How much should I write the check for again?

My family is much more a potluck and chinet type when it comes to holidays. We usually have around 30-40 in attendance for holiday meals, and to be honest, no one wants the hassle of cleaning up the dishes from that many people eating. Oh sure, there's the odd anomaly - such as last Thanksgiving, when my grandmother's silver is brought out along with an extra two dining tables with full leaves in my Aunt's house, but for the most part - we're very casual when it comes to holidays.

Michael's family is much different. Dinners at his mom's house are dressed up affairs - the King Richard silver and one of at least five different china and crystal options are put on the table. So I was a bit shocked when she called and told us that "jeans were fine this year."

When it comes to gifts, they're also much different. My family doesn't typically do much giftwise - but what is given is showered with love. This Christmas though, his mom went waaaay over the top.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying using my new Calphalon contemporary nonstick 12 piece set of pots, and the sweet Cuisinart heavy duty stainless steel blender. I'll love using the new additions to my Waterford Aurora stemware collection, and the Waterford Colleen perfume bottle will look lovely on my vanity. And yes, the thick plush Lauren sweaters were beautiful, and the new cashmere gloves and funky muffler will be quite warm, and I even like the black spangly purse - even though it's not my usual style. And the Empress Swaorvski crystal keychain and business card holder, and the set of four beautifully colored Waterford paisely ornaments... and the pearl and diamond earrings are all lovely - as well as the rest of the rest of the gifts that she showered on me.

And Michael's gifts... good lord. It was really obscene how much she spent on us. O-B-S-C-E-N-E.

But you know - the entire time, I just felt like she was trying to buy our love.

And as much as I honestly do appreciate the gifts, it doesn't mean a single bit more to me than the much more reasonable gifts my family sent. Love shouldn't be a competition.

If she spent half as much time as she does money on us, it would mean so much more. I feel badly for bitching about receiving such wonderful gifts, but it's not what the holiday is about. I wish she understood that. And considering she grew up poor, you would think she would - but no. It's as if she is overcompensating now...

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Now for what you want to know: Still no real news on anything else. Today is now day 37. A tiny brownish spot two days ago, but nothing else to speak of... no cramps, no spotting... and no - I haven't tested at home. I don't see the point in wasting the $$, but at the same time I'm starting to freak out and wonder if I should start my prometrium again (as I haven't).

This is now officially by far the longest cycle I've had while not pregnant, but then again - I'm not expecting anything. And now I'm freaking out because I was so sure that I wasn't that I *imbibed* through the last two weeks (not to great excess, mind you - but I was perhaps a bit more festive than I would have been otherwise). I don't honestly feel like I am, as there are no symptoms to speak of. I'm just pissed now because I won't be able to cycle now before the end of the year (and my insurance deductible is finally met - and of course turns over next Mon.)

So ho hum. Nothing to see here, move along...

Updated: I'm cancelling the appointment today - as I just can't handle the negative phone call right now. The bottom line is my body loves to screw with me - end of story.