Secret Santa 2013

fargon • Sep 30, 2013 4:35 pm
Are we doing Secret Santa this year? I thought that happened in Sept.
If I was smarter I would run it, but alas i'm to stupid.
orthodoc • Sep 30, 2013 6:44 pm
I don't know ... I did it last year, sent a gift but didn't receive one, not that that matters. Is anyone willing to organize it?
Sundae • Oct 1, 2013 10:26 am
I'll organise if no-one else comes forward.
It's not ideal as I'm in a different time zone and when I'm on an early shift I'm in bed from20.30 GMT some nights.

But I'll give it a go if no-one else fancies it.
Let me know by 04/10/13 if you need me to get this party started.
busterb • Oct 2, 2013 11:39 am
I'm in
Clodfobble • Oct 2, 2013 3:05 pm
I'll participate this year! (I'll also still organize again if you'd rather not Sundae, but I admit that it's always a little odd to have the organizer also involved in the gift-giving.)
BigV • Oct 2, 2013 3:39 pm
I would love to participate this year.

Full disclosure:

I was assigned to be orthodoc's SS last year, and I didn't send her a present.
orthodoc • Oct 2, 2013 7:31 pm
You're too ... honest, V.

As I said, doesn't matter a bit. I'd like to participate again.
fargon • Oct 2, 2013 9:02 pm
Me also.
Lola Bunny • Oct 2, 2013 10:50 pm
BigV;878154 wrote:


I was assigned to be orthodoc's SS last year, and I didn't send her a present.


Why didn't you? Just curious, that's all.
BigV • Oct 2, 2013 11:27 pm
I couldn't make the hat.
Lola Bunny • Oct 2, 2013 11:31 pm
Got no idea what you're saying. But...okay. :-P
BigV • Oct 2, 2013 11:36 pm
I intended to make a hat for her, got all the materials, but couldn't actually make it--the hat I wanted to make was beyond my skill.
Sundae • Oct 6, 2013 9:56 am
Rules apply as in previous years.
Mostly courtesy of Monster, but they've stood the test of time. Correct me if we've added or subtracted since.

1) Must be a dwellar of over a year's standing. Sorry Newbs, but we've been burned...

2) This is more of a token gift exchange. Hard to put a monetary amount on it, but if you choose to send an expensive gift, remember that was your choice. Homemade gifts -food and crafts etc are perfectly acceptable and welcomed by many. Cock themes are always amusing.

3) Dwellars from any continent/country may participate. You can request NOT to send to another country, but if you are the only person applying from your country I may have come back to you.

4) I will pass any information on to your participant that you wish. I thin I can work out whether the info is for me as the organiser or for your Santa! For example "No silly trinkets, I need a practical gift" might be tranlated as "A practical present would be most appreciated." Whereas "I never use the tub, so no bath products" would just be forwarded on.

5) Things you like and enjoy might help your Santa, especially if you don't post much, but it's fine to take pot-luck.

6) You should be prepared to mail your gift by last posting date. I'll look up overseas shipping dates when I know where we're dealing with, but someone could confirm within the USA it would help.

7) PLEASE take a photo. It means a lot to your Santa.

All PMs to me by 1st week in November please.
Slightly earlier than usual so I can do some juggling if needs be without worry about the timezones.
DON'T assume I have your contact details.

Any Santas wanting to remain completely secret (ie not provide details to receive a gift) do let me know. Ditto feel free to contact if you'd like to receive a gift but can't send one. No promises, but we may be able to get something together.

Replying to this thread is not becoming part of the programme!
I'll chase up anyone who replies but doesn't PM me, don't worry.

Phew, think that's it.
lumberjim • Oct 6, 2013 10:11 am
I think I'll participate this year. Life has settled a bit. Count me in. Ok for intergalactic shipping. Cock.
zippyt • Oct 6, 2013 10:31 am
Well hell if he's in I have to be !!!!!
I prefer no over seas shipping
xoxoxoBruce • Oct 6, 2013 5:14 pm
Well that's when you send a kit. :lol:
Aliantha • Oct 6, 2013 8:37 pm
I am in for this year
orthodoc • Oct 6, 2013 9:01 pm
I'm in as well.
Sheldonrs • Oct 7, 2013 9:28 pm
Count me in! :-) I'll PM you.
Aliantha • Oct 7, 2013 9:36 pm
Should the other thread in meta be deleted now in order to save confusion?
Lola Bunny • Oct 7, 2013 10:47 pm
I'll join. However, this year I won't be able to send overseas. Sorry.
lumberjim • Oct 7, 2013 10:52 pm
Why are there 2 threads?

