Here is just a little silly video I thought you might enjoy. I know I shouldn't encourage my children to play with their food, but it's so darn cute and they ARE eating it...which is a big deal in the Dansicker house.
Have a great day and happy thoughts!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Audrey CAN Be Taught!
My six-year-old daughter Audrey walks to the beat of her own drummer. And most days, I am thrilled that she has a vivacious spirit that is not easily broken or deterred. But trying to get her to participate in recreational sports of any kind including gymnastics, tennis, t-ball, basketball...hasn't always been easy. I don't like to think about how many non-refundable deposits I have lost trying to get her to enjoy a sport.
I was about to give up completely when she expressed some interest in Keith Van Eron's soccer after seeing her younger brother, 5, Stanley doing it. So, I signed her up eight weeks ago. I was nervous but hoped she would do well. Audrey doesn’t like to fail and she likes doing things her way. Not an easy trait to deal with when you are trying to teach her a new skill. Keith Van Eron was the answer to my prayers. He got her to enjoy the sport and learn the necessary skills to succeed without pissing her off. A monumental feat that is unparalleled to date.
Audrey went willingly and excitedly to each practice and this past Sunday received her very first trophy for her accomplishment. She beamed with pride as she accepted her prize.
Thank you Keith Van Eron for your patience, your drive and your ability to teach my daughter with great fun and silliness. It worked...and more than that, it has given her a new found confidence in herself. Hallelujah! Mommy is so proud of you Auddie, girl. You too Manny!
http://www.keithvaneron.com/
I was about to give up completely when she expressed some interest in Keith Van Eron's soccer after seeing her younger brother, 5, Stanley doing it. So, I signed her up eight weeks ago. I was nervous but hoped she would do well. Audrey doesn’t like to fail and she likes doing things her way. Not an easy trait to deal with when you are trying to teach her a new skill. Keith Van Eron was the answer to my prayers. He got her to enjoy the sport and learn the necessary skills to succeed without pissing her off. A monumental feat that is unparalleled to date.
Thank you Keith Van Eron for your patience, your drive and your ability to teach my daughter with great fun and silliness. It worked...and more than that, it has given her a new found confidence in herself. Hallelujah! Mommy is so proud of you Auddie, girl. You too Manny!
http://www.keithvaneron.com/
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Bravery in our midst
Bravery is not a word that I think about frequently. I guess it's because it is difficult to qualify during the course of our ordinary lives. But today, I witnessed a truly brave mother at her daughter's 4th birthday party. Just four months ago, this young, beautiful, happy and unsuspecting mom, lost her husband of 16 years in a tragic biking accident that robbed this family of a father, husband and friend.
Now, after months of greiving, she must continue to celebrate the milestones in her young daughters lives. I know personally that in the first year of losing a loved one, we don't know how to navigate the new territory of life without the important players. It's an unknown that is difficult to convey sometimes, but those who have lost know what I am talking about.
With each birthday or major holiday, I hold my breath for this very brave mom, who stares down adversity with a fierceness that is inspiring and compelling and makes me want to weep when I am in her presence. Today, I walked into the birthday party missing my friend and sad that he wasn't there to see his little girl turn four. I was prepared to feel sad, but when I saw the calmness, even the smile on the face of this extraordinarily brave mother, I felt strong.
Bravery is among us. It inspires us to live our lives without fear and regret. It gives us hope each day and reminds us that bad things happen but it is how we move forward that is the testament to our own bravery. I am so thankful to be witness to this bravery every week. You know who you are....we should all be so brave.
Now, after months of greiving, she must continue to celebrate the milestones in her young daughters lives. I know personally that in the first year of losing a loved one, we don't know how to navigate the new territory of life without the important players. It's an unknown that is difficult to convey sometimes, but those who have lost know what I am talking about.
With each birthday or major holiday, I hold my breath for this very brave mom, who stares down adversity with a fierceness that is inspiring and compelling and makes me want to weep when I am in her presence. Today, I walked into the birthday party missing my friend and sad that he wasn't there to see his little girl turn four. I was prepared to feel sad, but when I saw the calmness, even the smile on the face of this extraordinarily brave mother, I felt strong.
Bravery is among us. It inspires us to live our lives without fear and regret. It gives us hope each day and reminds us that bad things happen but it is how we move forward that is the testament to our own bravery. I am so thankful to be witness to this bravery every week. You know who you are....we should all be so brave.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
"F" for Service
For the first time in seven years...seven years...all three of my children were having a sleepover with their Aunt Julie, so my husband and I joined some friends for dinner at Mezze in Fells Point this evening. We looked forward to this night with great anticipation on so many levels. One our children felt comfortable enough to be without us...big...we don't have to pay a babysitter $100...huge...and we are avid foodies who had heard so many good things about one of the hottest restaurants in Baltimore. Good food. Good friends.
