Can I just say I heart eBay? As someone who does not like traditional shopping --that would be shopping in malls, discount malls, department stores and boutiques, I am an enthusaistic eBay shopper and a very occasional eBay seller. I just checked my profile and I have been a member since February 9, 1999.

Christmas is coming, and if you're like me, you are wracking your brains for interesting and unusual gifts for family and friends and teachers and co-workers and possibly a little something to reward yourself for all that wracking. You deserve it, you know. If you are REALLY like me, you are also praying for a shopping alternative that does not require braving the mall or a series of chain stores. Yes? Then I have the answer for you: the on-line auction.

This past week we had to take away the little angel’s tap shoes. They’re not really tap shoes, but they look just like tap shoes, all patent-leathery and shiny and all that. The problem is that every time the little angel puts them on, she frets and squirms and whines because they are just a wee bit too big. I admit that as I wrenched them off her perfect feet before school the other day and hid them in my closet, I thought how good it would feel to sell them, or maybe her, on Ebay.