checked

After every event on my mom's side of the family there is some attempted exchange of money. It used to be that my grandmother would try to give my mom money for something (like doing her hair) or for no reason at all. It was always a relatively small amount, but an amount that was still significant to give away (like $20). The attempted cash handoff usually started a small debate where each person would try to shove the money into the other's hand. Both were persistent and often the person who ended up with the money didn't realize it at first because it was slipped into her purse, or behind an item on her dresser, or underneath the decanter of her coffeemaker.

This tradition has now been passed on to me and my sister. When we visit our parents they pay for too much while we are there and try to give us money as we leave. I don't think it would bother me if my parents were rich, but they aren't.

This leads me to a discussion I had with my mom this past weekend. She gave both myself and my sister checks for the same amount over Christmas. I told my mom over the phone that I was going to shred mine. She told me that she would be upset at me if I did this. That is not what I am concerned about, though. I know that once she finds out that I have shredded the check that she will mail me a new one, which will make this even more of an expense on her time and money. My conscience is keeping me from wanting to cash the check, though.

I think I am going to have to find out what my sister did so that we have some consistency in our actions. If she can find a way around this maybe I can too.