Looking Up To Audrey

Last Sunday was the 20^th Anniversary of the death of one of my favorite actresses, Audrey Hepburn. I might have missed it but I saw a magazine in the checkout line that was devoted to her life as an actress and as a humanitarian.

I’m not quite sure why I have always had this fascination with Audrey Hepburn. I suppose it has a lot to do with my family and how I grew up. Our house was known as the musical house on the street. Not because any of us could actually play anything resembling a musical instrument. Our house was the house where we all watched old movies and danced and sang throughout the movie as the music played. Is it weird to admit that I would have rather stayed home to watch old movies than go out with my friends? I know, kind of geeky!

One of my favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I have seen over 20 times! I own many of her other movies such as Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and My Fair Lady.  I guess you could say that I wanted to be like her. Maybe because, in most of her movies, she played characters who were not only beautiful and elegant but also fun and witty. Who wouldn't want to be like that?!

As I got older, what I loved about her even more was how she devoted the rest of her life to helping others in need, especially through UNICEF. She worked as a Goodwill Ambassador helping the severe poor in many disadvantaged communities of Africa, South America and Asia.

Below is a quote from Audrey that I often repeat to my daughter because I think it is important to remind our kids to always look beyond what we see, to see the good in others. This is especially important as they grow older.

“To have beautiful lips, say beautiful things;

To have beautiful eyes, look at people and see the good in them;

To stay thin, share meals with someone who is hungry;

That, above anything else, is what keeps you beautiful.”

         ~ Audrey Hepburn

Service Is Not Dead

I am here to tell you that service is not dead, at least, not completely! I have to say that I have been in plenty of establishments where I have felt like waving my arms frantically just to get someone’s attention. I even admit there have been times where I have incessantly pulled on the nearest person’s arm just to get some service.

Well, I am happy to report that I actually had great service the other night and I wanted to share it with you, especially with those families who have kids with food allergies. The other night we decided to go to one of our kid’s favorite restaurants, the Olive Garden. One of the reasons we enjoy this restaurant is that we can get a meal for everyone, even Katie.

Katie used to be able to eat their pasta but their current brand now has egg as an ingredient so that is out. So we went through our usual routine when ordering, “My daughter is allergic to dairy, eggs, all nuts and sesame, what can she eat here?” At which time, we usually get the “oh-uh” stare. I quickly glanced down and saw that they have a Filet Minon on the menu and I thought it would be a great treat for her since she can never have what she truly wants. The fillet and broccoli (minus the butter) were a “go” but she could not have the diced potato or rice options because they were pre-seasoned. I asked if we could have a baked potato without butter. Our waiter replied that they did not have baked potatoes in their restaurant but he would see what he could do.

Ordering our mean can be a lengthy process but this is what we do whenever we go out to eat. So we just waited to see what they would come up with. A few minutes later, the Manager dropped by our table to say they would be happy to get a baked potato for Katie. When we questioned the waiter later, he said they were “going to go out to get her a baked potato.” Going out where? Out to the store? Do they grow them in the back? Hmm....this was getting interesting.

Sure enough, a little while later our orders showed up with a nice big baked potato on Katie’s plate. It’s still a mystery where they got that baked potato, although I suppose they might have called over to a nearby restaurant. All I know is that we had a very enjoyable dinner and we would like to thank the lovely manager and waiter at Olive Garden, for making my daughter feel so special!!