I get hand-me-down furniture for my birthday.

Three years in a row now, my mother has given me hand-me-down furniture for a birthday present. Once it was a used patio set that was so dry that when we burned it in the outdoor fireplace it left nothing but white ash. The next year came a little end table that now supports some boxes under the stairs in the basement. Last year I got a nice couch, with a plaid pattern that matched exactly nothing in my house, and only a hint of cat urine. We just yesterday gave the couch to a needy soul on disability who couldn't afford a new couch. She doesn't mind the hint of cat urine; her own cats will cover that smell up soon, she says.

I don't mean to sound ungreatful. There's nothing I really need for my impending birthday so I'm generally happy with whatever anyone gives me. As long as it's not more used furniture.

So this year, in the unlikely event that Mother asks me what I want for my birthday, I'll tell her "oh, just give me some hand-me-down furniture". Maybe I'll vie for her old fridge. Or that 1982 Trinitron TV in her basement. How about the reading chair from upstairs? Only a hint of cat urine on it, of course.

That's what I'll do. What would you do, though? Her birthday follows a couple weeks after mine. Should I give her the old dining room set? I've been thinking of making a new one for us.

to have a mother who remembers your birthday.

Maybe she's preparing me for that day. :o

Or trying to help out thinking that your furniture is sub-standard and you can't afford even secondhand stuff?

Does she come from a time when nobody threw anything away? I've known a few people like that.

If she asks, just say "come over for dinner, all I want is a card - and I have no need for any cast-off furniture." Bluntness helps.

Since your birthdays are close together, have a dinner at a restaurant some where in between.

We have perfectly good furniture. It's not like we ever needed a couch, she just thought this used couch of hers was just the best damn couch out there (even though she bought herself a new one to replace it). I think she couldn't bear to part with her old one, so she gave it to me and expected to have visiting rights.

We have a bonanza of birthdays in June. Usually just one big party for all of us, right in between.

say thank you, and give it to charity. Like yourself, I don't need anything. For her birthday, I'd do what I usually do. Just mho, given respectfully. O8)

The patio set was a health hazard; splintery and weakened. Had to just burn it up. Made good fuel, though.

The couch went to a good home. As soon as I dig the end table out of the basement it will do the same.

Damn! Can't remember the last time I did.

I'm an only child. I'm supposed to be spoiled!! :wah:

I wonder if I'll get her old buffet set? :P

I guess something is better than nothing.

I wouldn't know what to do either.

She always asks me if I want to sell anything at it. But the only thing I'd want to sell is the crap wonderful gifts she's given me in the past.

Now it seems that when you post something like this there are a million people who are ready to jump on you because "there are people who are much more needy" or "I haven't gotten a present in 3 years" To them, I say...yes this is unfortunate and yes I feel bad. But don't berate him just because he has a complaint! That's not nice!

But the matter at hand is about Zen-Lefty, not those people. Now, I come from a fairly middle class background where the expectation was set from very young that we get clothes for our birthdays. Every year my mom picks out some hideous looking mickey mouse shirt or a jacket that I absolutely detest. And every year, I grin and send a thank you card.

Am I thankful? Of COURSE I am. I mean my mom took the time to go out, pick out an item that she THOUGHT I would like, wrap it and present it to me. That means alot. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.

I was always so afraid of hurting my mom's feelings that I never said anything. Finally last year I sucked it up and mentioned to her that my clothing style has changed a bit in the past several years and I have soooo many clothes now that I really don't need anymore. Lo and behold, for my birthday I received a lovely candle and bath soap set. It worked.

So I recommend telling your mom that you have so much furniture that you are thinking of donating some to the Salvation Army...and ask her if she would like to keep any herself. Then give her back the table, couch etc... Chances are she will get you some bubble bath next year (or aftershave???)

Just my ten cents!

Like, "gifts you get and appreciate, but still hate" or something. Quite amusing.

I think if I tell her I want hand-me-downs for my birthday, she'll either get the hint or give me the buffet (which I'll turn around and give to someone who needs it anyway).

Hmmm. Bubble bath. Most of us guys secrety love bubble baths, but we don't tell anyone about it. :D

One of my best guy friends takes bubble baths every time he travels. I think it's hilarious!

When it gets time for your birthday mentions some new household item you would like to have. Make sure it's affordable but definitely throw out a strong hint.

Maybe she just doesn't know what to get you and she figures if she gives you the old furniture, at least she hasn't wasted the money.

"Hey, mom. I just read an article that says 100% of italian woodworkers who got a 72" PLASMA FLAT SCREEN HD-TV for their birthday really enjoyed it!" :D

:o

:D

Here is the bubblebath:

http://andrea2001.homestead.com/bubblebath.html

And here is the tub:

:D

It's my niece's b-day and my sister has everyone over at her house. My dad says, "I'm so bad. I don't know how many b-days I have forgot. Do you? I know I forgot yours. Here, here's $10." I said "I don't want your money!"

I was bad, bad, bad.