Birthday Brunches and Big Green Men

Twice a year, our family gets together for a group birthday party. Half of us celebrate in the spring, the other half in the fall. Works out well, actually, as distance and busy schedules keep us from gathering more frequently. Today was the day our family celebrated for the spring chickens, which meant that I broke out the OJ and hosted a brunch (even though I am one of the birthday chickens!). I've discussed my cooking issues before but have found brunch to be an easy one. Hard to mess up pancakes and bacon! I even attempted a banana bread which turned out surprisingly well.

Best part of the day: For my birthday, I received tickets for not one but two Mets games! So we will be storming Citifield after all...despite hubby's anger at the Wilpons.


As for the Big Green Men, hubby's ultra-competitive, uber-serious men's fastpitch softball team, the season has begun. Which means good-bye to him every other weekend till September. Kinda makes me feel like the wife of a major league manager. 'Cept without the money. And fame. Or any other perks, for that matter (although I do get the appreciation of young New Zealand & Canadian players who crash on my couch from time to time, while awaiting flights out of Newark). For those who know us, you know this ain't no beer league, and the cost for this team, in both time and money, is significant (thank God for sponsors!). Just call hubby the George Steinbrenner of fastpitch. As for the Big Green Men moniker, the origins are top-secret. I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.

So this one's for you, my dear: Go Gremlins! No, really. Go. Podunk, Pennsylvania awaits you.

Till next time!!

Bounce for Autism!

The Autism Society of America will be holding a "Pump it Up" fundraiser, being held on April 22. We all know how essential the support of organizations like Autism Society is, as they have been at the forefront of raising money for research, services and advocacy, long before our government took notice of this epidemic. Autism Society of America is a parent-driven organization with local chapters across the country. In New York, there is a chapter in Brooklyn.

Follow the links for more information on locations of the Pump it Up fundraiser, and on the mission and goals of the Autism Society of America.


New York Area Families ‘Bounce’ to Support Autism Awareness, Research


Pump It Up Locations in New York City Participate in Nationwide Fundraising Efforts to Benefit the Autism Society


NEW YORK, NY – On April 22, 2010, local families will bounce, slide, and jump at Pump It Up locations throughout New York City to raise funds for autism and celebrate National Autism Awareness Month. Pump It Up, the nation’s largest franchise of indoor, inflatable playgrounds, is taking part in the nationwide fundraising efforts on behalf of the Autism Society throughout the month of April. The New York facilities are part of more than 150 Pump It Up franchises across the country hosting ‘Bounce for Autism’ events. For a suggested donation to the Autism Society, families will enjoy open play time on the giant, inflatable structures that stand nearly two stories high. Pump It Up will also offer Puzzle Ribbon sponsor cards throughout the entire month of April with a recommended donation. All proceeds will benefit the Autism Society.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism (up from one in every 150 in 2007) and one in every 70 boys is affected. The Autism Society estimates that approximately 1.5 million Americans have an autism spectrum disorder, and according to the US Department of Education, it is growing at a rate of 10 – 17 percent per year. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that typically appears during the first two years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.


For more information about Bounce for Autism, please visit http://www.bounceforautism.org/.


About Pump It Up


A clear leader in the active children’s party industry, Pump It Up is the nation’s largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds specializing in private parties for birthdays, and other programs like corporate events, school outings, field trips and other events. Trained staff provides guests with supervision, food and beverage set-up, and clean-up services. Pump It Up is headquartered in Tempe, AZ with more than 160 locations across the country. For more information about Pump It Up, please visit http://www.pumpitupparty.com/.


About the Autism Society


The Autism Society is the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization and was founded by parents in 1965. The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit http://www.autism-society.org/.

"You're Going to Disney?? Again??

Yes, we did. Again. Blame it on hubby, although I have stopped fighting him whenever he goes on one of his *I can't take my life anymore must plan a Disney trip* tangents. Three trips in four months, two of which involved driving 18 hours, each way. So, a quick recap of all trips in one, easy-to-read summary:


The obligatory medical crisis was had by none other than me, during trip two. An allergic reaction gone haywire necessitated a midnight call to 911 and a fun few hours in the ER. I must say, the EMT's and medical staff down there are just as nice as they are in Disney proper.


Trip one saw us having Christmas dinner at Shula's steakhouse in the Dolphin, hubby's favorite restaurant, where the now-infamous Battle of the French Fries occured. Son is extremely obsessive about his food, and will not eat anything on their menu. So fries were requested, and were denied. Father-in-law jumped into the fray and won the fries, as he wins most battles with service people. Shy, he is not.



Umm...hubby? There is no bus service from Fort Wilderness to the Magic Kingdom, and our waiting for 30 minutes for a bus did not change this fact.


Between all three trips, we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, the Boardwalk (both the Inn and the Villas), Bay Lake Tower and a private rented home. We are tired of moving.

The service at the ESPN Zone at the Boardwalk was terrible. So was the Mets game we watched there during trip three.

Sitting in the private lounge atop Bay Lake Towers during trip three, sipping a cocktail while the fireworks explode above us was definitely a highlight.

So was Jico, the restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge (trip three). Great steaks! Great zebratinis! Lots o' alcohol in them drinks...

The Osborne lights at Hollywood studios at Christmas (trip one) were amazing.

Beautiful daughter has now flown by herself for the first time during trip one. Brave girl!

Absolute best moment of all trips: The moment we drove onto the grounds, first day of trip three, our amazing son points at direction sign and says "Hollywood Studios!" A bit garbled due to his articulation issues but omg!! Unprompted, spontaneous speech! We nearly cried. This is why we go to Disney so often.

Till next time!