong healing and calm vibes to your sister and all her loved ones Aims.

Thanks d! It continues to be a great day. Bartleby got a new bed since he's been sleeping on the same mattress for the last 6 years.

And I made the annual trek down to my landlord to thank him for changing the lease so that I could have a dog. He may be...well, many unpleasant things...but he DID do this for me and regardless of all the other mess, I am truly grateful.

I am so absolutely thrilled that I've paid off all our credit cards. I may never get one again. I take dasterdly delight in yelling "Not me!" at the TV when it does another story on crushing credit card debt.

eta: For example, if you usually don't get each other anything, it could be a nice bonus for them. However, if it can be interpreted as, "she gave me her cast-off and bought herself a shiny new toy" because you usually put a lot of thought into the gift, that could end up making you look tacky.

Well, my BFF's husband's birthday is coming up. He and I do not exchange presents (though she and I do) He is an avid TV watcher. (For their wedding, I got them digital cable for a year.) If I buy the new Tivo, not only will I have my current tivo, I still have my first 40 hour series one as well! He would really love to have a tivo, but I don't want to look like an asshole. Hmm, maybe if I didn't couch it as a birthday "gift", just "hey, do you want my old tivo" coincidentally at birthday time.

I think not calling it a gift is a good idea. Personally -- and this is really, truly my personal opinion -- I think that any gift that would require someone to sign up & pay for service themselves is a not a good idea.

OK - someone check me on this:

We have a few tenants that are supported by the county human services. Some for physical disabilities, some for emotional, some for mental.

A "caseworker" just called me asking for the address of one of such tenants, yet I don't have his name anywhere on my paperwork or in my tenants file. It wasn't out of line of me to ask the caseworker for some sort of proof that he is my tenants caseworker before releasing the address, right?

I think that any gift that would require someone to sign up & pay for service themselves is a not a good idea.

that's a good point.

It wasn't out of line of me to ask the caseworker for some sort of proof that he is my tenants caseworker before releasing the address, right?

not at all. I'd ask for him to fax me a letter on county letterhead before I release any info.

Not out of line at all, Aims.

Ok, I didn't think so, but he got kind of shirty with me! Like if I had just called up calling myself the landlord, he wouldn't have an issue giving me information! Hmph.

Yay validation.

I'd ask for him to fax me a letter on county letterhead before I release any info.

And then I'd call the county office back through the switchboard to make sure the person who wanted the information actually worked there - not just call the number he gave me.

ABSOLUTELY. Of course, I think everyone is trying to con me, first. Too much L&O at a formative stage, maybe.