BY JENNIFER ADAMS

Christmas is only a few days away; and if you're anything like me, you are still trying to find suitable presents for people. At this late date you know it is going to be hard to find suitable presents. Let me tell you of my adventures.

Yesterday during sixth period I decided to go after school and try to find a present for my friend Brucella. As soon as I reached home, I hopped on my bicycle and peddled up to the Des Plaines Mall. I locked up the bike and entered the building.

The first store I went into was a card shop. I had hoped to find a Snoopy related Christmas item there; but as I glanced around, I saw this was not to be. The store was decorated for Valentine's Day. I turned around and left.

I next decided to check out all the clothing stores, to see if I could find a nice, warm, winter top for Brucella. Was I successful? No ‑ every single store had their winter stuff put away and were now displaying their spring wardrobe.

Only slightly panicking, I ventured my way to another store. I figured there would be something there to please my friend. I spent 10 minutes trying to find something decent. Only the stuff that nobody else wanted was left.

After that, I looked through a radio store in the vain hope of finding even a little something for her. The only things left there were stereos. I am not made of money, even if I did want Brucella to have a better sound system than I own. So, disappointed, I headed toward a discount store.

I need not have gone there ‑ the store was already decorated for summer. Brucella does not like to wait six months to use her Christmas presents. I trudged out of the place and disgustingly rode to my last hope ‑ a record shop.

When I got there, it was obvious that the place was totally cleaned out. "Christmas rush, you know," the man behind the counter explained. I left, and on the way home an idea occurred to me. (The first idea I have had in many months.)

Brucella, if you're reading this, this is your Christmas present from me. Merry Christmas!