Cake Anyone?
Being the OCD person that I am, I read my posts about 100 times before I hit “publish.” I do this because grammar obviously isn’t my strong point, and also because I fear offending people in any way, shape, or form. (Unless, of course it’s Ali or Maya, in which case I sadly take pride in being as insulting as possible.)
My point is that despite my best efforts I still inadvertently stick my foot in my mouth, which I did in my last post. So I’d like to apologize for:
1. Writing that $29,000 isn’t a decent salary. What I should have explained is that after working overtime and weekends, driving 70 miles a day, plus gas, and wear and tear on my car, I don’t think that I broke even my first year of work!
2. Implying that everyone in “the new generation” is as irresponsible as Maya’s swimming teacher is. I actually know many teenagers who are more responsible that Maya’s swimming teacher. Actually, Maya is more responsible than her swimming teacher!
Anyway, I’d like to make it up to you by making you a cake. A Godiva Chocolate Bar Cake to be more specific. If you are interested in receiving an overdose of chocolate by snail mail, all you have to do is live in North America and leave a comment (or as may comments as you’d like) below by midnight, Monday, August 30th. Simply fill in the blank…
“Ameena needs to ____.”
Obviously Ali thought this up and I do believe he is hoping someone fills in the blank with “shut her mouth.” I wouldn’t blame him.
Also, I’d love it if you’d like to follow me on Twitter @ameenadin and/or become a fan of my Facebook page. The more I read about getting published, the more I realize that a new author really needs a social media presence and as I only have 13 fans on Facebook thus far, I’d appreciate the support.
Maya promises to wash her hands!
In return I promise I’ll wash Maya’s hands properly before she assists in making the cake. In hot water AND with soap. We are going ALL out this time!
And if that isn’t a genuine apology, I don’t know what is.
While I'm not going to win Mother/Wife of the Year Award anytime soon, I haven't killed anyone yet or shot myself in the head. And that, my friends, is how I calculate success these days. 
FANCY THAT FANCY THIS 
Being a member of the new generation, I obviously don’t feel offended so I wouldn’t worry too much. I also make approximately 29,000 right now. Still. Not offended. If I weren’t living in school subsidized housing right now, I wouldn’t be able to afford it and it wouldn’t be enough for me to live in NYC the way I do. So I think you’re perfectly rational. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
Hi Ameena – I wasn’t offended at all in your last post. I actually thought it was great!
Thanks for the chocolate cake recipe 🙂 I’ll be making it soon!
You didn’t offend me 🙂 – because I TOTALLY agree about the “this generation” statement.
I can’t wait for a book by YOU comes out!!!
I think part of your charm is that you are a straight talker. However, I will finish your sentence because my daughter wants the chocolate cake. Ameena needs to…..bring the cake to our house personally instead of by snail mail.
There. Good enough?
I don’t know if I’m disqualified for being an insider but I would say: “Ameena needs to stop putting herself down (even jokingly)” love, mediha
I also worry about offending people with my posts, but you know what? It’s you, and you can’t control how people read into things 😉
That said, I will finish your sentence with “Ameena needs to shrug it off and keep it real.” 🙂 Oh! And fire that twit in the Speedo. She may not represent the whole generation, but she’s not doing them any favors.
haha i do the same thing with re-reading my posts a billion and one times! but no need to apologize at all for that last post (or any of them!)
I generalize my OWN generation — constantly amazed at people my own age (and older, and younger) who can’t meet simple deadlines or keep commitments.
oh, and Ameena needs to come back to DC so we can meet up. 😉
You shouldn’t have to apologize. This is your blog. You can do what you want with it!
Ameena needs to stop focusing on what others think of her and start on that book she’s wanting to publish!
I didn’t see a problem with your last post either. There will always be things to think about or question, or who you are or are not offending Ameena…at some time, you just have to let it go and just…well, write I guess what YOU want to write. 🙂
With that said, “Ameena needs to not worry about others and just write for HER own blog what she wants!”.
Also, just curious – since you said you check everything 1000 times LOL – how long do you spend on your posts? Also, I know you’ve talked alot about being “out there” for getting your book published – and I do agree with you absolutely! – but I also think that there are several Authors that don’t have that, and explode. Or not ;). So don’t stress on it too much, and just do it because YOU want to and enjoy it, and with no added pressures…
Otherwise – you may have to bake alot of cakes girl! 🙂
Sometimes I can write a post in 20 minutes and other times it takes me far longer. I guess it depends on how inspired I am!
I’m 22 and made a little over $1,000 per month last year…and I wasn’t offended at all. (a) The most selfish, thoughtless people I know really are around my age. And (b) in LA, $29,000 a year is probably equivalent to my $12,000 a year in Indiana. $500 a month here gets us a pretty spacious one-bedroom only 3 miles away from downtown; in LA that would get you what? Half a closet?
