narrowing it down

Going through the rummage sale books: I finished Snow White & Rose Red last night. It was a charming little story. I want to make up my own, rather than base them on old tales, though.

I went through a recipe book I bought last night, it was more a "how-to" guide WRT roasting meats and carving chicken and so forth, which was nice. I can't recall the name, one of those 60s culinary class things. Volume One.

Then I started on Genghis Khan, which is so far really damn good. But it's really old and falling apart so I can't really read it in bed. I read so much in bed yesterday, sitting up, that it hurt my back, and when Reg got home I woke up and started crying. Well, not really, but I had to get the heating pad out.

MJ: You know things is bad when the defense attorney has to be taken to the hospital after testimony.

heh.
( what's my name again )

from the "where do i get to register"? department

The bridal shower in today's society is completely obsolete. Oh, sure, there's still a few people who go straight from mom's house to the dorm to a married-house, but that's a pretty low percentage. Here's some ideas for non-tacky* gift-giving/receiving parties:

the "i survived the dot-com era but I had to sell my condo" shower

This is an anti-shower, where you sell all the gadgets you own while feeding people tea and crumpets. Trade your Espresso Machine for a Mr. Coffee!

the "we're no longer paying separate rents" shower

Similarly, you get rid of the stuff you now have two of.

the "i'm not marrying that jerkoff" shower

Now that he's taken his shit back, you're missing a lot of essential household appliances. But you can finally get some of the stuff he'd never spring for, like a cast-iron pan or a blender not primarily used for margaritas.

Any other ideas?

eta:
The "I'm moving out of my parents' place" shower

apt for gen-x and beyond, this is mainly the parents chipping in for a bunch of furniture (either used or new) and buddies finally celebrating the Pad.

The "I'm graduating college with a crappy job so you're getting me stuff anyway"

Combine the graduation party with a gift registry to lessen confusion and avoid the tackiness of cash.