WOOHOO!!! We made $345 at the bake sale!!! That brings my personal fundraising total to over $1,000!
I'm so jazzed!
Thank you all so much for all of your help!
Posts
16 years ago
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Bake Sale 2
So we are up to our eyeballs in chocolate around here.
Melting, dunking, dipping, setting up and drying...
Here are some photos of what we have done already.
Here is Lion checking out the S'Mores On A Stick. We stuck two marshmallows on a lollipop stick, dipped them in milk chocolate and then rolled them in Graham Cracker crumbs.
Double stuff with Vanilla Creme Oreos. The ones lying flat have been dipped in milk chocolate and are setting up and drying. When they are set I'll redunk them again to coat the other side.
The ones standing up will have the side that is naked dunked in white chocolate.
Double stuffed Chocolate Creme filled Oreos twice dunked in white chocolate drizzled with bittersweet chocolate. I could only do this one tray and I ran out of White Chocolate. Looks like I'm headed to the store today!
Peeps marshmallow bunnies half dunked in white chocolate. When they are set and dry I'll dunk them again to get the other side coated. I'll then shove a lollipop stick up their asses and put them in Cellophane bags and tie them off with Autism Speaks ribbons...
Peeps dipped in chocolate and sprinkles.
The coolest ribbon EVER. Everything will be tied off with this.
The Peeps Marshmallow bunnies after a swim in chocolate. I didn't like this method. I feel like the chocolate was too thick.
Bunnies waiting to be dunked.
After setting up and drying...
Melting, dunking, dipping, setting up and drying...
Here are some photos of what we have done already.
Here is Lion checking out the S'Mores On A Stick. We stuck two marshmallows on a lollipop stick, dipped them in milk chocolate and then rolled them in Graham Cracker crumbs.
Double stuff with Vanilla Creme Oreos. The ones lying flat have been dipped in milk chocolate and are setting up and drying. When they are set I'll redunk them again to coat the other side.The ones standing up will have the side that is naked dunked in white chocolate.
Double stuffed Chocolate Creme filled Oreos twice dunked in white chocolate drizzled with bittersweet chocolate. I could only do this one tray and I ran out of White Chocolate. Looks like I'm headed to the store today!
Peeps marshmallow bunnies half dunked in white chocolate. When they are set and dry I'll dunk them again to get the other side coated. I'll then shove a lollipop stick up their asses and put them in Cellophane bags and tie them off with Autism Speaks ribbons...
Peeps dipped in chocolate and sprinkles.
The coolest ribbon EVER. Everything will be tied off with this.
The Peeps Marshmallow bunnies after a swim in chocolate. I didn't like this method. I feel like the chocolate was too thick.
Bunnies waiting to be dunked.
After setting up and drying...
Friday, April 3, 2009
Bake Sale
On June 14th we are going to be participating in the Autism Speaks fundraiser "Walk Now For Autism" at the South Street Seaport in NYC.
I'm the captain of a team called "Team Brian The Lion" I have a personal goal of $1,000 to raise. Why $1,000? I wanna be a funraising Autism Speaks ROCK STAR.
The Grand Club- NEW Will you become the newest member of the Grand Club? Every Individual Walker who raises $1,000 for the 2009 NYC Walk automatically become members of this exclusive VIP Club! Encourage all your team members to reach a personal/individual fundraising goal of $1,000 and each individual can enjoy:
Public Recognition
2009 Grand Club Pin
VIP Tent Access On Walk Day
To date I've raised $620. My aunt has sent me a check for $35 and I have $100 from my father to add to my total which means I've actually raised $755. (I should give credit to my team too as a team we have raised $695) Wanna help? Go to this link and make a donation or join our team and walk with us! Go on. The class will wait for you.
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=288680&lis=1&kntae288680=9712128C470147029ED339540E683B41&supId=247739744 I really want to hit that personal goal of $1,000 though.
It's the only thing on my mind and in my sights right now. So I had the genius idea of a bake sale! I love to bake, it's my insane obsession. It makes me happy and if it can put me a little closer to my goal than I'm all into it and all over it.
It started out being planned on my front stoop. We have a little gated off area that isn't used for anything and it would be a great space for a bake sale. Wait. That's not entirely true.
My first idea was to hold it at school. I'd seen a couple of other Bake Sales in the school outside of classrooms and thought it was a great idea. I shot off an email to the fantastic and tireless Parent / Community Involvement Specialist.