Zippy and I are in.
BigV • Oct 8, 2013 2:21 am
Aliantha;879225 wrote:
Should the other thread in meta be deleted now in order to save confusion?


???

Now we MERGE clone threads?
Aliantha • Oct 8, 2013 2:25 am
I didnt realise it was a clone thread.
Sundae • Oct 8, 2013 7:28 am
Sorry, I forgot this one had exactly the same title, I thought it was something like "Are We Doing Secret Santa This Year?"

Can a mod delete to prevent confusion please.
glatt • Oct 8, 2013 8:20 am
What is this? i don't even..


I guess I'll merge them. It will be a little confusing, but at least all the posts will be in one location.
glatt • Oct 8, 2013 8:23 am
Huh. It actually merged quite nicely. The thread flows.
Jaydaan • Oct 11, 2013 3:56 pm
I'm in this year.. missed it last year..pouted a bit :)
limey • Oct 11, 2013 5:05 pm
One thread, two threads, red thread blue thread. I'm in. Will post anywhares!


Sent by thought transference
BigV • Oct 14, 2013 12:17 am
Aliantha;879278 wrote:
I didnt realise it was a clone thread.


Sundae;879286 wrote:
Sorry, I forgot this one had exactly the same title, I thought it was something like "Are We Doing Secret Santa This Year?"

Can a mod delete to prevent confusion please.


glatt;879290 wrote:
What is this? i don't even..


I guess I'll merge them. It will be a little confusing, but at least all the posts will be in one location.


limey;879883 wrote:
One thread, two threads, red thread blue thread. I'm in. Will post anywhares!


Sent by thought transference


well punned~!
footfootfoot • Oct 14, 2013 1:52 pm
I will make good on my last year's outgoing present and take photos of the gifts I rec'd
Sheldonrs • Nov 6, 2013 11:00 am
Just bumping this up to ask when we find out who we are shopping for. :-)
BigV • Nov 6, 2013 11:12 am
Sheldonrs;882590 wrote:
Just bumping this up to ask when we find out who we are shopping for. :-)


Excellent question.
Sheldonrs • Nov 6, 2013 11:31 am
BigV;882594 wrote:
Excellent question.


Thanks. I am famous for my excellent questions and questionable ethics. :-)
BigV • Nov 6, 2013 2:13 pm
Sheldonrs;882600 wrote:
Thanks. I am famous for my excellent questions and questionable ethics. :-)


hm.

questionable ethics? color me skeptical.
Lola Bunny • Nov 6, 2013 11:23 pm
I was wondering too. I thought perhaps Sundae have been busy.
limey • Nov 10, 2013 1:40 pm
Sundae sends her love to all! She's just knackered what with work and her treatment and all. She'll be in to sort this shortly.

Sent by thought transference
Sheldonrs • Dec 3, 2013 6:22 pm
Bump and to let y'all know I sent out my gift today. :-)
Clodfobble • Dec 3, 2013 6:28 pm
Mine too! Christmas tidings are on their way!
lumberjim • Dec 3, 2013 9:46 pm
Shit! I gotta get on this!
limey • Dec 4, 2013 9:42 am
Mine too, in the post (uh, mail) today!
Sheldonrs • Dec 4, 2013 9:57 am
lumberjim;884927 wrote:
Shit! I gotta get on this!


Not the first time you've said that. hahahaha!!!
fargon • Dec 4, 2013 10:02 am
What did I miss? I didn't even know, WAH!!!
busterb • Dec 4, 2013 10:18 am
I poured my coffee in the cereal bowl this morning, so whomever is my giftee, whatever. You might cross your fingers and hope ya get it before easter.:smack:
Sundae • Dec 5, 2013 3:50 pm
Sorry people.
Talk about a bad year for me to take Rudolph's reins.
We had computer meltdown here for a few days, and in those few days I had a number of PMs about Secret Santa I wasn't around to field. Of all the obstacles I might have anticipated, this trusty old warhorse being out of action was not one of them.

This is a brief stop to apologise and say I am back on the case and will be answering my PMs.
BigV • Dec 5, 2013 6:08 pm
thanks!!!

eta:

shopping done, packaging and shipping now.
busterb • Dec 5, 2013 9:02 pm
I got a package from a cowgirl today. I've placed it under my virtual tree. A bit shy about opening it. May contain the ghost of Christmas past, or payback. :lol2:
orthodoc • Dec 5, 2013 10:57 pm
Waiting for an address, but upon receipt will promptly perform my SSS (Sacred Secret Santa) duties ...
Aliantha • Dec 5, 2013 11:13 pm
I prepared mine for postage today. Should get to my recipient just before xmas. :)
lumberjim • Dec 6, 2013 12:49 am
My gift(s) arrived yesterday! It was not wrapped inside the package, so I know what I got, and from whom. What do I do? Post pics now, and brag about my awesome SS, or wait until some date that I missed by not reading the rules?
Aliantha • Dec 6, 2013 2:25 am
Pics now! Start the thread!!!
Clodfobble • Dec 6, 2013 8:55 am
busterb wrote:
I got a package from a cowgirl today. I've placed it under my virtual tree. A bit shy about opening it. May contain the ghost of Christmas past, or payback.


