Weird new office trends

Well after a certain age, sure. But I think it is a good idea to at least get that valentine card thing going for the first couple years while the kids are learning the whole idea of socializing and such.

For true. Also I was the kid that hardly got any V-Day cards. Everyone had shit overflowing out of their bags that we made. I had like 3 cards. I was not very popular. I know, hard to believe. It's ok, because I'm a gangsta now.

Are you sure it wasn't a tree to plant in memory of his grandfather?

My friend used to do that in honor of her pets that died. She'd try to find trees she felt best represented them. (Not goldfish, but like cats and dogs - she lived out in the country so a few of her animals were killed by farmers and coyotes).

If it's in memory of his grandfather, I think that is a very thoughtful, and meaningful gift. Certainly lasts longer than flowers, and, imo, shows more compassion than a card.

If it's just cause he wants a tree... then wtf?

Oh and for the Valentines thing - I try to get the most awesomest cards ever.. like WWF or the Crocodile Hunter. Nothing says "I think you're swell!" like THE ROCK!

Oy! This valentine card is sure to right piss them off! Look at his large teeth as I put this "hug 2 U" candy in the crocs mouth.

A collection for a gift because his GRANDFATHER died?

I'm sorry, but that's over the top. Regardless of how close he was to his Grandfather, it's not unusual for someone to lose a grandparent. Everyone sign a sympathy card and be done with it. Heck, I would even go so far as to pitch in for a single floral arrangement to be sent to the funeral home with a card saying it's from everyone ... but a collection to buy a gift certificate to buy a tree? Over the top and out of place in an office environment.

It's not unusual for a tree to be planted in someone's memory. I feel this is something that should come from close friends and family, or even from a church congregation or some other organization if the deceased individual was a prominent member of a community. But a tree courtesy of Mr. Joseph Smith's grandson's coworkers? No.

Valentine's from coworkers? Creepy. Again, close friend's and family.

Overall, it's a pet peeve of mine when someone approaches me to ask if I'll "pitch in" to get a gift for so-and-so, regardless of the reason. I'm a private person. If I want to do something nice for someone, I will do it in my own way without the pressure from a group of people who think I need to contribute to a cause that I probably think is unworthy of my contributions.

Also, I put a lot of thought and effort into my gifts. I try to be thoughtful and memorable. When someone gets something from me, they will remember it. In my experience, the group gift thing is frequently lame and easily forgotten.

Yes.

At my last Job they always took contribuitions when people were transfereing or quitting as like a good bye gift deal, but that was the only time, and even then I would only contribute if they were a half way decent human being... needless to say I didn't contribute often..

Valentines cards at work? now thats just wierd.. "Oh look, Frank from Shipping wants me to be his valentine... I think I need a new job now..."

When someone loses someone at our company, the company sends flowers and an email to everyone/from everyone sending their condolences and advising of when the funeral arrangements will be etc. But I'm part of a fairly large firm that can afford to do that kind of thing.

If I handed a Valentine's Card to a woman at work, my ass would be hauled off to jail for harassment...

We took up a collection for one of the older guys who rides his bike every day and got hit by a car, destroying his bike... we were able to pay for about three quarters of a new one for him.

I think the Valentines at work is kinda neat...IF everyone gets one. If someone wants to put the time into writing a little card to cheer you up, I'm all for it. I personally wont DO IT but I'll eat the candy hearts =D

I worked in a department store that was 99 percent women and apparently there was something in the water that knocked up about half of the them on a regular basis =x Every month I was putting out money for a cake and a little gift. Well when it was a birthday for someone in the inner circle of friends I had, for some reason we started to one up each other. One person got 50 bucks worth of lewt, the next 75, the next 100 and so on. I was fortunate to be on the higher tier when my 25th birthday rolled around =D It is excessive.

Dont even get me started on baby showers. Even our male boss was like, 'is there something in the water? I'M BROKE!' Seriously, we used to fight to throw showers so we could force everyone to bring a dish and our present was having it in your home =D

Throw me one! Hehe :)

=( I would have if I lived closer. When you told us you were pregnant I was like, 'poop, she lives in chicago'. We should have an online one for you!!! I shall brain storm =D

HOORAY! :)
I'm meaning to talk to Kassy about commissioning something for the nursery but I'm waiting to see what pops out first ;)