December Birthday

It's my friend Dana Healy's birthday today. I've know her since I was in the second grade. She lived a few houses up from me and had parents that loved to play. Her dad drove a Harley and they had a trampoline in their play room along with every hot toy, even video games. One of her most prized possessions was a hamster named Charlie. It was a devastating time when he died; I'll never forget that back yard funeral. She loved watching The Waltons and Mary Tyler Moore and she was on the swim team. Our summers had us biking to the city pool where we spent hours and split cheeseburgers. Her sister's name was Tracy and they called her grandma "Cakey".

We have stayed in touch throughout the years and have never forgotten each others birthdays. She's a cardiac nurse and I was a cardiac patient. She says she'll tell her age when she's 50, which is next year. For now she's forty-something. I thought 'they' just announced that 50 is the new 40? This detail might make for a good argument, but who wants to do that on a birthday!

I'll tell you one thing Dana does not want to hear today: "here's your birthday present and your Christmas present." Celebrating a birthday this month is tough all around, we December babies get that. Personally, I've always appreciated the fact that my mom kept the days different as I do for one of my daughters, also born this month. So send some love to those celebrating or getting ready for a reason to do so that doesn't involve something red and green.

She buzz words

• cranberry sauce
• crowds
• Cupid
• Dancer

Right now she could be..

• Bathing a baby
• Raking leaves
• Painting glass
• Bagging groceries

She could be a ...

• Warehouse worker
• Delivery driver
• Temp office help
• Christmas tree farm help
• Photo with Santa assistant

She Fact

A recent Colorado State University study found that drivers who have bumper stickers or personalized plates are more prone to road rage than the average driver.

She's lovin

A good night's sleep is a necessity yet not always easy; nearly 50% of us don't get enough. The Sleep Number Company, makers of those comfy beds, now offers pillows that are just as comfy. These customized pillows help correct posture, alleviate back pain and ward against allergeies www.sleepnumber.com She serves and saves lives...

She Facts

• The Guinness World Records 2008 reports the largest Christmas tree is 269 feet tall.
• Americans spent an estimated $9.3 billion on holiday decorations last year.
• The National Christmas Tree Association reports 25% of people polled bought a live tree last year.
• The average American household spent approximately $20 on seasonal decorations in
• 2006

She stats

According to the Journal of Consumer Research, dieters who stuck with snack-sized bags ate less when opening a large bag of snacks, thanks to the habit they already had. For non-dieters, it takes much more willpower to resist overeating. Awareness and discipline are key.

She's into...

• Fuel-efficient cars
• Neutral, flat colors
• Gourmet hotdogs
• She-packaged reusable bottled water

She likes it when...

• Her kids come home wearing two gloves
• She has an excuse to wear her Santa hat

She's totally ready for...

• A beautifully wrapped present
• A mailbox full of greeting cards instead of catalogs

She questions..

• How does she ward off the "gimmies" from her children?
• What song instantly says Christ- mas to her?

She Money

Retailers, credit-card issuers, and banks sold more than $80 billion from gift-cards sales last year. This year they are expect- ing to sell over $100 billion. Stores encourage gift-card sales as they expect the recipient to purchase more than the amount of the gift card, plus it drives traffic into their store. Other times recipients purchase less than the gift card, leaving a re- maining balance that goes unused, with either the issuing state or store receiving the leftover revenue. It's estimated that $8 billion was left unspent last year. A 2006 Consumer Report states that 23.3 million Americans have not used gift cards they received in 2005. Take note, many cards have expiration dates and a few restrictions, some even come with fees. As always, read the fine print. If she has unused gift cards, she can donate them to a nonprofit that will distribute them to families in need. She can also purchase gift cards to donate to a local family-service organization. A gas card would help a single mom get to her job. A card from Target or Wal-Mart would buy diapers. A gift card from a local grocery store puts food on the table for a family that otherwise has nothing. Children's Home Society & Family Services, based in St. Paul, distributes gift cards to families in need (800-952-9302; www.chsfs.org).

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