When the farking fondant collar and suspenders slipped off in the heat on Saturday and I couldnt get the icing smooth again afterwards I cried. It had been a long day … For non-Doctor Who watchers – “Bow ties are cool” is a reference from the show.
“I’ve been contemplating suicide,
But it really doesn’t suit my style.
So I think I’ll just act bored instead,
And contain the blood I would’ve shed. ”
So warbled Nick Cave in Shivers … Contemplating suicide doesn’t really suit my style either, but instead of acting bored I’ve spent the past week pondering “what next?”. When I outlined my elaborate plans for Sprog 1’s party to a friend, she suggested I become a kids’ party organiser. I told her I was an “ideas” person, not so good with finer detail. Now, after devoting two days of my life to making candy sushi, cake “sandwiches”, olive bugs, homemade party pies and a “bow-ties are cool” cake, I’m offering a clarification … fark that idea for a joke.
I was totally shattered last night, despite handsomely paying a nice bloke called Mike from the CSIRO to entertain 19 kids for 90 minutes with science experiments.
Next time, I swear, I’ll buy frozen party pies, chuck some potato chips in bowls and be done with it. Hang on, no I won’t, I’ve promised Sprog 2 a bunny-themed party for her birthday (bunny biscuits, bunny cupcakes, an Easter-egg hunt, tent full of real bunnies … I tend to over-reach).
Ah well, I’ve got four months to recover and regroup.
On the upside, all that party planning took my mind off my psychic distress from being sacked just four weeks into my new job. Though perhaps it wasn’t entirely wise to regale all the unsuspecting school mums with my sorry tale (and my association with prisoners) when they came to collect their kids from the party. Some of them looked quite startled …
Anyway, here are some pics from the party. I think Sprog 1 had fun. She’s all internal and low-key like me, so it’s hard to tell sometimes.
Giant jam and cream cake “sandwich”
CSIRO Mike makes strawberry liquid nitrogen ice-cream
Blue fizzy cocktails
Olive bug crawling out of party pie
Eyeball party bags with popping candy test tubes, eyeball bouncy balls, skull candy, magnifying glasses and other “mad scientist” goodies
Nuh, definitely not getting into kids’ party planning as my new career. Or photography – geez my shots are blurry.
Any other suggestions for a suddenly unemployed former magazine editor?
Anyone want to pay me a piddling amount to blog Hollywood gossip round-ups for them? I’m available …
Hang in there. You did the right thing. As you would say ‘fark them’.
Ah, there are good times and bad, same goes for people. You’re one of the good ones, Leanne
Bummer wish I had girls so I could go to one of your parties they look spectacular
Thx Catherine, not sure if they’re more trouble than they’re worth!
What a great party for your child – especially the candy sushi, the cake itself – and a CSIRO guy! Love it! I love your blog too, keep writing! And I love your Hollywood Gossip round ups – it means I can save money on magazines! Sorry I can’t pay you though…
Thx Alexis! I’m thinking about bringing daily gossip back to Housegoeshome. I miss it.
Yes the gossip is so much fun. My suggestion is to just keep writing…you’re good at it.
Why not try ORGANISING parties not CATERING.
The point is to follow your Joy. Work is always work but if you can have fun doing it then the time goes faster.
And you clearly have a passion for food, an excellent ability to organise ideas and speaking from personal experience creating great parties for others whether they are grown ups or kids.
Oh, I also remember you were great at delegating and leading a team.
Hi Alana, one of your “unsuspecting school mums” here!!! Was great talking to you yesterday, and I love your attitude. Keep up the great work. The party food was great too – well done. Hope you’re putting your feet up today! Jules N-S
Phew, so relieved I didn’t horrify you.
Tempting, but I’m thinking my real skill is writing – far less overheads too. Let’s see what turns up.
That party looked amazing! Loved the CSRIO guy, that was a fab idea…