She is the sweetest woman who always has the answers to my questions no matter how silly or far out there they are. I asked her if it was something we could do in the school and told her about the team and the walk and the fund raising. I didn't hear back from her. So I nixed the idea and began to plan it here at my place.
Then I started thinking about the politicking and my neighbors and how I wasn't in the mood to get into any drama or on anyone's bad side.
I asked one of my coolest and sweetest mommy pals who lives a hop skip and jump from us if she knew anything about it or had ever held one and did I need a permit or did I need to contact anyone or anything like that. She said she didn't know but if I wanted to I was more than welcome to use HER front stoop (She has this beautiful private brownstone that I love and lust for each time we visit it). I told her I'd take her up on it in a heartbeat.
I went to school the next day and asked both boys teachers if I could put flyers for the bake sale in parents mailboxes. PJ's teacher told me that I could have the bake sale AT SCHOOL!!! Wow.
That would be AMAZING. She said she had to ask her director but she was almost positive that as long as the classroom or the school didn't benefit from the funds raised it was okay.
We decided we would do it before the kids went home for Easter/Spring break which didn't give me a whole lot of time.
We chose April 8th which will be the last full day of classes before the break. We decided to get the whole class involved and see if we could get other parents to bring or bake something for the sale.
I posted a plea on Facebook for help with the flyer for the Bake Sale.
An amazing super tallented woman I've known since we were little gals together offered her skills for the flyer. Caroline if you ever read this thank you a million times again.
As an aside you guys NEED to check out her work. She's always been this super amazing tallented artist and I've had the pleasure of watching her work grow and progress over the years. She blows me away. Go and check out her stuff and then buy something. Seriously. She rocks.
It rocks right? She's just the best. I had Mike print them and brought them to school and put them in the mailboxes in the two classrooms. That afternoon I get an email from the fantastic Parent Specialist about holding the bake sale at the school:
" Sorry I have not gotten back to you sooner, but I was waiting for an answer regarding the school policy. Jessica spoke with Mr. Raslowsky today. He said, we are not allowed to send anything out on behalf of parents if they are going to make a profit because it violates our policy and he has denied many parent’s request in the past.
Uh oh. Fliers went out and were hung all over the school already!
I sent her the flyer and crossed my fingers that they were okay.
Nope. They weren't.
She wrote me back telling me she was surprised to see the fliers around school as they hadn't been approved yet. (as I tuck my tail between my legs and slink to hide under the couch like a bad puppy)
She said they had to come down because I had 8:30am as a start time and school policy states Bake Sales can't start before 1:00pm. (What?!) and that I had to draft a letter absolving the school of all involvement with the sale and stating that I set it up and I'm running it and it was all my idea so they can remain completely neutral and have no issues with other parents or the city and school board.
So we revamped the flyer with the new time and I drafted a letter:
I went to school yesterday and made 350 copies of the flyer front and back. We then went to each of the 4 classroom advocates offices and handed them out with a small explination as to what was up and what we were doing.
I then wandered around school and posted the flyers all over along with the letter right next to it.
I sent out a letter to all the parents in PJ's classroom telling them about the sale and what we needed if they wanted to help.
Then I went through my cabinets to see what I have in the way of baking supplies...
uh...yeah. I think I've got it covered.
So far the other mommies and daddies have voluntered to make:
Brownies
Cream filled cupcakes
Rice Krispie Treats
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Lollipops (I have the coolest Autism Speaks puzzle piece mold that I'll give to her)
Chocolate Truffles
So it is my ambitious goal to make the following:
Lemon Squares
Chocolate covered Oreos
S'mores on a stick (Marshmallows dipped in chocolate and coated with Graham Cracker crumbs)
Caramel and Chocoalte dipped pretzel rods
Yellow Cupcakes with "grass" and a birds nest on top complete with eggs
Carrot Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese frosting
Banana Squares with Cream Cheese frosting
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting
Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
If I'm still on my feet after all of this baking I might make a tray of caramel brownies and a tray of 7 layer bars but those are only if I have time and energy.
Am I insane or what?
I'm the captain of a team called "Team Brian The Lion" I have a personal goal of $1,000 to raise. Why $1,000? I wanna be a funraising Autism Speaks ROCK STAR.
