Another leftover birthday cake resides in our fridge. Goodie bags full of candy from a pinata litter the house. Every room in the house contains at least one new gift and/or its packaging.

My Little Pony RV over here. Coloring book in there. Unopened package of 1000 beads for jewelry-making (I obviously did something to make another parent mad…) on that shelf.

We’re surrounded by birthday detritus. And all I can say is THANK GOD it’s over for another year.

Four birthdays (if you include mine) in a six-week period is not ideal.

(To include on the list of “If I knew then what I know now”: Until tubes are tied, stay completely away from Charlie during February. And March.)

***

Here’s what went through my head when I woke up this morning:

“Ahhhh. No more birthdays. I can cross them off my list for 2008. Yay! Okay, now let’s look at that calendar…. Aaaaaaaaaaggggghhhhh!”

Yes, because I possess laser-like focus (in other words, tunnel vision), I can’t see beyond whatever one big event I’m working on. So, as has happened for the past ELEVEN years, the holidays have caught me by SURPRISE.

(Note to self: Create holiday tickler file. And tell Charlie where you put it so it can be found next year.)

***

Thanksgiving is in ten days. TEN. Good thing I’m not in charge of cooking, or we’d be having grilled cheese. And Campbell’s soup.

And Christmas? Thirty-eight days away. That’s 38. As in, less than 40.

And have I done any Christmas shopping?

You know the answer to that question: NO. And not just because of my tunnel vision. My other “talent” lies in buying gifts, hiding them, and forgetting they exist. For the sake of our budget, I’ve learned to wait until Christmas is on my mental radar, and then shop.

***

That’s why this year, I am extra thankful that I’m involved in the blogosphere.

Because I’ve discovered the joy of bloggers’ online gift guides. Sure, you could read about Oprah’s favorite things (and laugh yourself silly at the thought of giving $85 stationery) or the handful of toy suggestions in Parenting magazine.

Me, I’ll spend the next few days perusing the HUGE gift guide that Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife has put together. Just click the button and you’ll find highly-recommended gifts for moms, dads, kids, and friends. With reasonable prices and exceptional quality. And besides the usual gift guide offerings, you’ll see one-of-a-kind jewelry, toys, and clothing, many of them made and sold by other blogging moms. You can even shop for “gifts that give back,” where the proceeds go to worthy causes.

***

Go take a look. Then let me know what gems you find. I’ll share my finds with you. I can’t wait to give some extra-special treasures for Christmas 2008.

Now I’m off to create a “gift corner” in the house that the kids won’t find — and I won’t lose.

Wish me luck.