Penultimate T-Ball Practice

These days are sure challenging. On top of the dumpling hell that we've created for ourselves, there is t-ball and theater (which is sadly now over, but a relief on the other hand) and the quotidian demands of parenthood. We had a game in the afternoon, which meant that I had to have dinner ready early because there is no time to cook after practice. On top of that, N has been hounding me to go and watch the loggers up the road, which I actually enjoy, but who has time for enjoyment? We walked over nonetheless, because sometimes you have to force yourself to do fun things.

Also, I sure dodged a bullet with practice, and thanks to coach KW for stepping up to the plate. It was a heck of a day on Tuesday, and bad planning was once again creating pain and suffering. I had to cook dumplings all day and get them ready for market, which isn't hard, but takes quite a bit of time. We had t-ball practice, which meant at some point we had to get a little batting practice in before the game. Just wanted to mention that the coach's son, who is a jock, was watching N play ball and said that it was clear that he was an athlete. I have to agree. N was calm and collected about the manly compliment, but I could tell he was beaming inside.

Either way, being the second Tuesday and all, I had a library trustee meeting to go to before the game, and it's never easy breaking away early because there is so much to talk about, and I feel like an idiot excusing myself in the heat of discussion. In fact, last time I couldn't do it, and ended up staying the whole time and missing part of N's practice. I was determined not to let that happen.

And then the last bit of horrendously bad news-the coach said she wasn't feeling well and that I might have to lead practice. What!?!? I told her that she had little choice in the matter, she had to come to practice. The idea of running the show was mortifying to me, though in a pinch, I could have done it with the help of other parents. In the end, I pleaded with her to show up, and she did, thankfully. I am grateful to no end.

The fact that I had a meeting motivated her, I believe, even though I was planning on leaving it early. Yeah, right. I should have said something in the beginning, but I tried to last time and it got me nowhere. I made the mistake of hoping that someone was going to turn to me and say, "Don't you have to go?" But nobody came forward, and I ended up staying the whole time. I like the meetings, it's just that I have t-ball to be at. So this time, I was prepared to bolt. It wasn't easy, once the meeting gets going, there is a lot of stuff to go over, and the board doesn't waste time and dawdle. I could feel myself getting stressed as the clock ticked away, and finally, as it neared the zero hour, I stood up right in the middle of a discussion and said, "I gotta make like a bread truck and haul buns."

I think they were a little surprised, and looked at me at first with expressions that screamed, "Where the heck do you think you're going?" I know, I should have said something in the beginning, but what are you going to do? I'm a guy trying to survive in a woman's world. I had this delusional belief that it would be simpler, but no such luck. Boy did the fresh air feel good once I got outside.

Practice was fine, almost the last one. KW was there and I appreciate her effort, thanks to her. One more practice to go and then onto the next thing.

Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to Sergio Roberto Bichara for the pic.

Dumpling Purgatory

After putting our not-so-brilliant marketing minds to the task, we've learned a thing or two about selling dumplings, and hope to incorporate these hard lessons into our next go of it. First off, we need to be better prepared. We spent so much time cooking the dumplings that we lost loads of customers. When the arrived and we didn't have the food ready, they were gone. They said they would be back, but that's a nice way of saying, "Sorry losers, you snooze, you lose."

With this in mind, we need to be better prepared. We need to have hot water on the ready, so we'll bring it in a thermos. We need to set up faster so we can have dumplings on the ready. This will satisfy hungry customers while also avoiding giving them dumpling fresh out of the oil, which are greasy-looking.

And finally, we need a chicken dumpling. I don't know why we didn't think of this sooner, but when it comes to meat, people prefer chicken. There are plenty of people out there who just don't eat red meat, but will eat chicken in a heartbeat. How could we not realize this?

We scrambled to find a good chicken recipe, and whipped up a batch, which went over well with our testers, i.e., the kids. This, of course, meant that we would have to cook up a load by today, which therefore meant that yours truly was going to have to spend the next two days barefoot and pregnant, making and cooking the darn things, in addition to the all of the beef and apple ones. Needless to say, I was bummed. I spent the better part of two days literally forming and cooking dumplings. I had them coming out of my ears.

