yumyumcherry

‘Bread and Butter’ letters as they were once known, a good thank you is more than sound etiquette, it is a sincere thanks for whatever small consideration.

Kids, it isn’t eaten, worn, or played until the note goes out.

Smythson’s whimsical stationery, adorned with personal elements. In this case…these boots were made for ‘talkin’……Red, naturally.

Smythson (my favourite–and, purportedly Sharon Stone’s) Stationery. If not personalized, still good weight card stock and goes much farther than any email. Sole cards can be bought at Papyrus for different occasions and Cranes is fine as a last resort. Save Hallmark and American Greetings to pick up puzzles and overpriced knickknacks.

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Hey Yummy–
IF I go out to eat with people, am I supposed to pay, do they, what’s the deal?? Chris

Hey Chris (yo, yo, yo)
The Deal is: First of all, I don’t know if you’re a man or a woman. Sexist as that may seem, it still does make a difference. For example. If you are a Christopher and you and a bunch of friends go out—having mutually decided to dive into the Food Court, well–it’s safe to assume you’ve got a separate check thing going.

However, let’s say, “Christopher,” that you invite a date and six couples to dine at Morton’s. The bill comes and you shrug, having assumed that everyone was kicking in their portion, well, you may be surprised. (As in washing dishes, or VERY Embarrassed at the very least).

Some couples have this ‘alternating’ thing going, I call it Knife Swapping. We get together and frequent restaurants or one another’s homes and share cuisine (and whatever else, but this is a family channel)….well, you may pick up the tab one time and then they do, blah, blah, blah. Note: USUALLY this is over if you don’t pony up by the third meal.

Rule of thumb, if you have invited the guest/guests, it’s YOUR responsibility to pay. Technically you should refuse to allow them to do so as the Host.

Now, if you are with a member of the opposite sex/same sex and this is a date (as in kissy kissy)–then, Christopher, you SHOULD pay. Chivalry is NOT dead with Yummy.

On to Christine, well–first of all, if you have invited the gang, you should pay for it. I know, some of these relationships with girlfriends get a bit involved until Madge whips out her number two pencil and starts doing higher math to determine your cost of the two iced teas divided by her side of potato salad. Friendship is a beautiful thing, isn’t it. Pay the tab and don’t go out with Madge again.

If, on the other hand, you are with Mr/Ms Wonderful and it is a date, you should by now know who is paying for what. This isn’t sex ed, you work it out. A word to the wise, however, most “dates” are based on the concept that you are involved in that ‘getting to know you….’ concept. Do NOT order something more expensive than your date….this is not the time to try Lobster Thermador if your partner is ordering a lesser meal. Take a Cue. Please, oh, Please, do not get a drink or order a Magnum if Sweetie is having a Diet Pepsi–finally, Don’t clean your plate. You were asked out for the pleasure of your company not because he/she thought you were hungry.

Don’t bag it, don’t take it home. Even if you have a dog, but especially if you don’t. Save that for family–it’s pretty clear with them who is whipping out the plastic.

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Japanese School to Test Chopstick Skills

By Associated Press

TOKYO — Students need not apply to one Japanese high school unless they can demonstrate dexterity with a pair of chopsticks.

Successful applicants to the Hisatagakuen Sasebo Girls’ High School in south Japan must be able to transfer marbles, beads and beans from one plate to another using just a pair of chopsticks, Kyodo News agency reported, citing the school’s principal Junko Hisata…

Frankly, I’m used to being a bit of an anomaly in Japan. Not that 5′9″ and blonde fades easily into the crowd, I’m also known to speak my mind and in a voice over a whisper. That, plus the fact that I do not cover my mouth and giggle much could be alienating. However, I doubt that my finesse with chopsticks has much to do with the conclusion that I indeed am maybe one notch above a farm animal. (*NOTE, NOT KOBE BEEF) I enjoy my Japanese friends, and business partner, Miki, immensely, but I am a Geijin. I think that translates as foreign devil. I do try to behave and pop a lot of valium while in the Land of the Rising Sun. Even so, while some of the attention to detail may verge on the insane to me, it does drive home a significant point that overall, the US has become somewhat slapdash.

At this point in my life (46, I think, but frankly if I lie about my age now it’s because I’ve lost count), I’m happy when I see my four year old get something from his plate actually into his mouth. I guess I can cut him some slack, but—for the most part, I think that table manners (well, any manners, actually) have virtually disappeared in our ‘Drive Through’/Mall Culture. Now, I’m content if I get a plastic fork and 2″X 2″ paper napkin with my meal–Do you know how hard it is to eat a Chicken Tropichop with white rice/beans with your fingers? I do. Even more fun when you’re driving. I guess I should see if Chanel would customize a lobster bib –better yet– drop cloth for me. Hey, I own my own car (no lease would take me on, I’m sure) so at the end of two years and 140,000 miles–and you think I’m kidding, I should probably just touch my car and call it a day. Hope someone brings Marshmallows, we can make Smores.

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