When Nana came to visit ...

... Julia showed her how to build a tower out of Mega Blocks.

What is generosity?

Is it possible to be too generous? Why do we find it difficult to accept (what we perceive to be) extravagant gifts? Are the limits of generosity up to the giver? When it comes to giving and receiving, I'm not usually so philosophical. But then I don't usually get gifts like the one I got today.

Quick back story: The headphone jack on my iPod mini went on the fritz a little over a week ago; I was researching repair options, and turned to Karim, CDG sysadmin, iPod devotee and fount of technical knowledge, for advice. As a recent purchaser of the new iPod video, he suggested I just upgrade. I pointed out that repair would probably run $75 or so and a new iPod, even if just a nano, would run me $199. We then exchanged some joking emails, as we often do, in which I suggested that if he wanted to buy me one, well that would be another story; he asked whether I would prefer black or white; and I said "black." Ha ha ha.

You can see where this is going, can't you?

Today, on a break from a deadly half-day meeting, I found that a small package had arrived for me. Puzzled as to its contents, I opened it and discovered, yes, a black 30GB iPod video.

Now, Karim usually works very late hours, if he comes into the office at all (he is a freelance contractor and sets his own comings and goings), so wasn't there today. Stunned, I didn't know what to do but felt that somehow I couldn't keep such an amazing and expensive gift. So I sent the requisite "Did you give this to me? And if so, I couldn't possibly accept it and don't deserve it" email. To which he replied, essentially, the whole point of a gift is that there are no strings attached, and he is often told by recipients of his gifts that "they couldn't possibly accept it."

Cue the philosophical questions. I kept the iPod. After our email conversation, it seemed more rude to try to return it than accept it. So why do I feel a little guilty? Is it because I only know Karim through work, so it doesn't seem like I could be a close enough friend to receive such a nice gift? Do I subconsciously think that I could have found a way not to accept the gift gracefully, but gave in quickly because I am greedy and really wanted it?

Or maybe I should quit obsessing and just enjoy it. Consider it karma. After all, "Karim" does mean "most generous" in Arabic ...