The Grand Club- NEW Will you become the newest member of the Grand Club? Every Individual Walker who raises $1,000 for the 2009 NYC Walk automatically become members of this exclusive VIP Club! Encourage all your team members to reach a personal/individual fundraising goal of $1,000 and each individual can enjoy:
Public Recognition
2009 Grand Club Pin
VIP Tent Access On Walk Day
To date I've raised $620. My aunt has sent me a check for $35 and I have $100 from my father to add to my total which means I've actually raised $755. (I should give credit to my team too as a team we have raised $695) Wanna help? Go to this link and make a donation or join our team and walk with us! Go on. The class will wait for you.
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=288680&lis=1&kntae288680=9712128C470147029ED339540E683B41&supId=247739744 I really want to hit that personal goal of $1,000 though.
It's the only thing on my mind and in my sights right now. So I had the genius idea of a bake sale! I love to bake, it's my insane obsession. It makes me happy and if it can put me a little closer to my goal than I'm all into it and all over it.
It started out being planned on my front stoop. We have a little gated off area that isn't used for anything and it would be a great space for a bake sale. Wait. That's not entirely true.
My first idea was to hold it at school. I'd seen a couple of other Bake Sales in the school outside of classrooms and thought it was a great idea. I shot off an email to the fantastic and tireless Parent / Community Involvement Specialist.
She is the sweetest woman who always has the answers to my questions no matter how silly or far out there they are. I asked her if it was something we could do in the school and told her about the team and the walk and the fund raising. I didn't hear back from her. So I nixed the idea and began to plan it here at my place.
Then I started thinking about the politicking and my neighbors and how I wasn't in the mood to get into any drama or on anyone's bad side.
I asked one of my coolest and sweetest mommy pals who lives a hop skip and jump from us if she knew anything about it or had ever held one and did I need a permit or did I need to contact anyone or anything like that. She said she didn't know but if I wanted to I was more than welcome to use HER front stoop (She has this beautiful private brownstone that I love and lust for each time we visit it). I told her I'd take her up on it in a heartbeat.
I went to school the next day and asked both boys teachers if I could put flyers for the bake sale in parents mailboxes. PJ's teacher told me that I could have the bake sale AT SCHOOL!!! Wow.
That would be AMAZING. She said she had to ask her director but she was almost positive that as long as the classroom or the school didn't benefit from the funds raised it was okay.
We decided we would do it before the kids went home for Easter/Spring break which didn't give me a whole lot of time.
We chose April 8th which will be the last full day of classes before the break. We decided to get the whole class involved and see if we could get other parents to bring or bake something for the sale.
I posted a plea on Facebook for help with the flyer for the Bake Sale.
An amazing super tallented woman I've known since we were little gals together offered her skills for the flyer. Caroline if you ever read this thank you a million times again.
As an aside you guys NEED to check out her work. She's always been this super amazing tallented artist and I've had the pleasure of watching her work grow and progress over the years. She blows me away. Go and check out her stuff and then buy something. Seriously. She rocks.
- Website:
- http://www.linkedin.com/in/cjn212
https://twitter.com/cjn212
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjn212/
http://www.myspace.com/cjn212
http://www.youtube.com/cjn212
http://sites.google.com/site/Grotto212/
http://sites.google.com/site/CJNyeART/
http://cjnye.com/(ComingSoon)
It rocks right? She's just the best. I had Mike print them and brought them to school and put them in the mailboxes in the two classrooms. That afternoon I get an email from the fantastic Parent Specialist about holding the bake sale at the school:Uh oh. Fliers went out and were hung all over the school already!
I sent her the flyer and crossed my fingers that they were okay.
Nope. They weren't.
She wrote me back telling me she was surprised to see the fliers around school as they hadn't been approved yet. (as I tuck my tail between my legs and slink to hide under the couch like a bad puppy)
She said they had to come down because I had 8:30am as a start time and school policy states Bake Sales can't start before 1:00pm. (What?!) and that I had to draft a letter absolving the school of all involvement with the sale and stating that I set it up and I'm running it and it was all my idea so they can remain completely neutral and have no issues with other parents or the city and school board.
So we revamped the flyer with the new time and I drafted a letter:
I went to school yesterday and made 350 copies of the flyer front and back. We then went to each of the 4 classroom advocates offices and handed them out with a small explination as to what was up and what we were doing.
I then wandered around school and posted the flyers all over along with the letter right next to it.
I sent out a letter to all the parents in PJ's classroom telling them about the sale and what we needed if they wanted to help.
