We're inching closer to the Bar Mitzvah. Meanwhile, I've put out a printed newsletter for my Hadassah group, made progress on the work I have on two committees for a Jewish outreach organization (which is having its big launch party on Wednesday), dealt with a big proposal and a newsletter at work. Began (barely) my Passover shopping (first seder is at our home).
Biggest frustration is how few RSVPs I've received, as well as having received a few from relatives who I'd hope would come, but cannot. And then there are those not staying for the Sunday lunch... I'm beginning to get nervous that we won't reach the minimum amount I need for the restaurant...
Okay, one thing at a time. I've got to get a little bit of work done this morning before I head for the airport (going to a sales conference through Wednesday for work).
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Some Sunday extras
Since the theme is magic, I want to emphasize it further. I purchased small magic hats from Oriental Trading. I'll use them for centerpieces, perhaps filled with candy, and they may hold table numbers.
I also decided to make favors--chocolate-covered pretzel wands, with white chocolate on the tips, like a wand would have. Pretzels cost $1 or so a bag. Milk chocolate chunks for baking (actually heating up in a microwave) and white chocolate chips for the tips. We made a batch this past weekend, and it seems as if they defrost too quickly. Anyway, I also purchased clear plastic bags at Party City and ordered ribbon with my son'sname and date on them. $3 set up fee and then 22 cents or so per ribbon, I think. alogether $25 for 100 ribbons.
Last item, I purchase magic kits from the dollar store and created sleeves to wrap around them. Took the Jewish star motif, added a top hat, hiding some of the star, and I wrote, "I had a magical celebration at XXX's Bar Mitzvah."
This will be fun!
I also decided to make favors--chocolate-covered pretzel wands, with white chocolate on the tips, like a wand would have. Pretzels cost $1 or so a bag. Milk chocolate chunks for baking (actually heating up in a microwave) and white chocolate chips for the tips. We made a batch this past weekend, and it seems as if they defrost too quickly. Anyway, I also purchased clear plastic bags at Party City and ordered ribbon with my son'sname and date on them. $3 set up fee and then 22 cents or so per ribbon, I think. alogether $25 for 100 ribbons.
Last item, I purchase magic kits from the dollar store and created sleeves to wrap around them. Took the Jewish star motif, added a top hat, hiding some of the star, and I wrote, "I had a magical celebration at XXX's Bar Mitzvah."
This will be fun!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday's lunchtime Bar Mitzvah party
I wanted to hold the Bar Mitzvah "party" somewhere not far from the synagogue--or actually, not far from the Marriott Courtyard where the guests are staying, as it has a free shuttle up to a five mile radius.
I also did not want to spend a lot. I checked out event facilities, caterers, restaurants, etc., but in the end, decided upon brunch at an Italian restaurant which sounded nice (found it after a lot of online sleuthing and telephone calls to area restaurants). A co-worker vouched for them as well. I contacted the proprietor and he sounded amenable. We discussed my only requirement--no meat (to keep a semblance of kashrut). We went in one Sunday morning for brunch, to try out the menu, check out the ambience, see what the service was like. All quite wonderful.
Some time later the proprietor contacted me to tell me that they had cancelled their brunch menu. So we proposed a lunch menu instead for the same price, and he agreed. Instead of 10:30 am, the invitation would call for 11:00 am.
For $18 a person, including tax and tip, they will serve green and/or caesar salad (family style), rolls and garlic knots, an entree. Adults will receive their choice of stuffed shells, gnocchi with choice of sauce, or fettucini alfredo (he requested we get this info in advance--it was put on the RSVP card); children will have spaghetti and ravioli to choose from, served family style. For dessert, each person can choose either cannoli or Italian ices. Refillable soft drinks, coffee, tea are included as well. One of our guests asked me about this--she liked the idea so much--as she needs to plan a high school graduation party for her oldest daughter (a wonderful girl who tutored both my oldest son and now my middle son for their Bnei Mitzvah).
It is a small storefront restaurant in a historic area near quaint railroad tracks. For added entertainment, I found a magician who will perform "strolling magic," from table to table. Again, I did my detective work online, googling for magicians in my area. I checked websites (some were part of nationally affiliated companies), wrote to them all, and found out pricing from those who answered (they began at $200 and hour and increased from there). Later on I contacted one more I had stumbled upon. He quoted me $300. When I told him I was looking for less, he told me that anyone under $200 isn't likely to be good. Then I told him I had found someone for $200. He asked for the name, and when I told him, he was surprised that this particular magician worked at that price...since he is so good.
I figured I didn't need to call the references he gave me with an endorsement like that!
While it would be good advertising for me to give his name and website, as well as that of the resturant, at this point in time, I am still not supplying factors which would help identify me or my location. This may change...
I have a "few tricks up my sleeve" for carrying out the magic theme, but will save them for another entry!
I also did not want to spend a lot. I checked out event facilities, caterers, restaurants, etc., but in the end, decided upon brunch at an Italian restaurant which sounded nice (found it after a lot of online sleuthing and telephone calls to area restaurants). A co-worker vouched for them as well. I contacted the proprietor and he sounded amenable. We discussed my only requirement--no meat (to keep a semblance of kashrut). We went in one Sunday morning for brunch, to try out the menu, check out the ambience, see what the service was like. All quite wonderful.
Some time later the proprietor contacted me to tell me that they had cancelled their brunch menu. So we proposed a lunch menu instead for the same price, and he agreed. Instead of 10:30 am, the invitation would call for 11:00 am.
For $18 a person, including tax and tip, they will serve green and/or caesar salad (family style), rolls and garlic knots, an entree. Adults will receive their choice of stuffed shells, gnocchi with choice of sauce, or fettucini alfredo (he requested we get this info in advance--it was put on the RSVP card); children will have spaghetti and ravioli to choose from, served family style. For dessert, each person can choose either cannoli or Italian ices. Refillable soft drinks, coffee, tea are included as well. One of our guests asked me about this--she liked the idea so much--as she needs to plan a high school graduation party for her oldest daughter (a wonderful girl who tutored both my oldest son and now my middle son for their Bnei Mitzvah).
It is a small storefront restaurant in a historic area near quaint railroad tracks. For added entertainment, I found a magician who will perform "strolling magic," from table to table. Again, I did my detective work online, googling for magicians in my area. I checked websites (some were part of nationally affiliated companies), wrote to them all, and found out pricing from those who answered (they began at $200 and hour and increased from there). Later on I contacted one more I had stumbled upon. He quoted me $300. When I told him I was looking for less, he told me that anyone under $200 isn't likely to be good. Then I told him I had found someone for $200. He asked for the name, and when I told him, he was surprised that this particular magician worked at that price...since he is so good.
