It's a party. There's music, food, games ... everyone's happy. My clients, typically the birthday child's mom and dad, are often wonderfully hospitable, insisting that I help myself to the feast. While I will regularly accept a bottle of water, especially as temps soar in summer months, my standard gig rule is NOT to eat at an event. I have a few reasons for this: #1 -- If I stay and eat with my hosts, every epic balloon pop is likely to garner a tear-filled, "Can you make me a new one?" from the young guests. No matter that my hire time has ended or that I'm eating. #2 -- Miss Pickles is a fantasy character. Having a child observe me grazing on the buffet fare rather tarnishes the image. #3 -- Getting my grub on at a gig might leave food in my teeth or ruin my Miss P make-up, creating a less-than-professional appearance and once again diminishing the fantasy in a child's mind. Unacceptable!
That said, I absolutely adore Indian food. So, when I'm offered this delectable fare at a party, I have been known to accept. But here's how I sidestep the onslaught of requests to remake burst balloons after my service time has concluded. Two simple words: TO GO. Yes, I get a plate of saffron rice, dal, naan, that spinach yumminess, perhaps even a slice of cake and take it with me! That way I can slip safely away from the frivolity and grub in private, probably sneaking a few bites at every red light on my way home. So, for me Not to Eat is the general rule, unless Indian food (or lemon cake) is involved ... and then I adapt, deliciously!
