More pre-shower shenanigans

So I am back in Wisconsin, mentally preparing for Sunday's shower carnage (that almost rhymed).

And too keep the pre-shower drama going, I met up with my brother to purchase the gift I will be giving him and his fiancee on Sunday. This might sound odd, but considering he is a guy and won't be there for the shower, I wanted him to at least feel like he would be getting something he would enjoy...in a backwards way.

So we arrive at Target, the Mecca, but in actuality, finding things on their list that are: a) still available b) within my $50 price range (including wrapping supplies) and c) able to be semi-easily wrapped, proved to be a bit more difficult than I thought.

First the Mr. Clean floor brush was too large and awkward to wrap (although Andy mentioned he would be okay with me arriving with it wrapped in a garbage bag and bow - something I'm sure his fiancee would not find amusing), then we could not find the one item I was interested in because its row - B45 - didn't seem to exist. Odd.

Then, I notice on the registry that they asked for two sets of nice wood hangers, retailing at $3.99 each. But it seems that whomever did purchase this registry item, decided to only purchase one of the two sets they asked for. I'm sorry but doesn't that seem kind of...off? You can shell out $3.99 for one but can't dig up another $3.99 to complete the set? So I decided to fix this problem  by completing the set for them, primarily because it was bothering me. In the end, I my total was $47 (thank you Wisconsin sales tax!) and Andy said thank you, but not before calling me "cheap," which made me remind him that he didn't need to get a gift at all. Ungrateful!

He was also kind enough to share that his fiancee asked him to ask me (rather than asking me directly because I'm his sister) that rather than spending $50 on the shower gift, I should only spend $25 and contribute $25 to the shower. When he said he was serious (I thought it was a joke) I said no, which he was fine with, but was dutifully told to at least ask. WTF? Why is this still an issue? I refuse to pay for the shower because of etiquette and her sister's e-mail and to be asked to cut back on a gift that would benefit both of them so that she gets funding for her shower is pretty ballsy. And my answer: I don't think so. I want to get them something that my brother will also be able to enjoy. If this comes up again tomorrow...I don't want to think what my verbal response will be.

Lord. Now tomorrow is off to help stuff invitations (for exactly one hour on my end) and apparently the bride is already worried because nearly a year ago I commented (while slightly drunk) that one of her friends, who is now a fellow bridesmaid, is a pain in the ass (which she is). So now I have to be on my best behavior around her tomorrow so I don't give the bride an ulcer. Kill me now.