I figured I didn't need to call the references he gave me with an endorsement like that!
While it would be good advertising for me to give his name and website, as well as that of the resturant, at this point in time, I am still not supplying factors which would help identify me or my location. This may change...
I have a "few tricks up my sleeve" for carrying out the magic theme, but will save them for another entry!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A little about Saturday Night's dinner
We are not having a big to-do on Saturday night (the party is a Sunday lunch at a restaurant).
We are having a dinner and a Family Game & Movie Night at the Marriott Courtyard where the out-of-town guests are staying. The restaurant is not open for dinner, so we can use the space, as long as the food is cold only. I'm bringing in kosher deli...and since there's no reason to rush home afterwards, we're also bringing in lots of games and using one of the meeting rooms to show a movie (Transformers). To round out the theme, I purchased popcorn bags and a banner from Oriental Trading. Trader Joe's has pareve popcorn.
For centerpieces, I'm stealing and modifying an idea I saw at a Hadassah function. I found great plastic containers that look like popcorn boxes at Target for a dollar each and tons of non-dairy non-Halloween-looking candy at 75% off (post-Halloween--the store overbought for the holiday). I then went to the dollar store and bought the cubes of the green stuff you use with artificial flower arrangements and pipe cleaners. I'll put a cube in the container, cover it with tissue paper, stick some pipecleaners in (twisting the tops of them prettily), and throw in a lot of candy. Viola.
The centerpieces will go on the many tables dotting the lobby restaurant (where the game playing will take place) and the popcorn will be waiting for the kids in the meeting/movie room. We'll all hang out together--it should be nice.
We are having a dinner and a Family Game & Movie Night at the Marriott Courtyard where the out-of-town guests are staying. The restaurant is not open for dinner, so we can use the space, as long as the food is cold only. I'm bringing in kosher deli...and since there's no reason to rush home afterwards, we're also bringing in lots of games and using one of the meeting rooms to show a movie (Transformers). To round out the theme, I purchased popcorn bags and a banner from Oriental Trading. Trader Joe's has pareve popcorn.
For centerpieces, I'm stealing and modifying an idea I saw at a Hadassah function. I found great plastic containers that look like popcorn boxes at Target for a dollar each and tons of non-dairy non-Halloween-looking candy at 75% off (post-Halloween--the store overbought for the holiday). I then went to the dollar store and bought the cubes of the green stuff you use with artificial flower arrangements and pipe cleaners. I'll put a cube in the container, cover it with tissue paper, stick some pipecleaners in (twisting the tops of them prettily), and throw in a lot of candy. Viola.
The centerpieces will go on the many tables dotting the lobby restaurant (where the game playing will take place) and the popcorn will be waiting for the kids in the meeting/movie room. We'll all hang out together--it should be nice.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lesson No. 11 - Lessons never learned
1. Don't bite off more than you can chew.
2. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
The combination of these two is lethal!
2. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
The combination of these two is lethal!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Bar Mitzvah preparations continue
I mailed out the invitations yesterday afternoon and the first one was already received (my husband got a call complimenting him on them)! To be honest, I think I'm more excited than my son is. I can't wait to see the RSVPs come in (hopefully with lots of yesses!).
I asked my mother to tell me--honestly--if she thinks they look too unprofessional or not. Safe (or poor?) choice, in that she's always biased towards anything I do, as is my father. At any rate, everyone should have them within a few days. I truly hope my cousins and out-of-town relatives can make it. It would be so nice to spend time with them all.
So, with the invitations out of the way, this weekend I can finish making the Candy Torahs (see this blog entry). I'm using the same artwork on them as I did on the invitation. I'm also using that same star on water bottle labels I've prepared (but still have to glue on). I won't use it, though, on the centerpieces I'm putting together for Friday night dinner, Saturday night dinner or Sunday's lunch. But I may use it on one of the two favors I'm making for Sunday. We'll see. I like the idea of tying things together visually.
This weekend, at any rate, I also have to prepare a four page newsletter for my Hadassah group. And this coming week, I have another meeting to do with the Jewish outreach group I'm involved with--event planning, in this case. Right now, I've got to finish up some work before I head home.
Making this all a bit worse is that we lose an hour of sleep this weekend when we change the clocks. I need that hour!
Shabbat Shalom.
I asked my mother to tell me--honestly--if she thinks they look too unprofessional or not. Safe (or poor?) choice, in that she's always biased towards anything I do, as is my father. At any rate, everyone should have them within a few days. I truly hope my cousins and out-of-town relatives can make it. It would be so nice to spend time with them all.
So, with the invitations out of the way, this weekend I can finish making the Candy Torahs (see this blog entry). I'm using the same artwork on them as I did on the invitation. I'm also using that same star on water bottle labels I've prepared (but still have to glue on). I won't use it, though, on the centerpieces I'm putting together for Friday night dinner, Saturday night dinner or Sunday's lunch. But I may use it on one of the two favors I'm making for Sunday. We'll see. I like the idea of tying things together visually.
This weekend, at any rate, I also have to prepare a four page newsletter for my Hadassah group. And this coming week, I have another meeting to do with the Jewish outreach group I'm involved with--event planning, in this case. Right now, I've got to finish up some work before I head home.
Making this all a bit worse is that we lose an hour of sleep this weekend when we change the clocks. I need that hour!
Shabbat Shalom.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Bar Mitzvah Invitations
This week my husband and I printed up the invitations and response cards I had designed. We've still got the envelopes to go, but we're almost there.
Michael's and Office Depot sell wedding invitation kits meant for use with an inkjet printer. I bought mine at Michael's (with coupons, of course). They sell the kits, which include 50 invitations and envelopes, and 50 response cards and more envelopes, for about $30. I bought two boxes, one with a 50% off coupon and the other 40%... They're a nice weight card stock, and I chose a simple pearl color with a border. If designed well, there's no reason anyone would even think wedding invitation.
I found nice "Jewish art" online. In general, two of my favorite places to go are MorgueFile for photos and Microsoft for photos, clip art, etc. I found mine on the Microsoft site. When taking material off the internet for printing, always be sure what you take is royalty free and copyright free and that it is meant to be copied and used. Otherwise, it's stealing. Also, make sure it's high resolution. Printing requires at least 200 dpi; a monitor only needs 72 dpi.
