Need to vent a little about Secret Pals

[teacupdelights]

Several good points have been made in the postings today.

(1) The importance of communication when there is a delay or a problem.
First with your SP for the month, and secondly with Cindy so she knows what's going on.

(2) Change happens. Some people come and go, and new members arrive.

(3) There is wisdom in restraint at times, and this may encourage and enable others to present ideas for projects, swaps, etc., and also give some time between being inundated with so much to do.

(4) I have no idea how many are participating in the SP exchanges, but there must be quite a few. Perhaps there could be a limit to how many can sign up? Or, you have to re-register your name every Quarter (Jan--Apr--July--Oct.)

Another possibility might be to end each September and start anew in the New Year? [I expect there will be a Secret Santa exchange again, quite possibly, plus we are all busy with holiday projects and preparations once we hit that last couple of months each year.]

(5) Thanks CindyB for everything you do, and lovingly I suggest that perhaps you need to take some time for your needs, and your DH's. There is a lot on your plate, and maybe you need some relief or assistance.

Carol

[Redsaltbox]

So sorry for all your going through Cindy. The SP gift should be something that is fun for you as well, not causing more stress in your life. Will understand whatever you decide to do.

[Becky]

I totally understand where you are at, Cindy.
I am with all the others..............if you need to drop this, feel free to do that. You have other priorities right now.
This has been a lot of fun and I have enjoyed all my SP gifts.
But.............I am sending June's SP gift and then I will need to drop out also. Summer gets too hectic and my daughter is readying for college. We have a cabin we like to get away to as much as we can to relax and there isn't time for everything right now.
You have done an AWESOME job!! Thank you for everything.

[IowaGal]

Cindy:
My SP told me she would be late, and personally, that is all I needed, no gift needs to be sent. My gift may be late this month because of weather related trouble. I have been where you are, Cindy, I was a SP host, and it is no fun at all when this happens. I HATED being the bad cop, and it made me mad because this should never ever happen. I mean, no gift and no contact or response from the offending party. I truly appreciate all that you do, You folks have NO IDEA how much work this is, literally hours and hours every month, not to mention dreading seeing you have a PM, because you just know it is going to be bad news.

You people get off the pot and get with the program. It is rude in the extreme, not to mention selfish and dishonorable.

[mamaw]

CindyB....you have done a terrific job!!
Those of you who signed up to secret pal with intentions of just receiving and not giving.....SHAME ON YOU !!
This is so much fun and it is sad, that like everything else in life...some people are willing to be bad apples in a basket of wonderful fruit.
Quilter's have a reputation of being good-hearted people; and we must live up to that reputation.
I just got back from VT. today, and met a wonderful lady in Joann's who couldn't speak great English...but we had a wonderful chat while looking over quilting books. That is the way we all should be!
God Bless you Cindy, with all that is going on in your life.
Nancy

[sewcarolyn]

Cindy,
I thought about you all the way home from work today. I pray that your husband is able to find some relief from the pain that goes with arthritis and wet weather. The Southwest is a much better place I do hope you are able to find a way to make moving happen. My Mom lives in the High Desert of Southern Cal and it really does make a difference to live in a dry climate.
Family needs to come first and sometimes we find that our giving to others takes time away from what is important to us. I don't understand why people would complain to you about not receiving a gift. Notifying you yes, but complaining as if it is your fault is not appropriate.
I do like how this is a revolving system, I have learned so much about forum buddies through the SP exchange. It makes reading posts fun when I see that it is someone I have sent a small gift to or when it is someone who has sent me a little gift. I enjoy that the cost is low which allows us to be creative and allows more people to feel that they can afford to participate. This is a large group and there are bound to be bumps in the road. A letter and some quilting pins would be appreciated by most of us. A forum is impersonal and this makes it a little more personal. I have the hardest time with writing the letter but it is what I enjoy when I receive my gift. I briefly participated in an exchange on a scrapbooking site where the minimum was $20. Ouch that can only be done occasionally for most and if your partner was a dud it wasn't fun at all.

ok enough rambling....take care Cindy and know that we do appreciate your hard work.
Carolyn

[sadiedaisy1]

Cindy, I'm truly sorry to hear about the hard times you and your DH are going through. I sure hope things start getting better. I think you said it well. All of us really enjoy this swap and hopefully those that don't want to participate will let you know before the names go out next time. I don't think anyone minds if their SP is running late as long as they are told. I think we are all reasonable and caring people on here and understand when things come up unexpectantly. Hugs, Lori

[aussiewendy]

Just to say thankyou Cindy for all you do here, and hope your DH is a little better. I enjoy the SP as its wonderful to hear WHERE you girls are all from. A little note would be fine instead of a present or if time is an issue just a postcard from where you live..I realize postage to Aust is not cheap so if its cost please feel free to pm me instead, as I love MESSAGES. Wendy

[Judithlucille]

Hey Cindy, I just want to tell you I'm sorry for all your troubles..you and hubby are in my prayers..I love being a part of SP,I too appreciate all your hard work.. Take Care..

[SewSew]

Cindy, I know that times are hard but as others have said we appreciate everything that you do. In these times of financial stress I know that some participants must also be feeling that crunch, but I agree with others that a secret pal could just send a nice note and that would be appreciated.


The key is COMMUNICATION so that no one is left out in the cold. I hope those not wanting to continue in the swap will step forward drop out and not leave those of us that want to continue stranded. I don't believe anyone would be offended if someone didn't want to or couldn't participate for whatever reason.

Ann