"Thank you sir, happy holidays!" said the salesman behind the counter. He was cute; a redhead, looking like a Santa helper in his little hat, snowman tie and Santa pin.

I love the mall at Christmas. Itās all so festive. And the sales! When youāre broke and have friends who love gifts, the most important designer to know about is "SalŽ." And she is everywhere during the holidays!

I checked my list. I bought that new ĪGay perfumeā for Hugo from the redhead. Itās a cross between [calyx] and [white diamonds]. Fresh but frilly -- thatās Hugo. I also got him a ceramic teapot I found at the Pasadena Flea Market. I still had to get Fran the CD she wanted. I stopped off at the GNC store to get stocking stuffers for my clients.

Andrew and Eric. Do I have to get Eric a gift now that Andrewās moved in with him? Maybe Iāll get them a couple gift. Save me some money. And I donāt really like the guy anyway.

*****
"I donāt understand why you guys canāt get along," Andrew when they first started dating.

"Because I have a sense of humor and he doesnāt?ä Andy looked at me like a hurt puppy. ćOkay... but heās a little full himself donāt you think?"

"Heās a doctor. Theyāre all that way. And he knows you and I were lovers. He might feel threatened. Give him a chance."

That was two years ago, and Eric still has a stick up his butt. Maybe I should get him some tongs to take it out. Instead, I went to Eclectice, a furniture gallery, and got them a beautiful handthrown vase. I knew Andrew would love it. Eric might not. Oh well...

*****
I also love holidays because I get more than junk mail and bills in my mail box. I love getting Christmas cards - I collect them. One of my favorite pieces of art is a collage I made of cards people have sent me over the years

So, I didnāt even bother taking my Designer SalŽ purchases out of the car before I went to my box. I surfed through the wad of letters - card, bill, card. Card from my landlord. My landlord? I opened the envelope. It was a cheap Hallmark with a form letter inside.

"Dear Tenant: "I am pleased to have been your landlord for the last several years."

Maybe he was giving us a break in rent!

ć..., accordingly, this letter constitutes... notice of the termination of your lease...vacate the premises on the thirtieth day after the date of this letter.... Happy Holidays."