I picked a beautiful font (FlairRoman) for the body of the invitation and another (Blair) for putting my son's name inside the star. I then "eyedropped" a brown from the picture so that the font color would complement the art. I think it looks nice--hope others will agree.
It's also nice that it doesn't weigh too much. That is, I doublechecked--the two envelopes, invitation and response card--and a small card from the hotel--together weigh less than 41 cents, so I won't need extra postage. (By the way, postage goes up on May 12--it's time to stock up on Forever stamps!). I actually designed two versions of the invitation and the response card, as out-of-towners and family are also invited to dinner Friday and Saturday nights. I considered buying additional insert cards for the additional meals (many people use different inserts when not everyone is invited to everything), but decided that the advantage of printing it all myself meant that I could prepare custom invitations. (Actually, for my oldest son's Bar Mitzvah and my wedding three years ago (yes, all in one weekend!), I created four different versions!).
I asked the Bar Mitzvah boy to look at the Post Office website and pick out the stamp he preferred. Must say it's much easier for girls (more choices than for boys, I think). He chose the somewhat generic, but always happy, Celebrate.
All in all, the invitations cost me around $35 (without postage and without ink)--so much better than the hundreds most printers charge! They're not difficult to do--the kit even comes with design and wording suggestions--and it's an easy way to save money....Anyway, they should go out before the end of the week. Yea!
Michael's and Office Depot sell wedding invitation kits meant for use with an inkjet printer. I bought mine at Michael's (with coupons, of course). They sell the kits, which include 50 invitations and envelopes, and 50 response cards and more envelopes, for about $30. I bought two boxes, one with a 50% off coupon and the other 40%... They're a nice weight card stock, and I chose a simple pearl color with a border. If designed well, there's no reason anyone would even think wedding invitation.
I found nice "Jewish art" online. In general, two of my favorite places to go are MorgueFile for photos and Microsoft for photos, clip art, etc. I found mine on the Microsoft site. When taking material off the internet for printing, always be sure what you take is royalty free and copyright free and that it is meant to be copied and used. Otherwise, it's stealing. Also, make sure it's high resolution. Printing requires at least 200 dpi; a monitor only needs 72 dpi.
I picked a beautiful font (FlairRoman) for the body of the invitation and another (Blair) for putting my son's name inside the star. I then "eyedropped" a brown from the picture so that the font color would complement the art. I think it looks nice--hope others will agree.
It's also nice that it doesn't weigh too much. That is, I doublechecked--the two envelopes, invitation and response card--and a small card from the hotel--together weigh less than 41 cents, so I won't need extra postage. (By the way, postage goes up on May 12--it's time to stock up on Forever stamps!). I actually designed two versions of the invitation and the response card, as out-of-towners and family are also invited to dinner Friday and Saturday nights. I considered buying additional insert cards for the additional meals (many people use different inserts when not everyone is invited to everything), but decided that the advantage of printing it all myself meant that I could prepare custom invitations. (Actually, for my oldest son's Bar Mitzvah and my wedding three years ago (yes, all in one weekend!), I created four different versions!).
I asked the Bar Mitzvah boy to look at the Post Office website and pick out the stamp he preferred. Must say it's much easier for girls (more choices than for boys, I think). He chose the somewhat generic, but always happy, Celebrate.
All in all, the invitations cost me around $35 (without postage and without ink)--so much better than the hundreds most printers charge! They're not difficult to do--the kit even comes with design and wording suggestions--and it's an easy way to save money....Anyway, they should go out before the end of the week. Yea!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
More Simcha news
The plan:
Friday services and dinner (See last blog entry)
Saturday services and Kiddush luncheon
Saturday night casual dinner and Family Game & Movie Night (at hotel)
Sunday party--lunch at a restaurant with strolling magician
I've already told you about Friday night. The fortune cookies arrived and I'm splitting them with someone else.
Saturday morning will be a basic Kiddush meal, although I'm adding a seven-layer dip, salsa, and chips (a number of my husband's relatives are from Mexico). On each table, instead of a centerpiece, I'll scatter ten Candy Torahs (each table seats ten). Okay, I "stole" the idea from a website, but I'm making them myself (more cost effective). I ordered Winkies, a kosher version of Smarties from Amazon, designed the paper and am using a glue stick to seal them closed.
Friday services and dinner (See last blog entry)
Saturday services and Kiddush luncheon
Saturday night casual dinner and Family Game & Movie Night (at hotel)
Sunday party--lunch at a restaurant with strolling magician
I've already told you about Friday night. The fortune cookies arrived and I'm splitting them with someone else.
Saturday morning will be a basic Kiddush meal, although I'm adding a seven-layer dip, salsa, and chips (a number of my husband's relatives are from Mexico). On each table, instead of a centerpiece, I'll scatter ten Candy Torahs (each table seats ten). Okay, I "stole" the idea from a website, but I'm making them myself (more cost effective). I ordered Winkies, a kosher version of Smarties from Amazon, designed the paper and am using a glue stick to seal them closed.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tips for DIY Bar Mitzvah planning
When I was growing up, it was much simpler. Services at synagogue, maybe a separate fancy party, and I knew one kid with yet even another party for kids at his house. My brother and I only had a meal at shul after services, and that was fine. Growing up, no one lived more than a few counties away.
Nowadays, we've got out-of-town guests. And so we've got more meals and an entire weekend to plan and provide. And this is fine. It makes for a nice family simcha (happy event). I tend to do a lot myself or to "know how to shop." Even if budget wasn't limited, I must say I honestly can't understand spending so much for a party, when there are bigger things, like retirement and college, which need to be funded...
So, let's talk about Friday night...
After Friday night services, we'll serve dinner at shul to the out-of-towners and my husband's family who live nearby. I'm ordering in Kosher Chinese food and looking for a good pareve (non-dairy non-meat) ice cream (a.k.a. frozen dessert) to serve afterwards. I just ordered a case of fortune cookies (!), since the Kosher Chinese place doesn't have. I'll actually split with someone who's daughter is having her Bat Mitzvah the weekend after my son's. My brainstorn for centerpieces--takeout boxes (free from caterer) with tissue paper ($1?) , fortune cookies (paid for, but if the aterer had had, I would've asked hi for them), chopsticks (free from caterer) and a little fan ($2.95/dozen, courtesy of Oriental Trading--BTW, if you take your catalog to Party City, you get 10% off and you don't pay shipping).
For my oldest son's Bar Mitzvah's Friday night meal three years ago, we ordered from a Kosher Publix. $7 or $7.25 per person for salad, quarter chicken, string bean casserole, and noodle kugle. It was delicious, actually. And I had them make a pareve sheetcake with my son's picture on it...The price has gone up a dollar or so since then, but I decided I wanted something different this time.