Ha! The only payback you would deserve is an equally awesome present in return. You should open it now, unless you're determined to wait until Christmas day for some reason.
Sundae • Dec 6, 2013 12:15 pm
We did once float the idea of Dwellars opening all presents together, but I can't remember it getting past the white paper stage.

I am aware of formal dining rules, but in my family we urge people to start eating as soon as their meal is on the table.
So with that in mind I think everyone should just dig in. Open your prizes and enjoy when it suits you best.
BigV • Dec 6, 2013 2:20 pm
When I was a kid, I once found the presents from Santa hidden in the closet. Being a kid and not possessed of superhuman restraint and self-control, I secretly opened them, celebrated in the privacy of the closet, alone, and found only one surprise on christmas morning: profound disappointment. Since then, I have been cured.

I will wait.
Aliantha • Dec 6, 2013 10:52 pm
My gift is in the post now! Seven to ten days they quoted me.
anonymous • Dec 7, 2013 2:01 pm
fargon;884970 wrote:
What did I miss? I didn't even know, WAH!!!

Cinderella, you can come to the ball!
PM Sundae your address as soon as possible.
fargon • Dec 12, 2013 12:04 pm
Something came from an anonymous sender: I think it was Sundae.
fargon • Dec 12, 2013 12:07 pm
Another special gift came today also.....much hotness!
BigV • Dec 14, 2013 12:55 am
BigV;885099 wrote:
thanks!!!

eta:

shopping done, packaging and shipping now.


MAILED IT!
lumberjim • Dec 14, 2013 1:53 pm
Man, I gotta get moving. I've attempted a couple of handmade gifts, but they suck. I'm going to have to make a special errand of this on Sunday if I have any hope of mine getting there on time.
orthodoc • Dec 15, 2013 12:40 am
Have the address; have the gift; it goes in the mail Monday. Promise.
Jaydaan • Dec 15, 2013 3:10 pm
Mine.. I really struggled with.. ended up making a few things... its in the mail today :)
richlevy • Dec 15, 2013 6:14 pm
All done my SS. Now on to Toys for Tots.
Lola Bunny • Dec 16, 2013 10:17 pm
Package sent! I think it'll make it in time....whew!
orthodoc • Dec 18, 2013 8:40 am
Got the package in the mail yesterday, guaranteed delivery Friday! Hooray!
lumberjim • Dec 19, 2013 11:45 am
My package went yesterday. It is international, and they couldn't guarantee delivery by the 25th. The postmaster said it would PROBABLY get there in time... but if you are in a NON US locale, and your gift doesn't arrive ...give it a couple of days before you cry foul.

I'm sorry it took so long, but I kept trying to go with the handmade item suggestion, but ...what had happened was....

I tried one thing, and it sucked. then I tried another, that one sucked, burnt down, and sank into the swamp.

but the THIRD thing I made was not suck. It was really cool. but really delicate. So I got clever. I put saran in the bottom of a cardboard box. then I sprayed that spray foam insulation about half full. another layer of saran..(2 sheets in case it melted it ) and then I gently laid the item (picture a dragon ornament with wings and flames and a forked tongue made out of FIMO) onto the foam. It sank in nice...not too far, but it was seated snugly. I let that cure for a few hours.... then another layer of saran, and more foam on top.

That's when it all went to shit. The bottom had apparently NOT finished expanding some how.... and the top turned into a liquid that took me 20 minutes to wash off of my fingers. I disposed of the top... and left it to deal with in the morning. well, overnight, the bottom foam became rigid, and broke the poor little dragon into 6 pieces.

I couldn't even glue the fucker back together.

Shame. it was cool. and worse shame, I didnt take a friggin photo of it. so.. this all may not have actually happened.

but it did. it really did happen. I wasted probably 4 hours on that dragon, and another 2 on the first 2 attempts. So i went out and bought a big rubber dick and mailed it off. ENJOY!
glatt • Dec 19, 2013 12:07 pm
I love stories like this.

I mean, I'm sorry. It sucks.