The bright note is that the kids helped, and their contribution was substantial. It wasn't a case of diminishing helpful returns, they really made a difference. N setup the press and spritzed them, and A helped to fill, form and press them. It worked out beautifully, and before we knew it, we were done. I love the fact that not only do they want to help, but that they are helpful. A win-win situation if there ever was one.

We also got our tent. Do you think it's big enough? It's the brand that everyone recommends, an EZ-up, but I have to confess, the one we borrowed, which our friend got at Walmart, is nicer, but such is life. At least we got free shipping, and I got to use my $25 gift certificate that I won on one of my blog sites. I love when that happens.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Colin Brough and Michael Khozyaikin for the pics.

Closing Night

The final show and the end of an amazing run. Sunday's show had a great turnout, less than Saturday but about the same as Friday. People really came out to support the performers, and it was such a great experience for everyone involved.

A really flourished and loved the experience. She is so good on stage when she is having fun with it, and can really, as some of her teachers have alluded to, reach deep down within and find her voice. I think she really thrives in that environment, and she gets to interact with like-minded people and tap into her creative/dramatic side. Plus, she loves the attention.

The last show was probably the sloppiest, with more mistakes made and a feeling that people were understandably tired, but they did a stand up job, nonetheless, and the audience responded in kind. When it was done, it was hard to grasp the concept that it was over.

From my own personal perspective, I found the closing of the show an emotional letdown and a bit depressing. After all the strain and effort and anxiety and emotional highs, I came away from it feeling a little blue, wondering to myself, "What next?" I was standing around theater, not sure what to do with myself. Everyone was displaying a warm glow of accomplishment, and rightfully so, but when you pour your heart into something and then it's over, it can take some time to re-adjust.

I guess, in the end, as much as I'm glad to have our normal lives back, there are aspects of the show that we'll miss. Mostly the sense of community and camaraderie the comes with working so hard on something with a great group of people. There are times you just don't want it to end, and other times you can't wait until it's over.

Whatever be the case, the kids connected with their friends, made new ones (as did mom and dad), and as far as I can tell, the signs keep pointing to creative pursuits for the kids, especially where drama and performing are involved. I still like the idea of A working on stage, not as a career, but for the challenges and rewards, the creative outlet, and especially for the quirky and interesting group of kids that she will encounter. I really feel like they are more her speed. Let's not waste our time with the prom queens and football team captains. We want the individual and thoughtful fringe artists and future bohemians.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have dumplings to make.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Valerie C. Fouche for the pic.

Second Night of the Show

Saturday night was an amazing night of the show, though the heat was incredible and the inside of the theater was intolerably hot. I think it put a bit of a damper on the show because the audience was all dopey from the heat, but the show must go on. People came in droves, the theater was packed and it was almost beyond standing room only. We saw many friends, and it was really nice evening if not for the discomfort. J,I and SS came out, we haven't seen them in ages, and that was nice. The list of people who came out to support the show is too long to list, but thanks to them all for their time.

I thought the performers did a great job, though there were a few mistakes made, but they kept it rolling and remained poised. And, as usual, it was another late night for the kids.

A did a stand up job, and got a ton of compliments. I spoke with a drama teacher from the next town (one of the best performers in the show) and she enthusiastically asked me if A would be interested in participating in her drama camp over the summer. However, she mistakenly thought that A was older, and her camp is for 5th grade and up. Bummer. Oh well, next time. I took the fact that she was so open to A taking part and approached us as a good sign. She is so nice to A, and the fact that they worked together and are now friends may encourage A to give it a go, but we'll see.

The show got another standing ovation, even though the crowd was more subdued. The huge turnout was fed by positive word of mouth, as was told. What a great thing, people loved the first night and told their friends to check it out, so they came.

One more show to go. I'm not sure how much more of this I can take, but also don't know what I'm going to do when it's over. Maybe make a dumpling or two.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to trevor kirpaul for the pic.

