This morning I woke up at about 5:30, rolled around for an hour or two, and then managed to fall back to sleep until 9:00. That was a major treat for me!
As usual for Saturdays in Boston this fall, it was pouring rain, so that meant that soccer was canceled for Pete and Julie. Pete will have a makeup game tomorrow; Julie's season has been extended one week because of all the rain.
We had been planning to go to temple this morning, because the rabbi has repeatedly urged us to go as often as possible before Steph's Bat Mitzvah to get a better sense of what goes on. I had a ton of work to do—I have two, count 'em, two—deadlines on Monday—so Andy and Steph went themselves. It's a very different experience to go and be paying attention to what happens when, and who goes where and does what. I hope to go at least once or twice before our big day in February.
When they got home, we zipped down the street to the Windsor Club, which is where Steph's reception will be, and where our caterer was doing an afternoon party today. We hadn't met her yet, and we're always eager to see how people have decorated that old and rather boring room. It's a good-size room with a very high ceiling but little else of interest to it. We popped in a few weeks ago and saw it done up with lots of white and silver and a very elegant feel. This time they had brightly colored tablecloths and balloons, for more of a fun and festive approach. Our caterer has done hundreds of parties there over the years and has tons of ideas about how to make it interesting without letting the tail wag the dog. She knows that I am not interested in throwing "the party of the century" for a 13-year-old (nor do I have the budget for it), but she also wants to help us make it feel special. It's fun to see the many options. I'm really looking forward to choosing the menu—that, at least, is something I care deeply about!
I am so intrigued with your planning process for Steph's Bat Mitzvah. I have never been to a Bat or Bar Mitzvah, have never known anybody who had one or planned one, and honestly have no clue what all they entail. It's fascinating — a combination of tradition, religion, and culture. But what sticks in my mind is how special of an event it must be for the child. It's really a celebration of emerging into womanhood or manhood, am I right? Is Steph excited as all get-out about this coming up? (It DOES sound expensive — I imagine there are some families that just can't afford it...) When will Pete have his? Are boys a little older when they have their Bar Mitzvah? (I'm thinking because they mature later). Sorry I'm so green and probably asking silly questions, but I just really enjoy learning and living a little vicariously. It sounds like this is going to be just wonderful for Steph!
Posted by: Tonya | November 14, 2009 at 09:30 PM
P.S. I've left an award for you on my blog!
Posted by: Tonya | November 15, 2009 at 01:01 AM
Karen, I love to read this stuff about your Bat Mitzvah planning- my oldest son is in 4th grade so we'll get our date next year and start planning I suppose. It blows my mind that I'm at that point in my life. If you don't mind me asking- if you had to guess, what would you estimate as the low and (realistic) high range in terms of cost for the whole event? 10K? 15K? More?
Posted by: Rachel | November 16, 2009 at 09:39 AM