I Love Root Beer Jelly Beans

Yup. They're pretty much the best thing ever.

A few days ago TV Guide hosted an event at Dylan's Candy Bar on 60th and Third. Dear lord- that place is dangerous.

I've been good about not "powering through" my "Halloween candy"... except for the Root Beer jelly beans.

Yeah, so work has been ridiculous lately. We're working on a new business pitch which, incidentally, ISN'T WHAT I WORK ON. Grrr! I was here until 9:30 last night. Okay, so that's not the end of the world, but it's not like anyone ever actually asked me to stay late. Instead, I asked at, oh, 6:30ish if there was anything I could help with. I was told "um... nothing yet." Yeah- no "can you work late tonight?", no "do you mind?", no "do you have plans tonight?". See, I actually did have plans last night. I was supposed to meet Courtney and Josh in Times Square for dinner and then see a show with them. I knew that dinner was unlikely when we made the plans, but an 8:00 show shouldn't have been a problem. Well, the show didn't happen, and neither did the backup plan for dinner, then the backup plan to for Grey's Anatomy failed, too. By the time I finally left the office, Courtney and Josh had both gone home to bed. Oh- and did I mention that in all the time I stayed at the office, there was only about 20 minutes of work for me to do? Yeah- I played internet chess and chatted on the phone the whole time. I know it's just the way this industry works, but still! Grrr.

In other news, we booked a band for the wedding. Yippee! We didn't get the photographer that we wanted, but we have a strong option as a backup. I'm still freaking out about the difference between French Blue and Marine Blue lettering for the invitations, but hopefully that will be put to bed soon.

I had a long conversation with Greg's brother Paul last night. He lives in Virginia, so we don't see each other very often. In other cases, this might keep a girl from getting to know her brother-in-law-to-be, but not with Paul. We talk on the phone every couple of weeks for anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours! He's really funny, and we get along really well. I've always wanted a big brother, and now I have Paul! Hooray!

And finally, THANK YOU to all of the wonderful people who have already made donations for Habitat For Humanity's Walk For Homes! My sponsorship sheet has over $500 promised already- that's just amazing! Co-workers, college and high school friends, professors, family, choir and sailing friends have really stepped up to the plate. But if you haven't called or e-mailed me about helping out, it's not too late! The walk isn't until November 5th- there is still time to donate to this wonderful cause. Habitat has done amazing work on Mr. Pond's house, but there is still more to be done on his house and many others that they are working on. Don't forget- if making a monetary donation isn't possible right now, you can donate time! Ask your friends and colleagues to make a donation, come to the Walk in Larchmont, or come work on the house itself! There are so many ways to help! (I would say that's the end of my cheap plug, but there is nothing cheap about this cause!)

There is a Halloween party at Mr. Pond's on Sunday night. (The house isn't ready to have him move back in yet, but it wouldn't be Halloween in Larchmont Woods without Mr. Pond!) If you're local, I hope to see you there. I'll try to snap some pictures and post them next week. Have a lovely weekend!

Help Bring Mr. Pond Home For Thanksgiving!

On Sunday, November 5th, I will be walking in the Habitat For Humanity of Westchester’s Walk For Homes in Larchmont, NY, and I’m writing to ask you to sponsor me.

While this walk (which is being sponsored by St. Augustine’s Church) will benefit many families, it will help with one effort that has touched me personally.

Last month, Richard Pond’s house burned down in the middle of the night. Mr. Pond is 86 years old, and has been my neighbor for 25 years. He was born in that house, and lost everything in the fire. Fortunately, he escaped with only minor injuries.

Mr. Pond is an extraordinary human being. A retired teacher, he has been a friend to the children of our community for decades. In fact, an article in this Sunday’s New York Times rightfully compared him to George Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” See what the New York Times said about Mr. Pond and the effort to rebuild his home.

Habitat For Humanity of Westchester was on the scene within days. Hundreds of businesses, organizations and neighbors, including my father and sister, have volunteered time and resources to help the effort. Please help us raise the money needed to bring Mr. Pond home for Thanksgiving.

Please let me know if you’d be willing to sponsor me in the Walk For Homes. You can e-mail me at epadin@targetcast.com. Anything you can contribute will help rebuild a life.

Thanks so much!