One of Ethan’s friends from high school started a business selling Cutco knives.  He called us on Saturday and asked if he could practice his presentation on us, and sell us some knives.  I have knives that I love, but I also wanted to support him so I agreed.  He came over yesterday and did a great job presenting his business to us.  Of course, I bought eight steak knives, which cut through leather so they must be good!  I will also send him names of friends who will listen to the presentation as well.  Always happy to help an entrepreneur!!

Moving a freshman into college is no easy feat!  There is a ton of shopping to do, following lists that are six pages long, deciding what they need and what isn’t really necessary.  Then, there’s packing everything up and getting it to the dorm.  Finally, it’s move in day, complete with anxiety about the new school and sadness about leaving your child.

When we moved Ethan in, the first thing I did was make his bed.  First, there was the “Bed Bug Prevention Mattress Cover,” a plastic zipped up cover for the gross plastic mattress.  Then, we put on the foam pad, so that it would be comfortable.  Then, the mattress pad, to protect the foam pad and provide extra cushion.  Then the fitted sheet, followed by the flat sheet and comforter.  Yes, it was probably overkill, but I’m a Jewish mother and I want my boy to be comfortable!

When we finished making the bed, Ethan’s roommate said that he needed to go somewhere to get sheets.  He had arrived a day earlier and slept on the BARE MATTRESS.  He did not come with anything for his bed, not even a pillow.  He had no soap or toothpaste.  He did not have parents to move him in and take him shopping for snacks and the few things he forgot.  He had nothing.  Then another “new friend” also said that he had nothing.  Of course, Jordan and I offered to be their parents for the day and take them shopping.

We piled into the car and headed to Bed and Bath, where they got sheets, towels, pillows and all of the necessities.  We helped them pick out what was most necessary, and ensured that they received the best prices on those items.  Then we took them to the supermarket, where they got their toiletries.  We made sure that they filled out the paperwork to get the store discounts on those items.  We squeezed all of us and all of their purchases in the car in every free space and brought them back to the dorm.

A reminder that not everyone has the same resources – both financial and human – and that when we can, we’re obligated to help.

While researching opportunities for hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive, I came across CityTeam in Chester, Pa.  It’s a few miles from my CASA family, yet they have not utilized the services offered there.  They have a men’s shelter, where my CASA mom’s boyfriend lived for some time.  They have Food Programs, where people can pick up boxes of food, or come to the cafe and sit at tables with tablecloths and be served meals.  Through their food programs, they also have a Thanksgiving Food Drive, where they provide 900 meals for families.  They have a Mother and Baby Care program, where they provide clothing, formula, diapers and all other baby products at no cost.  They also have a backpack drive, and provide toys for Christmas.  They have a long term residential recovery program, a GED program, healthcare, and job assistance.  I signed up to work in the Mother and Baby Care program, having no idea what to expect.  I drove there, parking in a very sketchy neighborhood, not at all comfortable with this decision.  But it was great.  I was so impressed with all that CityTeam has to offer the residents of Chester.  I spent most of my time sorting and hanging clothes, and packaging diapers, wipes, Q-tips for the participants.  The clients were treated with respect and kindness, and I really felt like I made a dent in their to-do list.  I will definitely be back, and I would love to get my CASA family to start taking advantage of all that they have to offer.

What a great day with my mom and sestra!  First, mom and I met for a yummy Greek lunch.  Then Wendy met us at Beautiful, a terrific Broadway show about Carol King.  We wanted to prolong our visit, so we headed to Bryant Park for some iced coffee on a hot summer evening.  We stopped at the kiosk “wafels and dinges.”  The woman in front of us on line ordered a waffle with Nutella.  When they handed her they waffle, she paid with a $100 dollar bill.  They did not accept $100 dollar bills and she didn’t have anything smaller.  I was so happy to help, and I told her it was my treat.  She said that she’d get change for her large bill, but I handed the clerk my credit card and told her to just enjoy her waffle.  She left to get change and we sat in the park with our beverages.  On the way out, we stopped to see if she came back for her waffle.  She did not.  The clerk asked if I wanted them to refund my credit card and I said no, just give someone on line a free waffle and tell them to pay it forward.  I hope I made someone’s day!