JumpStart by Robb Armstrong for June 20, 2022

Not a therapist, Joe.

I don’t see this ending well for you, Joe!

They might want somethin’ but just make sure it’s somethin’ they would like. Worst birthday gift I ever got? A pair of navy blue tights. Though I guess I can’t completely fault the kids and their mom. I think they might have almost forgotten about my birthday party and during my party the mom just went and grabbed something.

Actually, “No gifts” is perfect for me. I have a house (and garage and barn) full of “stuff” that I won’t ever be able to use up. I am trying hard to declutter my life.

My daughters had it rough on parents’ birthdays. I never wanted anything, and my wife impulse buys anything for herself 2.7 seconds after seeing an item (closets full of items never used, price tags still on).

My friends adult children bought them a cruise to Alaska.

A one way ticked to Mars, maybe?

I’m sure that would go over big.

Why doesn’t she want gifts? Is she humble or bitter?

For Joe being so insightful on a many things, his blind spots are a doozy.

There are people who have no tolerance for being given gifts, mostly because the giver(s) don’t bother to get something the person would actually want. Or, they carelessly throw money at the receiver & expect to be lauded for their splendiferous munificence!!! I’m not one of them. I love giving presents & receiving presents & try to be thoughtful of giving & am thankful for the receiving!

When I was little, I got an invitation to a friend’s birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. The invitation said “no gifts.” We were the only people who followed directions, and the mom was quite upset at everyone else for bringing their kid more crap to clutter up the house. The party was his present, and he understood that.

Then get something for Crunchy. He’s the one who said, “no gifts”.

Joes’ right of course.

I’m waiting to see how Robb ties this together with the kids at camp, and Marcus & Nicole.,,,,Quite a juggling act, he’s got going.

It would be odd to buy a birthday gift for your boss. They are not really friends, just co-workers.

A copy of Dale Carnegie’s HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

Isn’t buying the boss gifts prohibited?

Joe should try keeping out of her way for a day… that could be one of her favorite “presents.”

Get Ruiz an office door you can get kicked out of…

Another fugitive off the “Wanted” board, of course!