I just wanna play by the rules!!

[Amanda]

Sorry, this is long....
I'm a hobby baker, but I have the desire to branch out. I don't want to have a full time business, but I want to play by the rules and be legal. Actually I'd like to keep going like I am (one or two cakes a month) but do it legally. Unfortunately, in my state it's darn near impossible to do that. My only option is to open up shop or find a place to rent. Ughh! Why does Illinois have to make it so !@#$ing difficult?! I've repeatedly asked the local caterer about a bater or trade deal, but they never would answer me. I petitioned my church, but just recently found out that they said no. Over the years I have "donated" several cakes and cinnamon rolls, and I'm kinda pissed that they took months to get back to me, and then gave me some b.s. about why they can't do it.
So I get the "sorry we just can't" call from the church on Tuesday. Then on Thursday I get a "volunteer manual" for VBS. I agreed to help with registration, but I don't really have the time to be there every night all week long...which I said when I agreed to the registration. I emailed the associate minister to ask what this was all about and she said that she mentioned that I had been willing to help with registration and the vbs leader must have just taken that to mean that I'd volunteer, and was that a problem? Oh, no of course not... So, they just sent me the manual with my name written by a full time volunteer station? Really? You couldn't call and ask first? AND...I have a degree in Music Education. Where did they put me? Music....?? Nope! Crafts!! I get to help kids make crafts all week long, while tone deaf adults and 1 high schooler get to teach music. They are also serving dinner every night. Was I asked to donate baked goods? How about "Hey Amanda, I know you have 3 little kids and it's really busy at your house. Would you be willing to make cookies and cupcakes as your contribution to VBS?" Again....nope. Let's not ask her to do any of the things she is good at, or likes! Heaven's no! Why would we do that?!!!
After all the baked goods I've donated, you tell me I can't rent your kitchen (which was a sweet deal for them btw), and you just assume that I'm gonna drop everything from 5:30-8:00pm all week to help kids with crafts? Hmmm....I'm not really in the donating mood anymore....
Anyway, thanks for letting me rant. Pray for me that I have the strength to keep my mouth shut tonight from 5:30 to 8:00....and that I can find somewhere to play by the rules....

[Pootchi]

I'm so sorry to hear that... Here where I live, there's no such thing as church kitchen to be rented... so it wasn't something I was able to look into.
And we're lucky enough here that we can be legal in our own home, but you need to make less than 100 pounds of goodies each month, after that you need a seperate kitchen. But I've heard that they're thinking of changing the rules again... so maybe we won't be able to be legal in our own kitchen anymore. That's why I was rushing to make my cake room. At least I only use the oven in my kitchen, everything else is done in a seperate room. But unlike you I wanted to make this my job. I' d love to be able to make around 10 cakes a week (that happened twice in 2 years) but I can't make too much publicity because it's expensive. Hopefully with my dad's help next September with their anniversary I'll be able to grow a little.

It's rude from them to have volunteered yourself without asking, and putting you in places you don't want to be. After that they're asking why people don't want to volunteer They should've asked you first, and also asked you where you'd like to help most. Maybe make a list of things you'd like to do: like 1st choice, 2nd choice... and then proceed to give you a place where they need someone... geez isn't hard to ask first?

I hope everything will turn out great for you, I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers towards you so your dreams come true, and you can be the best you can be!
(((((((((((((big hugs)))))))))))

[Ironbaker]

I'll pray that you find a place to rent out but I'm not praying for you to keep your mouth shut between 5:30 and 8! Good luck my dear!

[Amanda]

Maybe I should stuff my mouth with some Wilton fondant?! That'll take a couple hours to chew....

[2sdae]

Boy, when Gods looking to move us up we really go under dont we?!
It's so frustrating to have people over look the obvious and then snag ya into something especially when it's friends or church..you feel obligated to help but not to be wrangled.
So suck up that pout and be the best craft-lady in town 5:30 to 8 and go home and have your cake <cupcakes> and eat em too!

[Amanda]

Thanks for being so positive 2sdae. You made me smile about it. You obviously haven't seen my attempts at scrapbooking. Those kids are probably gonna have the ugliest vbs crafts ever! hahahaha....I suppose that'll teach 'em!
I like your suggestion of going home and having some cake...but I think I may substitute that with wine. It seems more "biblical"....

[jeri]

My prayer for you would be that God would speak to your heart while you are with those kids... you know all things happen for a reason. Even when we are asked to do something that we really do not want to do. If we do it with an open heart and mind and know that we are serving Him, we will be blessed. Go teach those crafts... make the best of it and God will bless you for that. You never know... through this, He may find a kitchen for you!

[cakebaker]

I'm so sorry it has been so frustrating for you. I know exactly how you feel, the rules here are just as restrictive. I'll never understand why some states want to make it so difficult to do something so simple.

[Ironbaker]

I hope it went well, Amanda! I'm sure you're not giving yourself enough credit with the crafts.

Have them make things from fondant!

[Pootchi]

So how it went?
Fondant may be a little expensive for crafts, maybe some play-doh?
How many kids are there for the crafts? just wanna know...