Then I went through my cabinets to see what I have in the way of baking supplies...
uh...yeah. I think I've got it covered.So far the other mommies and daddies have voluntered to make:
Brownies
Cream filled cupcakes
Rice Krispie Treats
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Lollipops (I have the coolest Autism Speaks puzzle piece mold that I'll give to her)
Chocolate Truffles
So it is my ambitious goal to make the following:
Lemon Squares
Chocolate covered Oreos
S'mores on a stick (Marshmallows dipped in chocolate and coated with Graham Cracker crumbs)
Caramel and Chocoalte dipped pretzel rods
Yellow Cupcakes with "grass" and a birds nest on top complete with eggs
Carrot Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese frosting
Banana Squares with Cream Cheese frosting
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting
Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
If I'm still on my feet after all of this baking I might make a tray of caramel brownies and a tray of 7 layer bars but those are only if I have time and energy.
Am I insane or what?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday or what was I thinking?
I woke up this morning with a great idea. Take the boys to the city and go to Bowery Kitchen Supply in the Chelsea Market.
These things always start out with the best of intentions on my part. They really and truly do.
I WANT to do things with the boys and I want them to have cool city experiences. Things that they wouldn't be able to do anywhere else but Manhattan.
Chelsea Markets and specifically The Bowery Kitchen Supply is one of those places.
We had the great nap argument we have EVERY weekend which always results in my getting VERY frustrated and lots of tears from PJ.
Eventually everyone was up from naps and ready to go.
Of course, these things NEVER go the way I want them to. Never.
Lion is a turtle, PJ is man of a thousand questions and PT is he of little patience for anything or anyone and then I'm the one with the insane smile plastered to her face.
I haven't been to CM in about 11 or 12 years. It is apparently now home to Oxygen Network, The Food Network, I think I saw BMI's name up there and a few others I didn't have time to look at.
This means that even on a Saturday it's full of hip folks who clearly are hoping to star spot or be spotted. (The former, maybe, the latter, almost never folks)
By the time we got there PJ was whining about his feet hurting him and his promised cupcake, Lion wanted to be carried and wanted French Fries (no go in there. Lobster sure, breads, gotcha covered, French Fries...not so much pal.)
I was on a mission to find a sifter for my dry ingredients. I had read a blog that says that sifting the dry ingredients before mixing really helps the outcome of the consistency of your cakes or muffins.
Who am I to argue?
I was hot, tired and frustrated that these things just never go as planned for me.
I forgot about how tight the store is and how chock full of kitchen stuff. I could get lost in there wtih no problem but with the kids my focus was to keep them away from the breakables.
I finally found my sifter (and the only reason I did was because I heard someone test the handle trigger on one and I followed the sound).
We went to Elani's for the promised cupcakes and even that was stressful. PJ wanted the frosting and Lion wanted the cake. Lion was done in about 30 seconds and PJ wanted to linger and eat the frosting with his finger.
When they were finally finished PT decided to take the bus home. While we were waiting PJ announced that he had to pee.
PT told him to hold it and I knew he couldn't (HOW can you ask a 5 year old to hold it for about half an hour? He would never do it. Stupid.) He refused to take PJ on the grounds that he might miss the bus. I took him. Of course where I go, Lion goes so rather than just one I had two.
Thanks PT. Way to step up there daddy-o.
I had to carry Lion back to the bus and take the non working escalator stairs two at a time but we made the bus. (In your FACE PT)
Over all it was a long day and I don't think the kids cared much if we went or not...
These things always start out with the best of intentions on my part. They really and truly do.
I WANT to do things with the boys and I want them to have cool city experiences. Things that they wouldn't be able to do anywhere else but Manhattan.
Chelsea Markets and specifically The Bowery Kitchen Supply is one of those places.
We had the great nap argument we have EVERY weekend which always results in my getting VERY frustrated and lots of tears from PJ.
Eventually everyone was up from naps and ready to go.
Of course, these things NEVER go the way I want them to. Never.
Lion is a turtle, PJ is man of a thousand questions and PT is he of little patience for anything or anyone and then I'm the one with the insane smile plastered to her face.
I haven't been to CM in about 11 or 12 years. It is apparently now home to Oxygen Network, The Food Network, I think I saw BMI's name up there and a few others I didn't have time to look at.
This means that even on a Saturday it's full of hip folks who clearly are hoping to star spot or be spotted. (The former, maybe, the latter, almost never folks)
By the time we got there PJ was whining about his feet hurting him and his promised cupcake, Lion wanted to be carried and wanted French Fries (no go in there. Lobster sure, breads, gotcha covered, French Fries...not so much pal.)