The Chinese food runs quite a bit more per adult (meal will include beef dish, chicken dish, veggie lo mein, white rice and fried rice, but no eggroll, in order to keep costs down here), but I'm getting platters of wings and tenders with dipping sauces for the kids, and that's low enough to help offset the rest.
It should be a nice meal, a nice way to start the weekend. Foodwise, we're winding up with an international menu as the weekend goes on.
More in my next post... (Oh and I have to tell you about how I'm making the invitations myself...)
Nowadays, we've got out-of-town guests. And so we've got more meals and an entire weekend to plan and provide. And this is fine. It makes for a nice family simcha (happy event). I tend to do a lot myself or to "know how to shop." Even if budget wasn't limited, I must say I honestly can't understand spending so much for a party, when there are bigger things, like retirement and college, which need to be funded...
So, let's talk about Friday night...
After Friday night services, we'll serve dinner at shul to the out-of-towners and my husband's family who live nearby. I'm ordering in Kosher Chinese food and looking for a good pareve (non-dairy non-meat) ice cream (a.k.a. frozen dessert) to serve afterwards. I just ordered a case of fortune cookies (!), since the Kosher Chinese place doesn't have. I'll actually split with someone who's daughter is having her Bat Mitzvah the weekend after my son's. My brainstorn for centerpieces--takeout boxes (free from caterer) with tissue paper ($1?) , fortune cookies (paid for, but if the aterer had had, I would've asked hi for them), chopsticks (free from caterer) and a little fan ($2.95/dozen, courtesy of Oriental Trading--BTW, if you take your catalog to Party City, you get 10% off and you don't pay shipping).
For my oldest son's Bar Mitzvah's Friday night meal three years ago, we ordered from a Kosher Publix. $7 or $7.25 per person for salad, quarter chicken, string bean casserole, and noodle kugle. It was delicious, actually. And I had them make a pareve sheetcake with my son's picture on it...The price has gone up a dollar or so since then, but I decided I wanted something different this time.
The Chinese food runs quite a bit more per adult (meal will include beef dish, chicken dish, veggie lo mein, white rice and fried rice, but no eggroll, in order to keep costs down here), but I'm getting platters of wings and tenders with dipping sauces for the kids, and that's low enough to help offset the rest.
It should be a nice meal, a nice way to start the weekend. Foodwise, we're winding up with an international menu as the weekend goes on.
More in my next post... (Oh and I have to tell you about how I'm making the invitations myself...)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Rules of behavior
1. No cursing
2. No name-calling
3. No denigrating
4. No yelling about irrelevant issues; talk calmly to the point
5. No throwing bowls of soup across the kitchen
6. Not in front of the children
That's all I can say right now...
2. No name-calling
3. No denigrating
4. No yelling about irrelevant issues; talk calmly to the point
5. No throwing bowls of soup across the kitchen
6. Not in front of the children
That's all I can say right now...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
No time for illness
Still not feeling well, although 10 days of amoxycillin brought my white blood count and absolute neutrophils back where they ought to be. So then my doctor sent me for a chest x-ray, and a "questionable expansion" of the front side of the second right rib was found. So then I went back for a rib x-ray series (yesterday) and tracked down a chest x-ray I took over a year ago (will pick it up tomorrow) for comparison's sake. But what bothers me most is that I can't stand how my glands so frequently hurt me, my throat is sore (my culture came back okay too), and I feel faint/weak. It was like this all weekend long, and then not yesterday or today, but it started again an hour or two ago. Annoying.
And given that I have a lot of work to do right now--a proposal which is due this week and I have to have it back in the U.K. office's hands before they go to work in the morning--it looks like another late night. (Of course, spending my time blogging does not help!) I know I need sleep, but can't invent hours that don't exist!
And at the same time, I'm trying to move ahead with Bar Mitzvah preparations for my middle son (1st weekend in May). He's doing great--already knows his Haftorah and several of he Torah readings. He's now reviewing/learning more of Shacharit (the morning prayers). If he feels comfortable enough with that, he'll be able to lead those as well. SiddurAudio.com has been a great resource for him (and for anyone who wants to become more familiar with prayers, I suggest it strongly). And this week we received the tallit (prayer shawl) that we ordered for him through the synagogue's gift shop. It, along with a tallit bag and tallis clip, are a meaningful gift from my parents. And he loved picking them out himself.
As for me, I'm designing invitations, making all kinds of favors and centerpieces (I'll share ideas in another entry, I promise!), planning menus for multiple meals, and trying to track down an inexpensive kippah supplier. I wanted to use the same man, Ezra, that I used for my oldest son's Bar Mitzvah. He owns a store called Ot in the Cardo in the Old City of Jerusalem and charges 8 shekels (around $2) for a knitted kippah. But we spoke several times, and he'd said he would email pictures of kippot, and still hasn't done it...after numerous conversations and messages.
So I looked online and found another inexpensive one, David Kippot; his knitted ones were $2.50 (more than I wanted to spend), so I was considered his jeans or brocade kippot (I really liked the camouflage, but my husband vetoed that). He's located in China and his website quoted $2 for samples, but via email he told me he wants $25 to ship them (express -- he won't wait in line at the post office to send them cheaper). Scratch that. So, I googled in Hebrew (boy, did I feel clever doing that!), and found another. Like Ezra, Kipot Levin is located in Israel. His website shows $1.47 each for knitted kippot. Wow! But via email, he told me to ship 80-90 would cost $40-$50! So I wrote back, asking if he could stick them in a padded envelope and send them by sea to cut down the cost. He didn't answer. I wrote back to him three times after that, and still no reply. I want to give him the business, as I did Ezra. But neither seem awfully interested in receiving it! I may have to go to the very big and oft-used kippas.com and order suede ($1.95 each), but I really wanted knitted for $2 each or less and would've loved to give the business to an Israel-based company. Very frustrating!!!!
Okay, must get back to work!
And given that I have a lot of work to do right now--a proposal which is due this week and I have to have it back in the U.K. office's hands before they go to work in the morning--it looks like another late night. (Of course, spending my time blogging does not help!) I know I need sleep, but can't invent hours that don't exist!