Opening Night of Vermont Idol

Our community theater opened last night, and what a show it was. Everybody had worked so hard on the production, a true testament to what a wonderful community we live it. People volunteered their time and really gave a stellar effort. The writing, music, acting, singing, and production that went into this show is nothing short of amazing, and the proof is in the pudding. The show is fantastic, and the response to the first night was huge. People loved the show, and came out in droves to see it. It helped that the Valley News did a cover piece on it, sparking interest, but you could tell they loved the performance, and responded accordingly. Not quite a sold out show, but close.

N and I were working the door, and we were supposed to keep track of how many people entered with a counter, but soon lost track of that in the rush to sell tickets. It got a little hectic, but not too bad. There no tickets, per se, so people formed a queue and arrived well before the actual beginning of the show. I made the mistake of letting them in, and didn't get scolded but the powers that be let it be known that it wasn't what they would have done. Live and learn.

Once the show started, the energy in the theater was palpable. The show benefits from having the likes of RC at the helm, and the guy is hilarious. The panel of judges is fabulous, as well, and they really carry the show. They are so funny, it's amazing.

And, of course, let's not forget about A and her performance. Being the shameless parent that I am, of course I'm biased to her part. She did such a wonderful job, so calm and composed. She really does well on stage, though I think she leans more towards the singing side of performing versus actual drama. We have enough of that in our daily lives.

The first act was great, but I think the show really takes off in the second act, which has more energy and is even more funny. They did such a nice job.

The audience gave them a standing ovation, which I think is way overdone, but fitting on a night like that night. What a fun show.

People said many nice things about A's performance. We never know what to say, and being the parents, try to take it with a grain of salt. People are nice and are just saying nice things, but I really do think A has some ability in the performance arena, but I'll leave it at that. One of the performers is a drama teacher who holds a theater camp and she asked me if A would be a part of it. I said yes, but that it was really up to A, and figured if I brought it up she would say "no thanks," but if one of the actors, who has more clout than boring dad, asked, she would be more into it. Unfortunately, her camp is for older kids, and she incorrectly assumed A was much older. Oh well, something to look forward to.

The show was great, we had a lot of fun. Best of all, we all got to be involved, N got to work the door with me, so he felt included and got a t-shirt with CREW written on the back. That's all we need.

Great job to the performers and writers and support crew. It was truly a memorable show, and yet another reminder of how lucky we are to live here.

Until the next time, thanks for reading.

Market Reflections

Having survived our first day of market, of course we have some thoughts on the matter.

First off, you realize how difficult it is for many people just to get by. We worked our tails off, before, during, and after the market, and we made some money, but not a lot. I do think we made more than some of our neighbors, which got me to thinking that it's a rough world out there, and some people struggle just to make a few bucks. Then again, some of us don't have a choice. We're lucky (or not) that we have that option, though that can work against you at times, especially if you're a quitter. Nothing like desperation to motivate you.

It also makes me question whether it's all really worth it (see, I'm already looking for an "out"). There is a romantic ideal of having your own business and being your own boss, but nobody's going to hand you a paycheck out there (duh!).

I'm also struck by how little empathy some people have out there. There are those, and mind you, they are for the most part the minority, who will nickel and dime you and do everything they can to get free things off of you, and many of them make more money than anybody out there. Some of the Dartmouth students try to get anything they can for free, and it seems shameful that somebody who can afford a $35,000/year education would try to take advantage of someone struggling to make pennies. I used to see that in NYC, where people making big bucks would kick and scream over a few cents. What a joke.

Anyway, I thought the adventure, at least for the first time, went well enough. We sold out of a few things and were busy, but boy was it hard work, not to mention a little stressful handling orders. It only worked because R and I were working together, obviously I couldn't do it alone.

And, I might even say it was kind of fun being outside and interacting with all those people, many of whom we knew and were probably wondering what exactly we were doing out there. Mind you, these aren't the salt of the earth Vermonters/NHers who may be farmers or contractors or craftsmen, but highly educated professionals of the Dartmouth community. I can see people in a small town like ours who wouldn't blink an eye if you decided to work a farmer's market, but to someone with an advanced degree who is on a tenure track at a university, it might make them scratch their heads and wonder. In a previous lifetime, this may have been an issue to me, but we've got too many things going on to worry about that.