I was on a mission to find a sifter for my dry ingredients. I had read a blog that says that sifting the dry ingredients before mixing really helps the outcome of the consistency of your cakes or muffins.
Who am I to argue?
I was hot, tired and frustrated that these things just never go as planned for me.
I forgot about how tight the store is and how chock full of kitchen stuff. I could get lost in there wtih no problem but with the kids my focus was to keep them away from the breakables.
I finally found my sifter (and the only reason I did was because I heard someone test the handle trigger on one and I followed the sound).
We went to Elani's for the promised cupcakes and even that was stressful. PJ wanted the frosting and Lion wanted the cake. Lion was done in about 30 seconds and PJ wanted to linger and eat the frosting with his finger.
When they were finally finished PT decided to take the bus home. While we were waiting PJ announced that he had to pee.
PT told him to hold it and I knew he couldn't (HOW can you ask a 5 year old to hold it for about half an hour? He would never do it. Stupid.) He refused to take PJ on the grounds that he might miss the bus. I took him. Of course where I go, Lion goes so rather than just one I had two.
Thanks PT. Way to step up there daddy-o.
I had to carry Lion back to the bus and take the non working escalator stairs two at a time but we made the bus. (In your FACE PT)
Over all it was a long day and I don't think the kids cared much if we went or not...
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Oy! What a day!
Last week I'd made plans with my father to have breakfast on Friday morning.
Dim Sum on the first day of spring with one of my absolute favorite people on this planet. What could be better than that?!
We woke to a heavy snow. Big fat, thick, fluffy flakes. Pancakes of the snow world if you will. It was really beautiful but completely uncalled for on the part of Mother Nature. That gal has a very twisted sense of humor I'll tell you!
I dropped the kids off at school and opted to NOT be lazy today and walk the mile to the PATH train.
I cranked my IPOD wrapped my jean jacket a little tighter around me and set out. I got into a good steady catwalk strut (my dad calls it the fuck you walk) and I walked a mile in under 20 mins.
I've been told that's an average time but it feels good to me and I always feel accomplished when I do it. The snow was beautiful as it danced and flitted around me, I felt warm enough in my sweater and jean jacket (though I would have liked some gloves) and it was a nice walk down Hoboken's main street called Washington Street.
My heart rate was up and I considered it my exercise for the day. Since I was going into the city at rush hour I anticipated being a smooshed marshmallow on the PATH to 9th Street. I timed it right so that I just missed a packed train and was able to snag a seat on a rather empty train that had just pulled in.
When I got off I called my dad to see where he was in his travels from Brooklyn and called my sister to tell her I would be to mom's place in about 5 mins.
I'm on the elevator at mom's and my cel phone rings. I knew. I just knew. Everyone else was accounted for and the only reason my phone would ring at 9:15 in the morning was if the school was calling me.
I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Diana? It's Angela from Head Start."
"Hi Angela" (In a weary resigned voice)
"PJ is fine but he was running in the hall tripped and hit his head rather hard on a wall."
(Heavy sigh from my end)
"The nurse said he should see a Dr."
"Now? Do I have to come and get him?"
"She said he should go now. Yes, he needs to be picked up"
"Okay, I'm in the city so it's going to take me a little while to get there but I'll be there as soon as I can"
At this point I'm standing in my mother's living room and my sister has caught the tail end of this conversation.
"Oh no" she says.
I tell her what happened and call my dad back.
He said he would be at mom's shortly and we woulc go and get him.
Get big man from school (thankfully the quick ice pack they applied seemed to have worked wonders because the egg I'd heard about was almost non existant and today there isn't even any bruising)
We take him to the Dr. and are surpisingly seen quicker than I think I've ever been seen. Perhaps it's beacuse of the nature of the injury and the recent death of Natasha Richerdson due to head trauma (which I also think played a major factor in them telling me to come and get him and get him to a Dr.) Doc gave him a clean bill of health.
Since my dad had a parking spot we opted to go to the Malibu diner which is right next door.
I got a Belgian Waffle. Not quite the Dim Sum I had dreampt about but hey, it was yummy.
We went to Target to get PJ a belt and I got him a ton of new clothing. Of course he walked out with a new Lego set and I got The Lion a set of Thomas trains.
My dad came and hung out at our place for a little while, I baked cupcakes, he and I were able to have a semi grown up conversation (which if you have children you know it's impossible to do with them around) and he left at 2:20 when we had to go and pick up Lion at school.