And at the same time, I'm trying to move ahead with Bar Mitzvah preparations for my middle son (1st weekend in May). He's doing great--already knows his Haftorah and several of he Torah readings. He's now reviewing/learning more of Shacharit (the morning prayers). If he feels comfortable enough with that, he'll be able to lead those as well. SiddurAudio.com has been a great resource for him (and for anyone who wants to become more familiar with prayers, I suggest it strongly). And this week we received the tallit (prayer shawl) that we ordered for him through the synagogue's gift shop. It, along with a tallit bag and tallis clip, are a meaningful gift from my parents. And he loved picking them out himself.
As for me, I'm designing invitations, making all kinds of favors and centerpieces (I'll share ideas in another entry, I promise!), planning menus for multiple meals, and trying to track down an inexpensive kippah supplier. I wanted to use the same man, Ezra, that I used for my oldest son's Bar Mitzvah. He owns a store called Ot in the Cardo in the Old City of Jerusalem and charges 8 shekels (around $2) for a knitted kippah. But we spoke several times, and he'd said he would email pictures of kippot, and still hasn't done it...after numerous conversations and messages.
So I looked online and found another inexpensive one, David Kippot; his knitted ones were $2.50 (more than I wanted to spend), so I was considered his jeans or brocade kippot (I really liked the camouflage, but my husband vetoed that). He's located in China and his website quoted $2 for samples, but via email he told me he wants $25 to ship them (express -- he won't wait in line at the post office to send them cheaper). Scratch that. So, I googled in Hebrew (boy, did I feel clever doing that!), and found another. Like Ezra, Kipot Levin is located in Israel. His website shows $1.47 each for knitted kippot. Wow! But via email, he told me to ship 80-90 would cost $40-$50! So I wrote back, asking if he could stick them in a padded envelope and send them by sea to cut down the cost. He didn't answer. I wrote back to him three times after that, and still no reply. I want to give him the business, as I did Ezra. But neither seem awfully interested in receiving it! I may have to go to the very big and oft-used kippas.com and order suede ($1.95 each), but I really wanted knitted for $2 each or less and would've loved to give the business to an Israel-based company. Very frustrating!!!!
Okay, must get back to work!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Being sick really stinks!
I did everything I had to do today, even though I did not feel well, especially this morning. (As the day went on, I felt better, actually.)
Hadassah training went well. The new Tower they're building at Ein Kerem will be truly wonderful. It is a new state-of-the-art facility which will increase the number of beds incredibly and will have areas belowground to accomodate patients etc., should the need arise aboveground...
My evening board meeting went well. We're planning the launch of a website and a re-launch of an organization whose mission is essentially Jewish outreach. I think the main event of our launch party will be fantastic--a type of family feud game involving area Rabbis and education about our metro community.
And in between, my two other sons won their basketball games (I only saw one, though). My oldest missed his, for a Hebrew high school of sorts, which has turned out to be a rather large disappointment. But I'll save that for another day.
Hadassah training went well. The new Tower they're building at Ein Kerem will be truly wonderful. It is a new state-of-the-art facility which will increase the number of beds incredibly and will have areas belowground to accomodate patients etc., should the need arise aboveground...
My evening board meeting went well. We're planning the launch of a website and a re-launch of an organization whose mission is essentially Jewish outreach. I think the main event of our launch party will be fantastic--a type of family feud game involving area Rabbis and education about our metro community.
And in between, my two other sons won their basketball games (I only saw one, though). My oldest missed his, for a Hebrew high school of sorts, which has turned out to be a rather large disappointment. But I'll save that for another day.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Being sick stinks
I've been sick for the last week. Not fun. I went to the doctor two Fridays ago, swollen glands again and my whole body ached, plus a small cough. She "wasn't impressed" with my glands, but noted fluid in one ear and a temperature of 100.3! They took blood for a complete blood count and a throat culture.
On Tuesday, I found out my white blood cell count was above the normal range, as were my absolute neutrophils (way high, but not sure what that means), a few other numbers were off, and I was put on antibiotics. Missed worked and stayed in bed a lot, although I went in yesterday. Still difficult to breathe in fully, deeply, but felt better.
Today I went to synagogue with my two younger sons, but didn't help out in the kitchen (didn't want to cough onto the food!) and returned home to bed. My glands hurt again, as does the base of my neck/head. We just got back from my oldest son's basketball game (they were leading the whole game, but lost--the fourth quarter didn't go well), and I'm bushed.
I'm debating between going straight back to bed (I've got a full day tomorrow, from Hebrew school, Hadassah training, basketball games, more Hebrew school, a board meeting, etc.) and watching a new Trading Spaces (Paige is back!). Being sick stinks.
On Tuesday, I found out my white blood cell count was above the normal range, as were my absolute neutrophils (way high, but not sure what that means), a few other numbers were off, and I was put on antibiotics. Missed worked and stayed in bed a lot, although I went in yesterday. Still difficult to breathe in fully, deeply, but felt better.
Today I went to synagogue with my two younger sons, but didn't help out in the kitchen (didn't want to cough onto the food!) and returned home to bed. My glands hurt again, as does the base of my neck/head. We just got back from my oldest son's basketball game (they were leading the whole game, but lost--the fourth quarter didn't go well), and I'm bushed.
I'm debating between going straight back to bed (I've got a full day tomorrow, from Hebrew school, Hadassah training, basketball games, more Hebrew school, a board meeting, etc.) and watching a new Trading Spaces (Paige is back!). Being sick stinks.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lesson No. 10 - College prep needs to start early
I made the mistake (!) of reading through parts of a book my father gave me, What High Schools Don't Tell You. It's a good book, and I discovered what they don't tell you is that you have to start early to make sure your child has a collection of extras which not only show he/she is passionate about something, but has taken the time to advance his/her knowledge in that area.
So my 9th grader, a very bright but unmotivated A student taking honors classes, is passionate about Naruto (a cartoon), a few television shows with real live people, his iPod, and the new PSP that he and his brother chipped in to buy (I've got to admit, it's very cool, great graphics and allows music downloads!) (sigh). He enjoys art, building things (but wouldn't join the Lego/Robotics Club, much to my chagrin), and likes math and science.
The author offers methods for helping both you and your child try to find out what his/her passions are. She reassures the reader that it's okay if these passions change over time. If you're faced with a child who doesn't have an obvious passion and isn't motivated academically (or otherwise), there are still things you can do. For example, if your kid likes to play video games, let 'em learn how to create them. Oh, the book also says that it's important to use summers wisely. So I found a summer two-week program/camp at a polytech college where high school students learn how to make their own video game. He's interested in doing this, which is good.
