Today is my birthday. I must be as easy to read as an open book. I have received Amazon gift certificates and Starbucks gift certificates and a hand-drawn coupon good for one free lunch, date/place of my choice, from a good friend.

People know what I like: good food, good coffee, good reads and I'm as happy as a clam. Wonderful if I can sit outside, but in this weather just as happy indoors. With cats, of course.

People have been sharing with me stories about other friends/folks/enemies of theirs with December birthdays. Seems to me that December babies come in two flavors--the generous, tolerant, joyous, independent one and the sour, sarcastic, licentious, klepto one.

Maybe the key element is proper socialization? Youngsters who are treated with negativity, disdain, unable to enjoy the nurturance of approval grow up stunted and burned. Especially December children, more sensitive than you would think.

There's a very private aspect to December people that is often missed by the people who are swept along by the cheerful, independent, gregarious side of us. We also have a quiet, introspective side, and take criticism very much to heart.