The cleaning ladies swooped in at around 5:30 and created order and cleanliness out of the chaos that is my abode. (It's the most awesome thing. They are a pack of 6 or 7 women who come in a divide and conqure my apartment. They get it clean in about half an hour)
All of a sudden it was 6:30 and PT was home.
Sometimes he's the very best ever.
I'd been invited to attend a Bible Study by the mother of one of Patrick's classmates. I adore this woman and truly value her friendship. She is one of my favorite people and I love to be around her.
She had invited me before in a more casual manner and I was polite but did not commit.(I have a bible study group that I'd love for you to come to sort of thing)
She knows I'm not religious, nor am I looking for a God or a home for my spirituality. It's fine with her and she's never one who pushes it or even makes it a central focus of conversation.
When she was here on Monday, she invited me to her monthly Bible Study group on Friday.
She said they get together at around 7:30 have dinner and then around 8:15 start the discussion.
I told her I wasn't against it but had nothing to offer to the group beyond my open mind and my curiosity. I told her the bible as a tool fascinated me because not much else in this world wields the power that religion does.
I thought about it and I decided I was going to go.
I was going to go because I truly enjoy her company and I know that her relationship with God and her faith is something very important to her and who she is. I know that for her to invite me is something special and it's an oportunity that will not come around in my life often. To know that she felt close enough to me and comfortable enough with me to want to share this side of her life with me is flattering to say the least.
I grew up with zero religion. My dad is Jewish and my mother is Protestant (sp) If I had to align myself and say I was anything I would say I was Jewish but it's only because my grandparents and friends from school gave me more religious information about the Jewish faith and observations than any one else did.
I feel like these days I find I'm liking the Buddhist teachings more and more and feel more connected with what that camp or school of thought has to offer me than any other.
Simply because it seems to fall in line naturally with how I've attempted to conduct my life and the way I treat other people.
Being raised by parents who were not at all religious has allowed me some creative freedom and up until VERY recently religion was never something I EVER thought about.
I do however find it odd that when I start researching the Buddhist religion and sort of start to think about it and think about religion and God or the lack there of this invitation falls into my lap.
I was going with an open mind and a genuine curiosity. And Cupcakes.
I think that things present themselves in this world for a reason and perhaps this one has nothing to do with religion at all. It's an invitation that had never been extended or existed in my life before and one I'm not sure I'd be offered again.
I think I was invited for a reason. I don't think it's something as simple as finding religion or learning to love God either. I felt that it almost has nothing at all to do with religion. I felt that I was meant to go but the why isn't clear.
The topic of discussion was "Greatness in the face of challenge" which I figured I could use some coaching on anyway.
I also decided to go out of sheer curiosity. When you say Bible Study Group to me I think my face contorts itself without meaning to and I recoil a little in horror.
I have a negative preconceived notion of what goes on in these groups and it's unfair because I've never seen it or experienced it first hand.
I have a visual of puritanical ladies sitting around talking about being smote and the sins of the world and the evils within us all.
I figured, it might not be my thing and I might walk away feeling exactly the same about religion that I do right now but I'm touched that she's invited me into something so personal and important to her.
If nothing else I will have some good food and adult conversation.
As PJ would say "It's a speriment".
Of course all day yesterday the question what the fuck do I do if I LIKE what I find there? niggled in the back of my brain and I found I was a bit nervous and apprehensive.
I got dressed (nothing fancy but a little nicer than my usual uniform of leggings and a band tee) brushed my hair, grabbed the cupcakes and walked the block to their home.
You will recall that social settings are not my thing. I'm happiest alone and the people that I do chose to surround myself with are of a more funky alternative crowd. The kind who don't blush when you talk about sex, or curse, who have tattoos and have survived a mosh pit.
I knew these folks were NOT going to be of that ilk and that my best June Cleaver behavior was in order.
What I found when I got there was a VERY pleasant surprise. I should have know in hindsight. A warm, welcoming group of creative folks who could not have made me feel more comfortable.
Conversation was easy (we discussed kids, art, theater) and I didn't for one second feel like an outsider.
When the meal was over and the bibles were brought out I felt a moment of panic because I had NO idea what was where or who was what and wasn't sure if I would be able to contribute a single thing to this discussion.
I'm not sure if it was instinct or if she had been filled in prior but the woman I shared a bible with did all the page flipping and guided me to the passages being read so I could read along.