We were escorted upstairs to a little table in the corner surrounded by what seemed to be an authentically boisterous Greek family celebrating some occasion. The mood was festive and the night looked promising...until the waiter approached our table with just a hint of disdain in his eyes. He inquired as to whether we were ready to order after being seated for all of thirty seconds. Usually, that would inspire confidence, in this case arrogance. We begged just a few extra minutes to review the menu and with a little roll of his eyes, he left us for another five minutes. Never a smile, never an interest in our questions or concerns.
Watered down Sangria arrived at our table and even though we mentioned the inadequacy of the house favorite, the waiter was neither interested nor respectful. Food ordered, we enjoyed one another's company. Seventeen tapas later, which included a mouth-watering Spinach pie, stewed lima beans, tuna carpaccio and leg of lamb, just to name a few, we were satiated and lost interest in our waiter's disinterest.
Finally, the check arrived and when we noticed that we were paying $18 for two sodas and a few refills, we decided to test our waiter’s patience one last time. His reply, "This is a high-class place, not a fast food restaurant. We don't have fountain soda; we have to use a bottle of soda for each refill. Sorry." Comically insulted, my friend, calmly summoned the manager over to discuss the cost of the soda. She very graciously charged us for two sodas, and we ended the evening with the memory of great food, great company and exceedingly horrendous service. Food "A+." Service "F."
We were escorted upstairs to a little table in the corner surrounded by what seemed to be an authentically boisterous Greek family celebrating some occasion. The mood was festive and the night looked promising...until the waiter approached our table with just a hint of disdain in his eyes. He inquired as to whether we were ready to order after being seated for all of thirty seconds. Usually, that would inspire confidence, in this case arrogance. We begged just a few extra minutes to review the menu and with a little roll of his eyes, he left us for another five minutes. Never a smile, never an interest in our questions or concerns.
Watered down Sangria arrived at our table and even though we mentioned the inadequacy of the house favorite, the waiter was neither interested nor respectful. Food ordered, we enjoyed one another's company. Seventeen tapas later, which included a mouth-watering Spinach pie, stewed lima beans, tuna carpaccio and leg of lamb, just to name a few, we were satiated and lost interest in our waiter's disinterest.
Finally, the check arrived and when we noticed that we were paying $18 for two sodas and a few refills, we decided to test our waiter’s patience one last time. His reply, "This is a high-class place, not a fast food restaurant. We don't have fountain soda; we have to use a bottle of soda for each refill. Sorry." Comically insulted, my friend, calmly summoned the manager over to discuss the cost of the soda. She very graciously charged us for two sodas, and we ended the evening with the memory of great food, great company and exceedingly horrendous service. Food "A+." Service "F."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Good Eats for Lunch! - Di Pasquale's
Delicious lunch today at Di Pasquale's in Canton/Highlandtown with my husband, Andy and his father, Marty. It was my first time and it wasn't pretty driving down there even though it's only minutes from my office at the Baltimore Sun. I got "The Santino" with Imported prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil and tomato. Andy got a sampling from the deli and Marty got homemade, fresh lasagna. All superb!
It's a surly ride to get there, but the food is to-die-for. Definitely worth the visit if you are in the neighborhood. Good eats...not a lot of seats in the restaurants. Zagat's rates this neighborhood find as one of the best restaurants in Maryland second to Charleston's and Volt. Don't judge this book by its cover...the food is really excellent!
Let me know if you decide to try it!
Canton-Highlandtown
Di Pasquale's Italian Marketplace
3700 Gough St
Baltimore, MD 21224
dipasquales.com
It's a surly ride to get there, but the food is to-die-for. Definitely worth the visit if you are in the neighborhood. Good eats...not a lot of seats in the restaurants. Zagat's rates this neighborhood find as one of the best restaurants in Maryland second to Charleston's and Volt. Don't judge this book by its cover...the food is really excellent!
Let me know if you decide to try it!
Di Pasquale's Italian Marketplace
3700 Gough St
Baltimore, MD 21224
dipasquales.com
Back to Back…Back to School
One, two, three, just like that we walked down the familiar halls of Beth Tfiloh, first Stanley, then Aud, then Henry. Gone…like they were going off to college, I was nervous and excited for them and filled with mixed emotions. I wanted them to need me or cry a little at the thought of leaving their poor lonely mother who fed them, bathed them, and cared for them up-and-until the proverbial school bell rang…but there were no tears…none.
I was too nervous to even take in all the wonderful new reintroductions of friends and first meetings of their new teachers. With bags of labeled and organized supplies in each hand, I got each child systematically situated, gave them a tender kiss and hug and moved on down the hallway. Each teacher greeted the children with enthusiasm and warmth, I felt as if I was leaving them with a good friend. My children went nicely to their seats or to their friends and began to engage. It was harmonious and yet for some reason I was filled with angst. One of them would surely cry or need me in some way, but it just didn’t happen.
As I walked out of the school and through the parking lot, I felt relief. I did it. They did. We all did it.
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