Hi Ameena,
First time commenter here- see what a giveaway does 🙂
Anyways, I think that Ameena needs to return to Canada so we can set up our children in an arranged Indian marriage. LOL My son is super cute, I promise!
(for those wondering, yes this is a joke)
Ameena needs to realize that she is amazing, because she is.
Ameena needs to hire a live-in-nanny like the present commenter because that would be cool.
Ameena needs to pat herself on the back more often.
As for other stuff:
I can’t do the facebook thing…Just can’t do it! I have the blog and email…and the blog is waning as is…I realize that people use blogging as a form of media and this and that to realize dreams…but I’m thinking maybe I have a different path to follow…I’m not sure. So, I might just use blogging loosely as a hobby, but not worry about “growing” it. Its cool that others do that, but not its really for me in the end.
So, I can’t do the facebook or twitter thing…too much technology is not cool for me 🙂
i don’t feel offended at all! that swim teacher needs to GET WITH IT! SHEESH!!!!
ameena needs to take a holiday and go to the beach.
ameena needs to meet up with j.c. and tra for coffee.
ameena needs to make ali take care of maya for some time during the day so she can write her awesome book.
I would like anything chocolate. I hid all my chocolate bars and some I forgotten where.
This is your blog, I think that you should write whatever you want, it’s a forum where you can write how you feel. I don’t think you have said anything that is offensive at all. So for me Ameena should..say what she wants her blog. Ameena should…know that readers like to read other blogger’s opinion on matters and without apologizing for it. Ameena should…send me the chocolate cake 🙂
I’m following you on twitter now.
I didn’t see anything rude or offensive in your last post. I actually thought you handled the whole situation with grace. I’m sure many people would not have been so calm like you and fired many profanities both at the swimming teacher and in their blogs. So kudos to you for even keeping as calm as you did and turning it into great writing material; another sign of a great writer!
Ameena needs to keep doing what she’s doing cause that’s the true and real her and that’s the way we love her!
You’re such a sweet person, Ameena! I also try to make my posts as neutral as possible in a lot of ways to avoid offending people. That being said, I actually feel the same way about the teenage generation. I’ve seen how they treat people think it’s really sad. No apologies necessary. 😉
Ameena needs to…visit upstate NY so we can meet up!
Ameena needs to get to writing! You have such wit. I’m sure you are a great writer. I am OCD too and I re read my posts repeatedly before posting! I probably won’t make the cake as I have yet to get into baking.
I didn’t take offense to either and because I know you life in Cali, I’m very in tune with the fact that $29,000 would be very hard to live on unless you are in a dorm. Cali living is outrageous!
Ameena needs to let me borrow her daughter because she is so dang cute!
Gosh, I didn’t even think twice about those things in your last post! No worries, Ameena!! 🙂 You are such a sweet lady!!
Ameena needs to… hook a preggo friend up with some deeeelicious Godiva chocolate bar cake!! 🙂
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!! 🙂
Ameena needs to recognize that she’s a kind person who is a fabulous mother and blogger extraordinaire. I still have no idea how you do it all. If I get a chance to blow dry my hair, I consider it a success. You work, blog, and care for a child. I have no idea how you do it woman, but I am impressed! And I have been thinking about this cake ever since I first saw it on your blog. When LeQuan blogged about it, I almost died. How cool would it be if you went into the cake business?!?
You didn’t offend me at all in your last post, Ameena. I really don’t understand when people don’t take their jobs seriously. (Being polite, on time, taking constructive criticism, etc, etc) Drives me nuts when people don’t take pride in their work!
Ameena needs to make plans with me soon! In fact, I’m going to email you now. 🙂
I’m not sure if I would be able to eat the cake (vegan) but I’ll do this for the fun of it.
Ameena needs to stop apologizing because her posts are flawless.. at least to me they are. Is it bad that nothing you say ever offends me in the slightest?
The cake isn’t vegan mainly because the Godiva chocolate isn’t vegan! But if you win I’ll make you something else… Oh, and it is definitely a good thing that nothing I say ever offends you!
Ameena needs to send me that chocolate cake 🙂
I don’t think you need to apologize for your last post… I honestly don’t think I’d be happy on 29K a year either. It’s just an opinion. Yeah, I could survive…but that’s besides the point.