I found that much of what the bible has to say I already apply to my own life but minus God or the players in the Bible.
(God has a plan for all of us. In my life that translates to: Everything happens for a reason and though the reason may not be clear now it will present itself in time. )
It was good company and an interesting evening.
I'm super glad I went.
A good ending to a VERY long day.
Dim Sum on the first day of spring with one of my absolute favorite people on this planet. What could be better than that?!
We woke to a heavy snow. Big fat, thick, fluffy flakes. Pancakes of the snow world if you will. It was really beautiful but completely uncalled for on the part of Mother Nature. That gal has a very twisted sense of humor I'll tell you!
I dropped the kids off at school and opted to NOT be lazy today and walk the mile to the PATH train.
I cranked my IPOD wrapped my jean jacket a little tighter around me and set out. I got into a good steady catwalk strut (my dad calls it the fuck you walk) and I walked a mile in under 20 mins.
I've been told that's an average time but it feels good to me and I always feel accomplished when I do it. The snow was beautiful as it danced and flitted around me, I felt warm enough in my sweater and jean jacket (though I would have liked some gloves) and it was a nice walk down Hoboken's main street called Washington Street.
My heart rate was up and I considered it my exercise for the day. Since I was going into the city at rush hour I anticipated being a smooshed marshmallow on the PATH to 9th Street. I timed it right so that I just missed a packed train and was able to snag a seat on a rather empty train that had just pulled in.
When I got off I called my dad to see where he was in his travels from Brooklyn and called my sister to tell her I would be to mom's place in about 5 mins.
I'm on the elevator at mom's and my cel phone rings. I knew. I just knew. Everyone else was accounted for and the only reason my phone would ring at 9:15 in the morning was if the school was calling me.
I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Diana? It's Angela from Head Start."
"Hi Angela" (In a weary resigned voice)
"PJ is fine but he was running in the hall tripped and hit his head rather hard on a wall."
(Heavy sigh from my end)
"The nurse said he should see a Dr."
"Now? Do I have to come and get him?"
"She said he should go now. Yes, he needs to be picked up"
"Okay, I'm in the city so it's going to take me a little while to get there but I'll be there as soon as I can"
At this point I'm standing in my mother's living room and my sister has caught the tail end of this conversation.
"Oh no" she says.
I tell her what happened and call my dad back.
He said he would be at mom's shortly and we woulc go and get him.
Get big man from school (thankfully the quick ice pack they applied seemed to have worked wonders because the egg I'd heard about was almost non existant and today there isn't even any bruising)
We take him to the Dr. and are surpisingly seen quicker than I think I've ever been seen. Perhaps it's beacuse of the nature of the injury and the recent death of Natasha Richerdson due to head trauma (which I also think played a major factor in them telling me to come and get him and get him to a Dr.) Doc gave him a clean bill of health.
Since my dad had a parking spot we opted to go to the Malibu diner which is right next door.
I got a Belgian Waffle. Not quite the Dim Sum I had dreampt about but hey, it was yummy.
We went to Target to get PJ a belt and I got him a ton of new clothing. Of course he walked out with a new Lego set and I got The Lion a set of Thomas trains.
My dad came and hung out at our place for a little while, I baked cupcakes, he and I were able to have a semi grown up conversation (which if you have children you know it's impossible to do with them around) and he left at 2:20 when we had to go and pick up Lion at school.
The cleaning ladies swooped in at around 5:30 and created order and cleanliness out of the chaos that is my abode. (It's the most awesome thing. They are a pack of 6 or 7 women who come in a divide and conqure my apartment. They get it clean in about half an hour)
All of a sudden it was 6:30 and PT was home.
Sometimes he's the very best ever.
I'd been invited to attend a Bible Study by the mother of one of Patrick's classmates. I adore this woman and truly value her friendship. She is one of my favorite people and I love to be around her.
She had invited me before in a more casual manner and I was polite but did not commit.(I have a bible study group that I'd love for you to come to sort of thing)
She knows I'm not religious, nor am I looking for a God or a home for my spirituality. It's fine with her and she's never one who pushes it or even makes it a central focus of conversation.
When she was here on Monday, she invited me to her monthly Bible Study group on Friday.
She said they get together at around 7:30 have dinner and then around 8:15 start the discussion.
I told her I wasn't against it but had nothing to offer to the group beyond my open mind and my curiosity. I told her the bible as a tool fascinated me because not much else in this world wields the power that religion does.
