So I was working on stat blocks for a WFRP adventure last night when Kate came into the room and started telling me how she had been hoping for some family fun for her birthday (which is Dec. 13) and Christmas but that she had been disappointed so far. I said, “But Kate, today is neither your birthday, nor Xmas.” She knows, she says, but still, sigh. She then starts talking about presents because Kate loves presents. Several people have given her wrapped up birthday gifts already but she had not failed to notice that I had not.

“I know it’s not my birthday yet,” she says, “but if you don’t get me a gift, then grrrrrrrrr.”

“Are you threatening me?” I asked, amused.

“No, no, I’m not threatening you,” she says. “I’m just saying I haven’t gotten a gift from you yet and if I don’t, then grrrrrrrrr.”

I said, “Well, Kate, it isn’t your birthday yet. And anyway, have you forgotten I gave you that cool Superman shirt earlier this week when I got home from GenCon?” [BTW, thanks again, Hyrum.]

“I didn’t forget, but that wasn’t wrapped up or anything. That wasn’t a present, more like a souvenir.”

“Oh, I see,” I said. “I didn’t realize there were special rules. Well, it’s still three days until your birthday, so you needn’t worry.”

“I’m just saying, this close to my birthday, you should have a gift for me and know where it is. Can you show me where it is?”

“No, Kate, I can’t. You’ll get a gift on your actual birthday.”

She eyes me suspiciously. “OK. But if you don’t–grrrrrrr!”