I was browsing for birthday cards inside a party supply store yesterday and I overheard a lady ask the salesperson: “Do you have any of those blue and white ribbons that I can use for a baby shower?”

“Yes we do, but I’m afraid they’re blank; we’re out of the ones that say ‘Baby Shower’ on them.”

“Ohhhhh.  This is terrible.  I’ve been to four stores and everyone’s out of them!”

I applaud this woman’s perspicacity.  It is absolutely crucial that the blue and white ribbons at a baby shower actually say “Baby Shower” on them.  Using blank ribbons could be disastrous.  Why, if I had a nickel for every time I’d been at a baby shower and the lack of appropriate signage caused everyone to wander around, Memento-like, after the first few minutes:

“I feel so woozy.  Why are we here?  What are we celebrating?”

“I don’t remember either, but I seem to be holding a giftwrapped bag of diapers.  Perhaps we’re celebrating someone’s birthday?  Someone’s 100th birthday?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.  I’m towing a plastic wheelbarrow with a big ribbon on it. Clearly we came here to help someone with their barn raising.”