THE CARD...

In our life we receive many cards. We start out with happy birthday cards, holiday cards, special event invitation cards and more. As we get older, we move to a different kind of notice complete with school acceptance cards, wedding invitations, and graduation cards. And then in adulthood, we morph to a whole other category of card. Gym membership cards, store courtesy cards and airline frequent flier cards. And this is where the story begins. First a little background information. I have a small family. One teenage son and a wife. That’s it. The dog and cat never get mail so they are out of the equation this time around. In the spirit of fairness, I will not mention which family member the rest of this story is about. Recently this family member received a note…and a temporary card welcoming them to the “club.” It’s a club that only certain people can be a part of, and while I am sure there are rules to this club, after awhile everyone can get in. It’s like the worst kid playing hide and seek, after a few hours you have to come out and say “Hey, I’m right here…duh!” Back to the card story. So anyway this family member was not happy to be a prospective member of the club. I on the other hand thought it was sweet of them. It included a pretty gray and red courtesy card and had 4 letters on it. It also talked about all of the wonderful things you can do while being a member of this club. There were discounts, and a free tote bag and information, lots of information about medicine and insurance. That was the area that my family member groveled the most about. For me the 10% off at every Hampton Inn was a deal breaker. Sign me up. Ahh, but there was the rub. I cannot be a member of this club. I am not eligible yet to be a member of this club, maybe next year. Oh wait, nope not next year either. I am assuming that is why my family member is not happy. I can’t be in the club, but they can. How sweet. I just don’t get it. This month’s article about the wonderful advancements of knee replacement was fascinating. And the one on one with the last surviving member of Teddy Roosevelt’s cabinet was pretty interesting too. The other member of the family is indifferent about this membership offer. If it can’t be used in combination with a GameStop gift certificate, then it’s useless. So here we are right in the middle of the holiday season, and our first card is an offer to join the club…for free no less(if we act soon), and my family member is not happy about this. I am trying to be understanding of their angst, but maybe it’s immaturity on my part. Yeah that’s it immaturity. I’ll keep you posted on how this turns out. It’s 5pm and if we get to the local restaurant before six we get an extra 10% off. It says so right on the card. Happy Holidays everyone.