At the Intersection of Fun & Chaos Near Oreo Headquarters

Childhood rite of passage: Punch went to her first Funplex birthday party today, for a boy in her kindergarten class. It was at 10:45 a.m. in East Hanover, a city name that always fascinated me, since Nabisco Brands headquarters is located there. Ah, the Oreo and the Ritz.

This was a big splash for Punch--pizza, drinks, ice cream cake, a roll of tokens for the arcade and free rides on these things that swoop you up in the air. On one of them, she was too short and an adult had to go with her. Me, and my friend/fellow parent Jill. It was scary but fun.

My favorite part: Watching Punch, in her cheetah pants, scurry around with J. and S., holding hands. I looked over at the three of them in a row next to me on The Skyscraper, giggling and shouting, and thought, Punch could be making real friends now, friends she might have all her life. Will these girls know each other in middle school? High school? How sweet it was to see them reach for each other's hands as they navigated the busy floor. They belonged to and with each other for the moment, and what a secure feeling that is.

But, um, next time I might bring a giant ice water or iced coffee inside.....some adult accessory.

Need to get some sleep. Boot camp class will be here in a blink.

Good night to you.

TCOY

1. Lots of ice water.
2. Some spiritual thinking.