I had this card for almost a year (since Feb 2015) and I put about $9000 spending on the card.

1. In order to get gold status for another year my research shows that I have until Feb 2016 (not Dec 2015) to spend $10,000, can someone confirm it?

2. any suggestion how to fill the remaining $1000? i only put travel/hotel related expenses on this card so far. I guess I could use it to pay gas, groceries and other daily spending but was wondering any other better alternative out there. Does it make sense to buy a Marriott Gift card? or points?