Couple of questions....when I pledged...way in the day

actives actually came to our dorms, put a t-shirt over our head and took us to the house. I have very little memory of the actual bidding process, but I do remember the "kidnapping" of bid day....so....as I have been reading a few threads, I have noticed that some moms go to bid day activities. Is this common? And for reference, I am speaking about competitive southern schools. My daughter asked me if I was coming to bid day and frankly, I am not sure where my place would be (assuming she gets that far) Also...how do you keep your PNMs nerves down? The shopping stress is bad enough...couple that with the crisis of confidence that is sprinkled in here and there...it is shaping up to be a long 5 weeks.