As I type my Yankees are losing. I'm not watching tho, because: a) I'm too scared to watch (plus, I can't get FOX on the rabbit ears. The radio is another matter. b) I just remembered today that I'm not supposed to care about baseball anymore. One (potential) strike too many. . . . . . . . . . . So the 1st Annual Benefit for Signifigant Steps Child Development Center went pretty well. I ate a lot of very tasty food (although, truth be told, something there didn't quite agree with me very well. I think it was the dip.), got to bid on a lot of items in the silent auction (secure in the knowledge I'd never win, but I was doing my part to inflate the price for the charity), and had a little too much wine. The place? The Picnic House in Prospect House, which was a very nice venue indeed. Staff was friendly (some a little too friendly). Not really enough people tho, although this was the first event they held; not a critical mass of people. Maybe next year. My co-worker Liz invited me to go, and at $150 a head, she must really be a good friend for me to have gone. Of course, I also go home with her on the train, regularly chat with her kid, am on her bowling league team, and go to lunch with her on a regular basis. The neighbors can't stop talking. Her sister, Michele Muller, along with husband Bill Muller, were honored at the Gala as well for their work to help out the organization. The speeches were not really polished, but the emotion was very sincere. It was the case with every other speaker as well, not everyone can be as smooth as Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. Normally I'm not a big fan of politicians, but like I have to give props to Guiliani for racing to the heart of action, I have to give a hand to Marty for being on the Brooklyn Bridge the day of the blackout, welcoming us all home with open arms back to Brooklyn. But he was a smooth talker. Lots to say about Significant Steps and the benefit dinner, and not much really said when you thought about it, but highly entertaining for the time it was taking. Dancing didn't really happen. I won a gift basket in the raffle, a Tea Lover's Basket. A teapot, 2 cups, a wiffle (essentially a tea pot holder), stainer, tea crackers, and I'm assuming tea. Of course, tea upsets my stomach and I mainly dislike the taste. The smell, especially of Earl Grey, I love, the taste, not so much. Plus the fact I have no room at home, adds up to the fact that Liz now has a very nice Tea Lover's Basket. The neighbors are gonna get a kick out of that. Oh, and did I mention I got to meet Matthew Modine? Really nice guy, stopped by every person to chat, myself included. Even left the yankee game early for the event, so that's the true mark of a really nice guy.