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Bring in a `kid consultant' As we emerge from the rubble of wrapping paper, pine needles, and empty wine bottles, and find our way back to the postChristmas world, it's a time to exchange stories about procuring certain gifts. For example, The Sidekick and I had major challenges deciding what to buy each other this year. I think it comes with age, as we get older, we need less. I'm quite content where I am, and I really want for nothing. Same with her-- there's really nothing she needs. But we still want to be able to exchange gifts at this time of the year. I decided she needed earrings. I went to my regular jewelry store to see what was available. After some thought, I decided upon a pair that I thought she'd like. That night, at supper, we talked about trying to find the `perfect gift'. In passing, I admitted it was tough at times. "Well, I've given you enough hints," she said. "Ages ago I said I needed earrings, and also..." It was really tough to keep that smile inside. Then there were the little mix-ups that are part of Christmas, like The Sidekick's son calling me to say that he'd bought a certain gift from her Christmas list, so I could let my daughters know that it had already been taken. About a week later, one of my daughters called to let me know that she'd bought a certain gift for The Sidekick. Yup, you guessed it-- the same gift. You know, I have a great memory, it's just a bit short. Then there was the best story of the bunch. One of my grandsons had listed Beyblade Packs and Arena on his Christmas list. If the list had been written in Greek it would have been the same. I once prided myself at knowing what every new toy was like and how it worked. But Beyblade? No idea. The Sidekick was about the same as me, so we decide to swing by the toy aisle at one Laser Hair Removal ONLY 4-6 TREATMENTS NEEDED! To free you from that unwanted hair. · Affordable · Safe · Gentle · Permanent Hair Reduction 7 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 29, 2011 Ted Brown of the local stores to investigate. As I scanned the display, the name Beyblade came into view. In front of it was a small boy, maybe 8 or 10 years old. "Can you tell me how this Beyblade stuff works?" I asked him. He looked up at me, decided I wasn't a child abductor, then went into a long detailed explanation about how `this model attacks in this way, they fight in this arena,' and pretty much a full blown review on the ins and outs of the Beyblade system. His mom came around the corner of the toy aisle, and asked what was going on. I could see her potential concern, with two grown adults questioning her son. "Well, your son is working as a consultant," I explained. "It's a bit like when the town needs more information for a project, they call in a consultant for more up to date, detailed information." "Well," the mom grinned, "you've certainly come to the right person. He knows more about Beyblade than any adult." We thanked our young consultant for his time, and he and his mom hurried away to their next shopping adventure. Armed with our new-found information, (and feeling quite cocky about having a working knowledge of the Beyblade system) I called my daughter to clarify which models of the system my grandson had. Seems I was too late-- someone had already bought some Beyblade battle robots for him. But I learned one thing from this exercise. Next time I'm shopping for a kid's gift, I'm bringing in a consultant-- even if he is only 8 or 10 years old. Now Offering: Reiki, Reflexology and Aromatherapy. 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The greatest thing you will ever learn is simply to love and be loved in return. Congratulations on 30 happy years of marriage, the love you share each and every day is a perfect example of what we all hope to achieve. Best wishes on your special day from your children, Ryan and Trista, Thomas and Natalie on the body 5. Companion of Artemis 6. Get cozy 7. Fink 8. "Giovanna d'___" (Verdi opera) 9. Curiosity (2 wds) 10. City in NE Scotland on the North Sea 11. Supplement 12. Someone who travels for pleasure 13. Fancy 21. Lens cover? 22. Slept, Brit. slang 23. Bubkes 24. Assortment 28. Murmured 31. Do away with 33. Most uncouth 35. Combine with 53 (chemistry) 36. Closed tightly 37. Academic term 38. Accommodate 41. Grand ___ ("Evangeline" setting) 42. Rings 43. Took part in turbulent disturbance 44. Brief appearances of a prominent actor 46. Fix 50. ___ brulee 51. Alter 53. Detective's need 54. BBs, e.g. 58. Victorian, for one 59. 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