College credits during high school are also impressive. My son is addicted to television-watching. It turns out that a local tech college only a few blocks from my home offers a program in television production, and they're beginning one next year in computer animation used in television graphics. I spoke with someone in admissions and am going to schedule a visit so that my son can see the cool equipment. If he's on board, then he can take an admissions test (something called the Compass) and begin something next school year.
Between exposure to computer programming games and behind-the-scenes television, my son should be able to find something he'd like to discover more about--or even be passionate about.
And while I'm at it, I looked into the SAT Subject Exams ("Achievement Tests" when I was in school). My son is fluent in Hebrew and his reading and written skills are still strong, despite having moved from Israel almost five years ago. I downloaded sample questions for Modern Hebrew, he did well and is okay with taking the test. I found a source for a book of practice sections and tests, and ordered it. (It's still a race against the clock, with 85 questions in 60 minutes.) Figured taking the test can't hurt. (He also happens to be doing very well in French, enjoys foreign languages.)
Our problem is we live in Georgia. The state's generous Hope Scholarship pays full tuition at a state school for those with a B-or-better average. So, the number of B-and better students who might've gone to private or out-of-state schools is far smaller than would be otherwise; they're now competing to get into the top state schools. Now, not only is a B average not enough to get in to University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, students with even much higher grades and great SATs don't always make the cut. They want rigorous courses and lots of extracurriculars. But What High Schools Don't Tell You makes sense: those extras should be related to your child's passion and to each other.
Anyway, the lesson is start early, find extracurriculars & programs, make summers count, and try to help your child discover what he or she enjoys/wants to do.
So my 9th grader, a very bright but unmotivated A student taking honors classes, is passionate about Naruto (a cartoon), a few television shows with real live people, his iPod, and the new PSP that he and his brother chipped in to buy (I've got to admit, it's very cool, great graphics and allows music downloads!) (sigh). He enjoys art, building things (but wouldn't join the Lego/Robotics Club, much to my chagrin), and likes math and science.
The author offers methods for helping both you and your child try to find out what his/her passions are. She reassures the reader that it's okay if these passions change over time. If you're faced with a child who doesn't have an obvious passion and isn't motivated academically (or otherwise), there are still things you can do. For example, if your kid likes to play video games, let 'em learn how to create them. Oh, the book also says that it's important to use summers wisely. So I found a summer two-week program/camp at a polytech college where high school students learn how to make their own video game. He's interested in doing this, which is good.
College credits during high school are also impressive. My son is addicted to television-watching. It turns out that a local tech college only a few blocks from my home offers a program in television production, and they're beginning one next year in computer animation used in television graphics. I spoke with someone in admissions and am going to schedule a visit so that my son can see the cool equipment. If he's on board, then he can take an admissions test (something called the Compass) and begin something next school year.
Between exposure to computer programming games and behind-the-scenes television, my son should be able to find something he'd like to discover more about--or even be passionate about.
And while I'm at it, I looked into the SAT Subject Exams ("Achievement Tests" when I was in school). My son is fluent in Hebrew and his reading and written skills are still strong, despite having moved from Israel almost five years ago. I downloaded sample questions for Modern Hebrew, he did well and is okay with taking the test. I found a source for a book of practice sections and tests, and ordered it. (It's still a race against the clock, with 85 questions in 60 minutes.) Figured taking the test can't hurt. (He also happens to be doing very well in French, enjoys foreign languages.)
Our problem is we live in Georgia. The state's generous Hope Scholarship pays full tuition at a state school for those with a B-or-better average. So, the number of B-and better students who might've gone to private or out-of-state schools is far smaller than would be otherwise; they're now competing to get into the top state schools. Now, not only is a B average not enough to get in to University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, students with even much higher grades and great SATs don't always make the cut. They want rigorous courses and lots of extracurriculars. But What High Schools Don't Tell You makes sense: those extras should be related to your child's passion and to each other.
Anyway, the lesson is start early, find extracurriculars & programs, make summers count, and try to help your child discover what he or she enjoys/wants to do.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Lesson No. 9 - Thinking Before Speaking
This is essentially a recap of Lesson No. 6 - Catching Flies. One ought to speak nicely to others.
I can't understand for the life of me why some people think that their inability to control their tongue is something others ought to understand, allow, excuse.
There is absolutely no excuse for cursing at others, name-calling, etc.
And there is absolutely no reason why someone who hasn't the self-control to watch his/her mouth should think that he/she doesn't have to apologize.
At the same time, apologies are not sufficient.
Only a concentrated effort to exert self control is. Do what ever you need to do--count to ten, walk away, put it on paper, but DON'T open your mouth if you can't control what comes out of it.
(Okay, can you tell I'm angry right now with someone I love?)
I can't understand for the life of me why some people think that their inability to control their tongue is something others ought to understand, allow, excuse.
There is absolutely no excuse for cursing at others, name-calling, etc.
And there is absolutely no reason why someone who hasn't the self-control to watch his/her mouth should think that he/she doesn't have to apologize.
At the same time, apologies are not sufficient.
Only a concentrated effort to exert self control is. Do what ever you need to do--count to ten, walk away, put it on paper, but DON'T open your mouth if you can't control what comes out of it.
(Okay, can you tell I'm angry right now with someone I love?)
Monday, December 24, 2007
Is there anybody out there?
I just found out a friend of mine has read this blog (Yeah!!!). Has anyone else? (Please leave a comment if you have!)
I remember thinking about this when I was in college--about how I wanted to know how others saw me (okay, here I want to know if others read me...). I thought it would help me "see" myself. This came from something I learned in a philosophy class. We discussed how you see things differently from different angles. We used the example of a table in a room, with windows on one side. The color of the table (due to shadow and light), the length of the table, etc.--all this could appear differently depending on where you stood in the room. At the same time, there was a common "core" that they all saw. I wanted to know what my core was, at least to others.
Let's not forget the story about The Blind Men and the Elephant (or an equally great episode of All in the Family), both of which show how people can disagree about the same exact thing, based upon individual perspective, experience, thought patterns and even personal bias.
The summer after college, my friend Amy and I were each in Israel. We decided to go to Greece together for a few weeks, and took a cruise ship out of Haifa (cheapie tickets--we slept on the deck!). At the port in Haifa, we met these two guys and decided to travel together, at least to Athens and Mykonos. One day we went to an art gallery, and one of the guys was curious to see which pieces of art I liked and why. He never told me what conclusions he drew from the choices I made, but I always wanted to know. Insecurity? Perhaps. Sort of like with the "Slam Books" we used to make in 6th grade, where we'd ask kids to sign in (with a code name) and answer all kinds of opinion questions about classmates and whatever. I used to think that knowing others' opinons of me would give me a firmer grasp on knowing myself.
