I feel extremely fortunate,  I have a healthy family and a roof (a nice one!) over my head.  2008 has been a poor year as far as my real estate income but fortunately, George is paying our bills.  I am on the Board of Directors for the Glendale YWCA, and know that there are many families in dire circumstances.  I receive numerous phone calls and email inquiries from homeowners who are in trouble: their payments will recast, they can’t afford their home, etc.  I watch the news, read the paper; many are having a terrible financial time.

Because there are so many birthdays in our family this time of year, I become crazed and can easily lose sight of the spirit of the season.  I am the only one in my household who believes that Christmas trees and decorations are a waste of time and money (after they are up, who volunteers to take them down and put them away?).  This year I was able to appeal to my family’s wish to do something for someone else… Okay, I blackmailed them, I told them: there are children without toys under their tree, families losing their homes and we should take our Christmas tree money and donate it to someone who really needs it, that we have an opportunity to make or break a family's Christmas.  By the time we buy the tree and pay for the delivery, (in my opinion) it's a lot of money for nothing!  I won, we have a poinsettia, but no Christmas tree and someone I know is able to afford gifts for “her” family.

Talk about a “win-win” – no wonder I am considered a skilled negotiator!!!!