Lost Domesticity

I was half-heartedly listening to the evening news tonight (I find it too depressing to actually sit and watch...) when this 3 minute "As Seen On TV"-style infomercial came on. It was for this 200 piece Betty Crocker Cake Decorating Kit, and suddenly, I was enthralled. Maybe it was all of the cakes. And cookies.

Anyway, I actually said to myself "Oooooh! That would be fun!" And "It's only $19.95?" The commercial emphasizes just how EASY it is to create a basketweave pattern on the side of your beautifully baked cake, and for a few seconds, I actually believed them. Apparently, I'm an easy target.

Then, I reflected on how many cakes I have actually baked in the past year. Hmmmm. That would be zero. Cookies or cupcakes in need of decorating? None. (Disclaimer: this is not to say that I have not EATEN my fair share of wonderfully decorated cakes, cookies, and cupcakes...they have just been the product of someone else's hard work.)

Now, if this were mumbletythirtyoddmumblety years ago, I would soon have a chance to demonstrate my baking prowess at my kid's various preschool/Girl Scout/birthday party functions, but I have been informed that schools don't allow "home-baked" goods anymore. I guess I should feel sad that those days of sharing your favorite cookies with your classmates are over, but frankly, it's kind of a relief that I won't have to compete with the other mommies for the "Most Creatively Decorated" cupcakes award. I would SO lose.

I am, however, a world-class competitor when it comes to "Baked Goods Selection". Don't even THINK of getting between me and my chocolate cake.