Good Times
Sometimes a conversation inspires me to write a blog, as in this case, when my friend Hector Heredia said two simple words - "good times." I was waiting for the right moment to write about such a lovely time until yesterday's event occurred.
It all began when my daughter, Mia reached an epic age - 13. That called for a celebration! After discussing ideas, she decided to invite a group of friends on a journey to Times Square 
in a hot pink Jeep limousine. Knowing an additional chaperone would be beneficial, Tatiana Tati Ponce, a 24 year old friend of mine came to save the day. She was perfect for the occasion: fun, bubbly and young.
The chauffeur met us at the school before the kids were let out and Tati got right to work. She decorated the limo with party items and made sure snacks were placed. Now, we are ready. The "school's out" bell rang and a slew of teens gathered around the impressive limo. "Who's going in," they asked? Before you could answer, six eighth graders in party clothes entered the vehicle and were soon whisked away to the legendary New York City.
There was not a dull moment in that ride as teenagers yelled and laughed over the loud music blaring from the speakers. They ate party snacks and toasted to "good times" with Sprite filled champagne glasses.
First on their agenda, was shopping at Forever21, the mammoth, four floor Times Square store. This was the equivalent of bringing a four year old candy stricken child to a candy store and setting him free. Within it, you can find anything to purchase from earrings to coats; on display, there is an actual NYC taxi cab. The girls moved so quickly that I was glad to have young Tati with me; she kept up with them better than I did. Once they were done shopping, we went on to the second place on their agenda - FAO SCHWARZ.
What a beautiful store! At any given time, you find a treehouse, gigantic-sized stuffed animals and an enormorous piano. You and your friends can stand on different keys and play a tune. This item retails for $250,000.00 and if you walk a bit further, you find a Barbie Fooseball Table retailing at $24,999.00. Does anyone actually buy this stuff? 
Tati and I asked an employee this question and not surprisingly, she said no to the former, but yes to the latter. The third fooseball table had been sold that very same day to a lady that had it shipped to China. Imagine that.
After all the shopping and playing around, everyone was hungry and we agreed to eat in Jersey. By this time, rush hour had set in and the snacks and sodas were gone, yet the most important element remained - FUN! The girls continued singing, making jokes and laughing out loud on the way home. Suddenly, someone started singing,"Happy Birthday" and everyone else joined in.
Finally in our neck of the woods, we drove to a teen's favorite place to grab a bite - McDonald's, where the girls sat and spoke about the "good times" they had. Yes, it had been an extremely fabulous day. Certainly, they will be speaking about it for the remainder of the school year. That is, until the "Graduation Party" - another epic moment which will require a grander celebration!
Happy Birthday, Mia! You will always be blessed if you choose to follow God's will for your life.
"Children are always the only future the human race has; teach them well" Unknown