The Bible says it's better to give than to receive ... but doing both simultaneously makes for the best feeling in the world.
I joined dozens of dessert lovers on September 14 for the third annual Ice Cream Run to benefit Children for Children. Individuals, pairs, and groups assembled in Washington Square Park to help the not-for-profit organization raise money for its volunteer leadership programs and enjoy what's left of summer. Participating in this "scavenger hunt" was a fun way for me to live out my motto of "stay busy and stay positive" while facing indefinite unemployment.
Like most non-working stiffs, my top priority is to find a job ... but during my ten months of idleness, I've given what time and money I can afford to causes I support -- whether it's my alma mater, New York University, or professional initiatives like UNITY: Journalists of Color. Such charitable acts keep me connected to institutions that have meaning in my life, and it also reminds me that as bad as my situation is, it could be a lot worse. (God forbid I had to deal with a foreclosure or feed a family!)
This upbeat attitude came in handy when I became "The Ice Cream Fiend" for the two-hour race. My legs -- and a MetroCard -- took me to parlors in neighborhoods as diverse as Chinatown, Alphabet City, Chelsea, and Midtown East. At Ciao Bella Gelato, I bought a cup of strawberry sorbetto, and I couldn't resist purchasing a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at Alphabet Scoop. While these brands couldn't hold a candle to Häagen-Dazs, I still had a good time sampling their products.
After staggering back to the park, I handed in my score card and headed for the nearest empty bench. (My calves were killing me!) The event organizers tallied the results, and my third-place finish landed me a Sex and the City bath and body kit. My stomach was full and my shirt was soaked with sweat, but I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day -- even if I was receiving a paycheck.