As I mentioned, the work is hard, and continues long after the fact. There is the rigorous cleaning involved (all that grease), compounded by the fact that you've just been standing for 4 hours. The fact that you sell out of something is a wonderful thing, but is also a reminder that you have to make more and more, and then some. Forget about fatigue, there is work to be done. Wow, sort of reminds me of parenthood.

One bright note is that the kids were so well behaved, and they saw some friends and people complimented A on her guitar playing. The setting is nice, and they can play on the grass and see other vendors, many of whom are really nice and allow them to visit and chat.

It will be interesting to see where this goes. I've never ventured into the area of running a small business, and we just so happened to have chosen a rigorous one, but as with everything in life, with greater challenge comes greater reward. Who the heck came up with that one?

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Dan Wenger for the pic.

A Momentous Day, Celebrity, and Car Drama

We had a couple of big moments with the kids yesterday, and needless to say, everyone is excited. I won't go into N's big moment, I'll keep it a bit of a secret so that he himself can share it with the important people in our lives, but suffice it to say, he was so excited, as were we. The big event had building up over the past few weeks, and it then it arrived. In an example of what a great big sister he has, A was so excited herself that in anticipation of the big day, she went out and, with her own money and initiative, bought him a special present to commemorate the day. I hope our kids realize how lucky they are to have such awesome siblings..

A had a big day, as well, along with a moment of celebrity. She has been rehearsing tirelessly for her big show, which is tonight, and the newspaper came to report on it. They graced the cover of their Entertainment section with her pic, and we were all so excited. How fun is that? Of course, I went out and bought multiple copies.

Mom and Dad had a bit of drama throughout the day, actually. In the morning, JH came over and we did real-man work on the barn, installing more windows, and then I had to set about making more fillings for the dumplings. We realize we have to ramp up production, which will have to occur each week. We also need more raw ingredients, and may end up setting up standing orders with various suppliers. Listen to me, Rachel Ray in the making.

It's difficult, not to mention costly, to use as many local and organic ingredients as we can, but the whole point of this endeavor is to take part in something you believe in. Sure, making money is necessary for the viability of the project, but money cannot be the sole focus (maybe in the top 5 goals). At least for now, I've come to realize that the most important thing is doing something that has meaning to you and you can be proud of. Then again, talk to me in a few weeks.

Anyways, I digress. Since we plowed through our supply of dumplings, it meant we had to make more, and quickly. We had the local market on Friday evening, coupled with the show, which overlapped with the market. We were going to have to go to the market, break down early so that we could get to the show, then do the show until late that evening. It was going to be tight, and not only would we have been tired, but we would have been covered in grease. In light of this, we had to make an executive decision and bail out on the Friday market. It was just too much. We feel bad, we could have done it, but it would have been stressful and made it not-fun. Can't go there.

To add to this drama, our car got booted at DHMC. We had to take the kids to t-ball, and the plan was for R to arrive and take A to rehearsal, where we would meet them. She was late, and I was preparing to bug out and take her myself, when R showed up with not a moment to spare. She mentioned the car had got booted, then took A to the show. Too many parking tickets. The parking situation at DHMC has been crazy, and they give warning tickets to people who park on the grass. Everyone does it, but they have been cracking down. They boot repeat offenders, and the next time will result in a tow. The tickets and boot are no cost, but a tow will run you upwards of $150. Yikes.

So, after t-ball, we all went back to DHMC and had the boot taken off, and then we went to the Coop to get more supplies, and then back to town to watch the end of rehearsal. It was nearly 10PM when we got home. Talk about endurance, I'm not sure how much more of this I can take. Then again, it's like parenting, you just do it.

Whatever be the case, the fun never seems to stop around here. Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Kriss Szkurlatowski, Svilen Milev, and clix for the pics.