There was also an episode of Fantasy Island, it might have been the pilot, where the need to know others' thoughts was carried out to an extreme. Someone wanted to stage and then attend her own funeral (in disguise) to find out what people had to say about her. I remember she dressed up as a hotel maid, but can't remember if she was surprised or not at what they had to say. Still, the idea is very intriguing.
Anyway, if you're out there...please let me know! Thanks!
I remember thinking about this when I was in college--about how I wanted to know how others saw me (okay, here I want to know if others read me...). I thought it would help me "see" myself. This came from something I learned in a philosophy class. We discussed how you see things differently from different angles. We used the example of a table in a room, with windows on one side. The color of the table (due to shadow and light), the length of the table, etc.--all this could appear differently depending on where you stood in the room. At the same time, there was a common "core" that they all saw. I wanted to know what my core was, at least to others.
Let's not forget the story about The Blind Men and the Elephant (or an equally great episode of All in the Family), both of which show how people can disagree about the same exact thing, based upon individual perspective, experience, thought patterns and even personal bias.
The summer after college, my friend Amy and I were each in Israel. We decided to go to Greece together for a few weeks, and took a cruise ship out of Haifa (cheapie tickets--we slept on the deck!). At the port in Haifa, we met these two guys and decided to travel together, at least to Athens and Mykonos. One day we went to an art gallery, and one of the guys was curious to see which pieces of art I liked and why. He never told me what conclusions he drew from the choices I made, but I always wanted to know. Insecurity? Perhaps. Sort of like with the "Slam Books" we used to make in 6th grade, where we'd ask kids to sign in (with a code name) and answer all kinds of opinion questions about classmates and whatever. I used to think that knowing others' opinons of me would give me a firmer grasp on knowing myself.
There was also an episode of Fantasy Island, it might have been the pilot, where the need to know others' thoughts was carried out to an extreme. Someone wanted to stage and then attend her own funeral (in disguise) to find out what people had to say about her. I remember she dressed up as a hotel maid, but can't remember if she was surprised or not at what they had to say. Still, the idea is very intriguing.
Anyway, if you're out there...please let me know! Thanks!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Lesson No. 8 - Successful (or unsuccessful!) time management skills go hand-in-hand with abilities to plan and execute
I see this at work and in my private life.
Brokers working on proposals who utilize our "RFP Desk" may allocate the work into who-does-which-section (the first step to putting together a reinsurance proposal), but they do not allow for enough time for the rounds of review and execution that follow (that's when we pass the proposal back and forth). Nor do the brokers manage their team members' time adequately (or even seem to follow up with them to see if they're on schedule), so that no one meets deadlines. This "snowball" gets bigger and bigger. End result? I'm usually working until the wee hours of the night in order to keep them to their (revised) schedule.
In real life, I simply don't have enough hours in the day. We all know the solutions--multitask, delegate, and take less on, but it's not always easy. So I take the path of least resistance--not always executing the lesser important planned items and skipping on sleep.
I find myself suffering from killer headaches and swollen glands once in a while, as well as occasional bouts of incredible sleepiness when I'm driving. Probably connected to the way I handle obligations in life and sleep. Scary, unsafe, and not smart, I know...
So, on that note, let me get back to finishing up bill paying and newspaper reading. I'll skip coupon clipping this evening! :-)
Yes, I've got to better organize my time. Hmmmm, maybe I can do that next week!
Brokers working on proposals who utilize our "RFP Desk" may allocate the work into who-does-which-section (the first step to putting together a reinsurance proposal), but they do not allow for enough time for the rounds of review and execution that follow (that's when we pass the proposal back and forth). Nor do the brokers manage their team members' time adequately (or even seem to follow up with them to see if they're on schedule), so that no one meets deadlines. This "snowball" gets bigger and bigger. End result? I'm usually working until the wee hours of the night in order to keep them to their (revised) schedule.
In real life, I simply don't have enough hours in the day. We all know the solutions--multitask, delegate, and take less on, but it's not always easy. So I take the path of least resistance--not always executing the lesser important planned items and skipping on sleep.
I find myself suffering from killer headaches and swollen glands once in a while, as well as occasional bouts of incredible sleepiness when I'm driving. Probably connected to the way I handle obligations in life and sleep. Scary, unsafe, and not smart, I know...
So, on that note, let me get back to finishing up bill paying and newspaper reading. I'll skip coupon clipping this evening! :-)
Yes, I've got to better organize my time. Hmmmm, maybe I can do that next week!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Lesson No. 7 - Make a list; check it twice
No, this has nothing to do with Christmas, but everything to do with planning and executing anything in life.
Say, for instance, you're planning a cruise out of Miami and you're flying down to Florida several days before. Make sure you have your passports together with the tickets, before you leave for the airport, and not when you get to the pier.
That's today's lesson...
By the way, the two corollaries to this lesson are "Don't cry over spilt milk," and "When you're given lemons in life, make lemonade."
Say, for instance, you're planning a cruise out of Miami and you're flying down to Florida several days before. Make sure you have your passports together with the tickets, before you leave for the airport, and not when you get to the pier.
That's today's lesson...
By the way, the two corollaries to this lesson are "Don't cry over spilt milk," and "When you're given lemons in life, make lemonade."
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Finding Chanukah
Every year, newspapers carry a story on the day of the first evening of Chanukah, announcing to the world that tonight's the night the Jewish people light their menorah. Usually the article recaps the story of the Maccabees, and often carries a quote from someone in the Jewish community about how Chanukah is actually a minor historical holiday (and not as big a deal as marketers and the less enlightened make it out to be).
Underneath it all, the irony often gets lost.
The Greeks wouldn't let the Jews practice their religion, and went so far as to desecrate their Temple.
The Jews had an uprising, and got their defiled synagogue back.
The rest everyone knows: the Temple was a mess, they cleaned it up, they wanted to light the candelabra but found only enough oil to last one day, and miracle of miracles, it lasted eight.
Fast forward a number of thousand years to present day US: families light the menorah, sing a song, eat oily food and give presents, not just a little gelt (coins, these days often of chocolate), but over-the-top presents. There are families who do nothing more Jewish all year besides "celebrate" Chanukah. There are those who may even know about the miracle of the oil, but give no thought as to why we needed to reclaim the temple. They just know it means eight days of presents.
The irony to me is clear: The story of Chanukah, the Maccabeen uprising, represents the fight to preserve Judaism, so that the people could safely and openly believe, pray, be observant, be different.