Also I take partial responsibility for the bad behavior of my generation. I have definitely been a flake at certain jobs I’ve had (ahem, Moe’s Southwest Grill when I would use the time change as an excuse to show up an hour late…when I once filled a Starbucks cup with cranberry and vodka at work because I had to stay til 11 and wouldn’t have time to “pre-party” with friends…when you could find me with the “stomach flu” throwing up in the bathroom at work the day after that…). But, I think I’ve grown up a lot since those days 🙂
Oh! I just joined your FB page, too!
umm, not that I make that much money as a grad student haha…just hypothesizing on my future…
LOL I can barely survive on a salary twice that…you can thank darn Education and Student Loans for that…seriously – there is something wrong with the education system. It’s just not right that you go into school for an education and a job and come out so heavily in debt that you seriously having regretted going in the first place 😦
Hmmm…
Ameena needs to… get that book written and published!
Asap.
Because I need something to read during lunch. 🙂
hey Ameena! I agree with what everyone else has said, which is I don’t think you’re last post was in anyway offensive although everyone is entitled to their opinion. I thought this post was very well written though! Also I think Ameena should host a LA blogger/reader get together!
Umm, your previous post was just fine, I adore your writing style.
Onnn that note, I am never one to turn down free cake.
Ameena needs to move to Maryland. 😉
Just catching up on all your posts.
Ameena needs to send me that chocolate cake 🙂
Ameena needs to be cool and less critical of herself!! (Seriously you are amazing)
Leaving this page to be your fan on FB!
i’m not offended at all – and i make A SHIT LOAD LESS than 29K! no need to enter me in the giveaway (i get to have cake with you anytime!) but i did “like” you in facebook 😉
It’s so easy to step on toes…that’s all I feel I can say without offending anyone further!
Ameena needs to look in the mirror and shake her money maker.
I love reading your blog and your last post was just fine! Ameena needs to know how much I enjoy her blog!!!!!!!!
Ameena needs to come to Texas to visit me!!
ps. offending people=YOU MADE THE BIG TIME!
“Ameena needs to not give a crap what people have to say, and have faith in the fact that she’s a terrific writer with valid thoughts, even if some will disagree with them…~this is the part where i would insert swear words at those that disagree~”
Am now going to follow you on Twitter!
PS: I find your blog thoroughly delightful. Don’t change a thing.
Ameena I love everything you write! I just saw your comment where u said u feel mellow after visiting my blog and i couldnt agree more with how i feel when i read yours. plus ur no-nonsense common-sense and witty humor is charasmatic! thank you for dissecting your thoughts with us and being a role model to each and everyone of us, especially me 🙂
xoxo ❤
Ameena needs to: keep on writing and not worry about those that are easily offended 🙂
I really don’t see what the big deal is about anything that was written in the last post.
I don’t think twice about your wording in the last post re: a 29,000 salary or the new generation reference. Sometimes people look to far into things, ya know?!
Plus, the takeaway of that post was the swimming teacher story!
Ameena needs to pick me as the winner of that chocolate cake.
happy to follow you on twitter and facebook! I am always looking for higher #’s of followers to so i know whatcha mean!
Ameena needs to not feel like the has to apologize. I agreed with you fully. So maybe not everyone in the younger generation is like that, but lets be honest, its getting worse with every generation. I know this because a lot of people I know are no better. People just dont seem to give a crap anymore ya know?
Ok – apparently I need to proofread before I post things. I meant to say Ameena needs to not feel like SHE has to apologize. I’d use the excuse that I was drunk when I wrote that, but its 3 in the afternoon. 🙂
Also, Im about to become a fan on facebook.
Ameena needs to keep doing what she is doing because it’s working very well! I love all of your posts.
Even though we’re oceans apart & there’s no way I could even put my hand up for some of that Chocolate Cake…. 😦 I’d just like to say Ameena needs to keep doing all she’s doing….We Love It!!
Ameena needs to… get in the kitchen and bake up that delicious cake!
No offense here. 🙂 I love your blog and just joined your facebook page to prove it. I’m already following you on twitter so I’m good to go there. You are a great writer and you WILL be published!
AMEENA NEEDS TO REALIZE HOW AMAZING SHE IS!
Seriously Ameena, you’re last post was hardly offensive. We all generalize and stick our feet in our mouths every once in a while- give yourself a break!
I love your blog and think you are amazing and want to hear everything you have to say- minus the self-flagellation!
xxx
Ameena needs to stop caring too much about what others think!! You are absolutely free to write what you feel on your blog and you don’t need to read each post 100 times to make sure you’re not going to upset anyone.
How funny! I’m so sorry that someone was offended…I always am so upset when things like that happen to me. But we both just need to let go and write!
Ameena needs to stop responding to people who criticize her. If they are upset with something you wrote, perhaps they should also take a minute, after they fire off an email to you, to thank God (or whomever) for the gifts in their life. Obviously, if they have the time to get upset about something you wrote, the problems in their lives must be pretty minimal, and for that they should be grateful.