I thought about it and I decided I was going to go.
I was going to go because I truly enjoy her company and I know that her relationship with God and her faith is something very important to her and who she is. I know that for her to invite me is something special and it's an oportunity that will not come around in my life often. To know that she felt close enough to me and comfortable enough with me to want to share this side of her life with me is flattering to say the least.
I grew up with zero religion. My dad is Jewish and my mother is Protestant (sp) If I had to align myself and say I was anything I would say I was Jewish but it's only because my grandparents and friends from school gave me more religious information about the Jewish faith and observations than any one else did.
I feel like these days I find I'm liking the Buddhist teachings more and more and feel more connected with what that camp or school of thought has to offer me than any other.
Simply because it seems to fall in line naturally with how I've attempted to conduct my life and the way I treat other people.
Being raised by parents who were not at all religious has allowed me some creative freedom and up until VERY recently religion was never something I EVER thought about.
I do however find it odd that when I start researching the Buddhist religion and sort of start to think about it and think about religion and God or the lack there of this invitation falls into my lap.
I was going with an open mind and a genuine curiosity. And Cupcakes.
I think that things present themselves in this world for a reason and perhaps this one has nothing to do with religion at all. It's an invitation that had never been extended or existed in my life before and one I'm not sure I'd be offered again.
I think I was invited for a reason. I don't think it's something as simple as finding religion or learning to love God either. I felt that it almost has nothing at all to do with religion. I felt that I was meant to go but the why isn't clear.
The topic of discussion was "Greatness in the face of challenge" which I figured I could use some coaching on anyway.
I also decided to go out of sheer curiosity. When you say Bible Study Group to me I think my face contorts itself without meaning to and I recoil a little in horror.
I have a negative preconceived notion of what goes on in these groups and it's unfair because I've never seen it or experienced it first hand.
I have a visual of puritanical ladies sitting around talking about being smote and the sins of the world and the evils within us all.
I figured, it might not be my thing and I might walk away feeling exactly the same about religion that I do right now but I'm touched that she's invited me into something so personal and important to her.
If nothing else I will have some good food and adult conversation.
As PJ would say "It's a speriment".
Of course all day yesterday the question what the fuck do I do if I LIKE what I find there? niggled in the back of my brain and I found I was a bit nervous and apprehensive.
I got dressed (nothing fancy but a little nicer than my usual uniform of leggings and a band tee) brushed my hair, grabbed the cupcakes and walked the block to their home.
You will recall that social settings are not my thing. I'm happiest alone and the people that I do chose to surround myself with are of a more funky alternative crowd. The kind who don't blush when you talk about sex, or curse, who have tattoos and have survived a mosh pit.
I knew these folks were NOT going to be of that ilk and that my best June Cleaver behavior was in order.
What I found when I got there was a VERY pleasant surprise. I should have know in hindsight. A warm, welcoming group of creative folks who could not have made me feel more comfortable.
Conversation was easy (we discussed kids, art, theater) and I didn't for one second feel like an outsider.
When the meal was over and the bibles were brought out I felt a moment of panic because I had NO idea what was where or who was what and wasn't sure if I would be able to contribute a single thing to this discussion.
I'm not sure if it was instinct or if she had been filled in prior but the woman I shared a bible with did all the page flipping and guided me to the passages being read so I could read along.
I found that much of what the bible has to say I already apply to my own life but minus God or the players in the Bible.
(God has a plan for all of us. In my life that translates to: Everything happens for a reason and though the reason may not be clear now it will present itself in time. )
It was good company and an interesting evening.
I'm super glad I went.
A good ending to a VERY long day.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Belated Birthday Lunch
I dropped the kiddos off at school today and went into the city to have brunch with my mother and sister.
We went to a very sweet place called the Carmine Street Cafe. I had a pot of Earl Grey tea and Challa French Toast. NUMMY.
We ordered the brownie with ice cream for dessert and it came with a candle and my mom and sister sang happy birthday to me. Belated but appreciated.
We then walked uptown and mom went sneaker shopping and I parted with them and jumped on the PATH to go home and get the munchkins.
We went to a very sweet place called the Carmine Street Cafe. I had a pot of Earl Grey tea and Challa French Toast. NUMMY.
We ordered the brownie with ice cream for dessert and it came with a candle and my mom and sister sang happy birthday to me. Belated but appreciated.
We then walked uptown and mom went sneaker shopping and I parted with them and jumped on the PATH to go home and get the munchkins.
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