Third-quarter figures for federally insured credit unions thisweek were welcome news and the result of a lot of hard work bycredit union professionals around the country. Certainly not agift, though we all appreciate those (iPad2, please), but somethingto savor because you've earned it.

Credit unions can certainly ring out the jingle bells over theirthird-quarter figures. Loans grew 1.6%, and the NCUA reported sixstraight quarters of loan growth. Despite still historically highshare growth, the loan-to-share ratio nationally increased to68.4%, roughly a percentage point below last year's close but notthe meteoric 7, 4 and 3 percentage point plummets, respectively in2009, 2010 and 2011.

Now for an industry-wide New Year's resolution, clean and jerkthat ratio right up over its head – just like you'll be pumping upyour biceps with your new gym membership.