I'd love the cheesecake recipe.

If I can't do anything else I'll do fruit, but I wanted a little splurge.

My kitchen is so small, I'm not used to it yet, so whatever I make him will be super easy (but yummy). I'm hoping that by his birthday (and Mom's) I'll be more adept at working in there and I can make them something a bit fancier.

I want to do something yummy (and relatively easy to make), but still rather healthy.

Do strawberry shortcake. You can even use the pre-packaged dessert shells -- one is enough, and it's not too calorific or high in fat. And then top it with fake whipped topping, for lower fat and calories.

I'll email my dad, askye, and should be able to get the recipe later today. Should I email or post?

I am such a spoiled brat. My mother just informed me that her and her friends decided to stop buying gifts for each others kids since we are all over eighteen now. I know I am too old to pout about such a thing, but unlike my blood realtives, my mother's friends actually know me and know my tastes and get me really nice gifts.

Just caught up skimming after a skip. You have my sympathies, Sparky and JZ, about the strike, especially having to cross the line. It's a hard decision, but it sounds like you've made the best choice, Sparky, with your support of the strikers as you are able. I hope the strike is resolved soon.

That sucks, sj. For me, teenage birthdays and Christmases were the worst, because I still kind of expected the magic that I saw as a child, but people expected me to be all mature, so the gifts and special attention went way down. It got better, but I don't imagine that's much consolation.

So, does that sound like I was a totally self-involved and immature teen, who lacked the true spirit of Christmas?

lib you can email me the recipe.

Amy, strawberry shortcake tends to be the default dessert. Or something shortcake. I've , uh, even made chocolate shortcake, but filling the cakes with chocolate syrup and then cool whip.

I like DietCoke w/ Splenda.

Does anyone know if Diet Coke and/or Diet Pepsi with Splenda has aspartame too? At least one of them had both initially, which sucks for me as I'm allergic to aspartame.

eta: I had just gotten to the point where I didn't hate saccharin when aspartame came out. The universe sometimes has an interesting sense of humor.

That sucks, sj. For me, teenage birthdays and Christmases were the worst, because I still kind of expected the magic that I saw as a child, but people expected me to be all mature, so the gifts and special attention went way down. It got better, but I don't imagine that's much consolation.

In case there is any confusion, I am going to be 28 next month. I'm just spoiled.