10 Things I Want For Xmas

1. Beer Cooler Scooter--about $500. Because I would get a lot of attention from thirsty men!

http://www.i4u.com/16782/must-have-beer-cooler-scooter

2. A Sphynx (hairless) cat. Because my daughter's allergic to the kind with hair. These kind of cats are said to be great snugglers and very intelligent/curious. And, by the way, they're not totally hairless. They're covered with vellus hair.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphynx_(cat)

3. A Nano. It's inexpensive and it gets excellent gas milege. Only sold in India, sadly.

http://tatanano.inservices.tatamotors.com/tatamotors/

4. Fake university diploma: did you even know they sold these? I would put this one up in the living room, put on my Harvard sweatshirt, and intelligently answer questions about my alma mater while offering cocktails at my holiday party.

http://www.phonydiploma.com/US-College-University-Fake-Diploma.aspx

5. A set of dishes so I can make and serve my own thalis (Indian meals)

http://www.kitchensofindia.com/utensils/utensils_thali.htm

6. An around the world airline ticket. As low as $1,299! So I can learn how to make my own thali meals.

SF or LA > Hong Kong > Bangkok > India > Europe > NY > SF or LA - $1,299
Airlines: Cathay Pacific / China / Air India / United / Jet Blue etc.
Surcharges: Leaving US during 6/1 - 9/5= +$169 or 12/6 - 1/5 = +$396; depart London 6/1 - 9/30= +$228 or 12/14 - 1/4 = +$299

7. Bose Quiet Comfort Noise Cancelling Headphones: So I can endure the round-the-world trip.

http://www.seatguru.com/articles/noise-canceling_review.php

8. An indoor electric faux fireplace: cuz I can't have a real one.

http://www.myfavoritethings.tv/gifts/furniture/electric_fireplaces/marble_electric_fireplaces/marble_electric_fireplaces3.shtml

9.A set of Blik easy-on, easy-of stickers for the walls.

http://www.whatisblik.com/shop/explore?topseller=26&designer=162

10. Reserve A Spot in Heaven: Only $12.79 for eternal life? What a deal!

http://www.reserveaspotinheaven.com/

Donut Stories

1. My friend Karen(in her 30s but from a small town) had never been to a donut shop before a couple of weeks ago. After our book group, a friend and I took her over to Voodoo Donuts. We all agreed her donut-shop devirginization received an A+. Not only did she get a couple of good donuts--maple bar with bacon was one--but a punk looking 20-something woman told us at the door that we were 86d and couldn't go in. We thought she was talking to us, but she was talking to a woman who was trying to mix in with our group so she wouldn't be caught going in. She wanted a straw or a spoon or something. I asked the employee what you had to do to get bounced from a donut shop and she said she came in earlier to hide from the cops that were after her. Other great things about V. Donuts are their revolving donut case and that they rent the place out for weddings. Also, I don't normally like donuts, but I loved their jelly-filled vanilla frosted.

2. When I was pregnant with LeeAnn, Gordon (the dad) and I lived apart for the first few months--I mean different states. Once he overnight Fed-Exed me a few applesauce donuts (perfect when you're not feeling well) from a bakery he knew I liked. The cost of the shipping came to several times the amount of the donuts, I'm sure. It was a nice gesture but one that should have warned me he had spending problems.

3. The best donuts on earth are at the Daily Dozen at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. They make these little donuts right there, I mean, right in front of your eyes. The donuts come out of these machine all fried and hot. Long lines in the summer but well worth is. Eat 'em fresh or don't eat 'em at all. My fave is the powdered.

How to Beat the Winter Blues

I've had the winter blues for as long as I can remember. This year, in addition to the usual coping mechanisms, I bought a 10,000 lux therapy light. It's by "Nature Bright" and it seems to be doing the job, so far. I place it on my side table and leave it on for 30 minutes in the morning. The light reflects off the book I'm reading and I also receive light via peripheral vision. Closing your eyes won't work, the product manual states, as you need the light to touch your eyes. Staring at the light also won't work as these are some bright lights that will have you dizzy if you look straight at them for more than a few seconds.

Other coping mechanisms are tried and true. Going on walks outside, no matter that the sun isn't out, helps me keep my energy up. Fun activities with friends also helps to boost my spirits; this year I'm scheduling regular "Crafting Gals" meetings and taking advantage of all the free and cheap activities around town. In the past, when I've had a regular income, I've taken vacations to southern places. That seems to help the best of all. My ideal life would include sunny autumns and winters in Mexico, then spring/summer in the Pacific Northwest.

Then there are the days when I give myself over to hibernation for a day or two. My soft comforter, a book, lots of sleep, a couple of cats. Sometimes the winter blues are just too hard to fight.