You didn’t offend me. I enjoyed reading it.
hmmmmm Ameena needs to make Ali cook decent dinner twice a week…..??
Have a peaceful sunday night!
omgosh, i never even thought to be offended. but it’s funny, i’m exactly the same way! read, read, read, ask myself a MILLION times – could this be offensive?? especially since my sense of humor can be sorta, well, weird. really glad to know i’m not the only OCDer here!
(p.s. good on ya, chocolate solves everything.)
as many other commenters here, i read your post and did not get offended. so with that…ameena needs to be more forgiving of herself!
and by the way, i know how you feel about waiting for the instructor. i’m chronically early, so it is irritating when someone is not punctual. (especially when it’s their job!)
Ameena needs a nanny……as does maya
Ameena also needs a hug,
ok I dont know why I put a comma, ignore the comma after hug, see, I’m OCD too
Ameena needs to let her humor be, depsite the fact that some people just take themselves too seriously! But I do love that a cake results from this!
Ameena needs to know that her readers appreciate her wit and sarcasm.
Ameena also needs to know that she can’t please everyone, but it’s understandable that she wants to because she has such a kind heart!
Ameena needs to realize that she is a great writer! Good writing is a talent, and you definitely have it!
Funny how easy it is to offend folks, especially on the internet. I don’t think you were at all off base (and I would probably fire the swim teacher – it sounds like Maya is doing great on her own, and unless you want her to by an olympian, you guys can now just play at the pool!)
Ameena needs to send me some chocolate cake. Just ‘sayin…
I’ll find you on facebook!
Your last post wasn’t offending at all, heck I even think none of your posts are offending..at least to me, so I think Ameena needs to chill and just write whatever she feels/wants. After all this is YOUR blog, YOUR rule 😀 Cheers!
looks like Maya is having fun
http://torviewtoronto.blogspot.com
ameena needs to…..not worry about the retards who were offended by her last post because truly this new generation is more irresponsible than the previous generation (mine) and thats saying a lot. plus i like the way you write and really sounds like something i would write if i could write well at all.
I complain a lot about the “new generation” and I AM part of the new generation! Talk about irony.
And I love Godiva Chocolate!
Ameena needs to let go – and just move on! That I meant it’s quite OK – we all have our experiences and our opinions. I regularly read your blog, Lynn’s TheactorsDiet, and Sophia’s Burb and Slurp, plus LeQuan’s Luvtoeat. I do venture out to a few others’ blogs occasionally. Everything balances out after that.
I just stumbled across this blog and reread your previous post — I didn’t find it offensive. Depending on where you live and what you do, 29,000 could be a great salary or not. I didn’t think too much about it.
I am furious when people are chronically late (my husband being one of those people!) — I am shocked by the teacher’s response.
I don’t know why anyone would be offended by your earlier post. I do not get over the attitude young/teenagers show these days. If I have to get ice cream from yet another highschool student who makes you feel like you are bothering her by ordering ice cream, i am going to have to stop eating ice cream!
To fill in the blanks, Ameena needs to voice her opinion in her own blog….and send me that cake 🙂
Ameena needs to… make me that delicious cake asap! Thank you. 🙂
I LOVED your last post! I wasn’t offended at all – I think most people are understanding enough to know what you meant by the salary, etc.
Ameena needs to … take some time out for herself! 😀
I would totally read a book you wrote and I support you girl 🙂
im totally unoffended by your last post. i was making 29,000 a year 5 years ago, paying no rent, commuting 5 miles to work and back, and i was still struggling! 29 K sounds like peanuts when you think of how much work you put into it!!! yikes!
and no offense taken about the younger generation either.. there are some bright stars.. but alot of kids are “me, me, me” these days.. yucky!
Ameena needs to introduce me to her generous and trendy mother-in-law!
I wasn’t offended at all by your last post! I didn’t even read it “that way” until you apologized for it.
Ameena needs to not apologize for the things she writes in her own private (no, not really private at all, but you know what I mean) space!
And Ameena needs to post more pics of her beautiful little chef-in-the-making!
Ameena needs to: Learn to love herself more, see what an amazing woman she is, and stop being so hard on herself!
You don’t have to enter me into the contest- I just had to tell you what I think you should do!
I am on the way to FACEBOOK you!
Barbara
Not offended one bit. No need for apologies or anything like that. This place is your space to speak what you want. 🙂
Hmm, I too didn’t think the earlier post was offensive. So you see, you’re too nice to apologize even when you don’t need to! 🙂
I’m pretty sure nobody will accuse me of being TOO nice. 🙂 Unfortunately for me!