Modern day Chanukah, however, looks like an attempt to fit in with the rest. It is an attempt to suppress the differences. "But," say the parents, "our child has asked to take a picture with Santa."
So? I see nothing wrong with explaining, "They do what they do and we do what we do. We are all different."
Being different is good. Being different grants you a unique perspective...and identity. Being different is worth fighting over, wouldn't you say?
Underneath it all, the irony often gets lost.
The Greeks wouldn't let the Jews practice their religion, and went so far as to desecrate their Temple.
The Jews had an uprising, and got their defiled synagogue back.
The rest everyone knows: the Temple was a mess, they cleaned it up, they wanted to light the candelabra but found only enough oil to last one day, and miracle of miracles, it lasted eight.
Fast forward a number of thousand years to present day US: families light the menorah, sing a song, eat oily food and give presents, not just a little gelt (coins, these days often of chocolate), but over-the-top presents. There are families who do nothing more Jewish all year besides "celebrate" Chanukah. There are those who may even know about the miracle of the oil, but give no thought as to why we needed to reclaim the temple. They just know it means eight days of presents.
The irony to me is clear: The story of Chanukah, the Maccabeen uprising, represents the fight to preserve Judaism, so that the people could safely and openly believe, pray, be observant, be different.
Modern day Chanukah, however, looks like an attempt to fit in with the rest. It is an attempt to suppress the differences. "But," say the parents, "our child has asked to take a picture with Santa."
So? I see nothing wrong with explaining, "They do what they do and we do what we do. We are all different."
Being different is good. Being different grants you a unique perspective...and identity. Being different is worth fighting over, wouldn't you say?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
"Reality television" and reality
I'm watching Kid Nation.
I cannot get over how spoiled Taylor is. Week after week, her attitude gets worse and worse. I googled Taylor, Kid Nation, and parents, and I see many share the same sentiment--how did her parents raise such a spoiled child? How can they live with her? with themselves? But I think even more disturbing is what must be happening every time it airs. How could she allow herself to behave this way on national television? Didn't she realize that her behavior in that artificial town would have repercussions in the real world? I can't help wonder what her schoolmates think of her or how they behave towards her.
Kid Nation was advertised as a reality show where children, unhampered by adult interference, would build a new society, a grand social experiment. The very structure of the show negates that--adult producers and cameramen follow them around, and they do not choose what to do to create their better society, but do whatever the artificial journal tells them to do, living in artificially color-coded groups, led by an appointed town council (which changes hands when the visiting adult or the journal tells them to have elections) and participating in artificial showdowns. Winning groups are put into different set jobs and their salaries, too, are predetermined. Rewards--when the entire town reaches a specific goal during a showdown--are choices which pit "what's good for you" against "short-lived fun." In short, they have "prompts" for their actions or for each espisode's "theme." I see very little initiative or original thought on the part of the kids.
This week, the council chose the fun reward, and the kids became video gaming addicts, ignoring their job responsibilities (hmmm, that could be like the real world). Taylor, deprived of access to the arcade, due to her prior decision not to pull her share of the work, actually makes up for it, by doing an enormous pile of dishes (in very dirty water).
Anyway, I enjoy the show. Kids can say the darndest things. And it's not that I need this unscripted "reality" show to have anything to do with reality. But all I can think of every time I watch is--what was Taylor thinking when she behaved so horribly? How forgetful or unintelligent she must be. After all, this would be aired on national television after she had left "Bonanza City" and returned to her home and to her school. What must she and her family be going through every time another episode is aired?! (Do the kids at school pick on her? Do the neighbors gossip? Do the relatives now hang their heads?)
I was once at a Sinead O'Connor concert and a girl in the audience had a foul word shaved into her nearly bald head--and all I could think of back then was--how can you visit your grandmother or have a job interview looking like that??
The only lesson I can draw here is similar to the one parents used to say about wearing clean underwear (that is, do it in case you're in an accident and a doctor sees). The lesson is always behave as if you're on tv and the world can scrutinize you! (And in this day and age, the same goes for what you post online--potential employers, spouses, in-laws may see it, you know!
I cannot get over how spoiled Taylor is. Week after week, her attitude gets worse and worse. I googled Taylor, Kid Nation, and parents, and I see many share the same sentiment--how did her parents raise such a spoiled child? How can they live with her? with themselves? But I think even more disturbing is what must be happening every time it airs. How could she allow herself to behave this way on national television? Didn't she realize that her behavior in that artificial town would have repercussions in the real world? I can't help wonder what her schoolmates think of her or how they behave towards her.
Kid Nation was advertised as a reality show where children, unhampered by adult interference, would build a new society, a grand social experiment. The very structure of the show negates that--adult producers and cameramen follow them around, and they do not choose what to do to create their better society, but do whatever the artificial journal tells them to do, living in artificially color-coded groups, led by an appointed town council (which changes hands when the visiting adult or the journal tells them to have elections) and participating in artificial showdowns. Winning groups are put into different set jobs and their salaries, too, are predetermined. Rewards--when the entire town reaches a specific goal during a showdown--are choices which pit "what's good for you" against "short-lived fun." In short, they have "prompts" for their actions or for each espisode's "theme." I see very little initiative or original thought on the part of the kids.
This week, the council chose the fun reward, and the kids became video gaming addicts, ignoring their job responsibilities (hmmm, that could be like the real world). Taylor, deprived of access to the arcade, due to her prior decision not to pull her share of the work, actually makes up for it, by doing an enormous pile of dishes (in very dirty water).
Anyway, I enjoy the show. Kids can say the darndest things. And it's not that I need this unscripted "reality" show to have anything to do with reality. But all I can think of every time I watch is--what was Taylor thinking when she behaved so horribly? How forgetful or unintelligent she must be. After all, this would be aired on national television after she had left "Bonanza City" and returned to her home and to her school. What must she and her family be going through every time another episode is aired?! (Do the kids at school pick on her? Do the neighbors gossip? Do the relatives now hang their heads?)
I was once at a Sinead O'Connor concert and a girl in the audience had a foul word shaved into her nearly bald head--and all I could think of back then was--how can you visit your grandmother or have a job interview looking like that??
The only lesson I can draw here is similar to the one parents used to say about wearing clean underwear (that is, do it in case you're in an accident and a doctor sees). The lesson is always behave as if you're on tv and the world can scrutinize you! (And in this day and age, the same goes for what you post online--potential employers, spouses, in-laws may see it, you know!
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