Born to be shopped for

   My stepdaughter Chrisa is the easiest person in the world for me to shop for. Not that my sons are all that difficult. But in their case, they tell my husband what they want and he writes down model numbers for me like C3505 or PD754. Then I take the slip of paper to Best Buys or Circuit City and show it to the sales clerk who finds it for me. Yeah, that's easy, but it's not something I can figure out on my own.

   With Chrisa, it's different. I can shop for her all by myself. First of all, we have the same taste in clothes. When I see something I like, I know she'll like it, too. Secondly, we wear the exact same size in absolutely everything. So when I see something I like, all I have to do is try it on. If it fits me, it will fit her.
Also, she doesn't mind that I shop at thrift stores. She has no problem receiving a $200 hardly worn designer sweater that I picked up for a few bucks at St. Vincent de Paul.

   Then there are all the sentimental things that are so easy to follow through with. Her birthday is November 23, so a Thanksgiving trinket is always part of the tradition. I also find it easy to give her a Christmas sweater or sweatshirt for her birthday. And what's easiest of all is coming through with things she knows she's going to get like Girl Scout Cookies for Easter.

   But what I have the most fun with are animal crackers for which she has a passion. Sometimes when she least expects it, I give her a box. Sometimes to cheer her up or sometimes to congratulate her on a big accomplishment.
A few months ago Chrisa had a kidney stone and was in severe pain. I took her dinner and a box of animal crackers. I couldn't believe someone so young could get a kidney stone. Everyone I've ever known who's had one has been my age or older.

   But she educated me very quickly. Her doctor said age is not a factor and some people are just prone to getting them. Also, eating foods high in calcium can bring them on. 

   When the doctor's attempt to dissolve the stone failed, Chrisa had to have it surgically removed. Now this was a really big time gift-giving occasion. I bought the biggest bag of animal crackers I could find. 

   When she pulled them out of the bag, I noticed across the front in bold letters "A great source of calcium."

   "Uh-oh," I said. "I think this will be the last bag of animal crackers I ever give you."

   Oh, no," she said. "I'll stop drinking milk and eating broccoli, but I don't ever want to not get your animal crackers."

   Didn't I tell you she's easy to shop for?

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