But the honesty is so real. That's how things often work out, but most people wouldn't admit to the mistakes. So you end up with people showing all their amazing stuff on FB or wherever and you feel inadequate.
lumberjim • Dec 19, 2013 12:09 pm
well, yeah.. except the big rubber dick part was a lie.
glatt • Dec 19, 2013 12:10 pm
I figured that part might not be true, but it was the least consequential part of the story so I paid little attention to it. The story was about the foam packing.
lumberjim • Dec 19, 2013 2:02 pm
Well. I do feel better now that it's posted. The gift, not the story.

And I've been wearing my Hebe your face pin on my vest. I hope my recipient likes what comes.
Sheldonrs • Dec 19, 2013 2:08 pm
lumberjim;886619 wrote:
Well. I do feel better now that it's posted. The gift, not the story.

And I've been wearing my Hebe your face pin on my vest. I hope my recipient likes what comes.


:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
orthodoc • Dec 19, 2013 7:20 pm
I was going to reply but ... I can't top that.
lumberjim • Dec 19, 2013 11:37 pm
glatt;886593 wrote:
The story was about the foam packing.

I'm just glad I didn't use fudge. I'd hate to try to explain how my fudge packing experiment went horribly wrong.
Jaydaan • Dec 19, 2013 11:46 pm
I know I posted already, but mine is in the mail.. With Canada Post "issues" of late, I am hoping it will get to the international recipient in time.. if not, I am so very sorry.. it is coming :) I have 3 parcels I mailed November 25, and they still have not go them.. so now I am really scared...
I really struggled this year for some reason... but eventually was able to sink into some creativity and create something I was comfortable sending out :)
Aliantha • Dec 20, 2013 1:45 am
lumberjim;886660 wrote:
I'm just glad I didn't use fudge. I'd hate to try to explain how my fudge packing experiment went horribly wrong.


Well as a heretofore straight man, you might be more concerned if a fudge packing experiment went horribly right.
lumberjim • Dec 20, 2013 10:02 am
Lolz. True DAT.

It hurt so good..... Ew. I just grossed myself out.
BigV • Dec 20, 2013 11:01 am
Aliantha;886663 wrote:
Well as a heretofore straight man, you might be more concerned if a fudge packing experiment went horribly right.


Just ask Rick Santorum.....
fargon • Dec 20, 2013 1:06 pm
I know it was not SS, but I received a gift today from Lola Bunny. Thank You Lola and Merry Christmas.
Lola Bunny • Dec 20, 2013 3:51 pm
Yay, it came in time. I'm glad the cookies are intact. You're very welcome and a Happy Christmas to you too!
zippyt • Dec 20, 2013 5:46 pm
Ups , should be there monday
Clodfobble • Dec 20, 2013 9:22 pm
My gift arrived!

Many thanks to Lola Bunny, who sent me a cool flashlight, a handy writing pad (and I swear to God, I had JUST been thinking I wanted to get a little notepad for my purse because I'm always short of paper when I need it) and this cool pen that retracts the ink tip when you *shorten* the outside cartridge, so there's no way for it to accidentally come out during normal jostling.

It's all fantastic. Thank you, Lola!
Lola Bunny • Dec 20, 2013 10:00 pm
You are very welcome. I'm so glad you like practical things. :-)
BigV • Dec 23, 2013 10:36 pm
Twil's dog, Jack, is staying with me for a couple days. Just a minute ago, he went berserk in my singly-occupied, quiet house. WTF Jack? Not an alien attack *again*?! But Jack would not be consoled, so I decided to leash him (he's a bolter, and I definitely want my deposit back.) "Come on Jack, I'll show you, there's nobody out there to be insane about. See? Nothing out therrrrr... ooops, you were barking at the package left by my SECRET SANTA!"

Santa (or santa's helper, whatev) left the package on my top step, touching the screen door. There's no way for me to open the door without moving the package. Slowly, slowly, crap. Like a clumsy cardboard slinky, the box walked down all the stairs. D'oh! I went out and picked it up and didn't find anything oozing or weeping or bleeding from the seams, and it didn't make any rattly or clanky sounds when I turned it over to check for problems. But I won't be able to completely assess the damage until Christmas.

THANK YOU SANTA!
busterb • Dec 24, 2013 2:39 am
well if didn' work for ya
sorry
Jaydaan • Dec 24, 2013 8:09 pm
Oh and because of you Jim... I am spending my night watching monty python!!!! I did not get the reference, but as soon as I reading your adventures with packing the dragon.. my husband burst out laughing.... and now... monty python- holy grail is on...
busterb • Dec 24, 2013 9:10 pm
Could someone put this shit in some kind of order. Looks like folks have no clue as to where post the PHOTOS OF GIFTS