Mazel!

This past weekend i left the city and headed to Westchester County.  After only an hour on the train I found myself amidst horse farms, rolling green grass, and estates with manicured shrubbery that did not have one stray leaf out of place.  I was going to my first Bat Mitzvah since my days on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit many moons ago.  And let me tell you, times have changed my friends.  The reception was set in a carriage house behind a country club with hanging lanterns, lovely flower arrangements, and a great view of the property.  No hint of barren dance hall with stray streamers from my days.  In addition to the grown up venue, the 13 year old boys and girls were like miniature New York City adults.  Now that they essentially make adult clothing for kids, teenagers wear what ladies on the town are wearing, just many sizes smaller.  I could have easily shared a cute mini skirt with just about any gal in the place.  Apparently awkward attire is no longer a staple for the awkward years.  Even more surprising was the demeanor of all the kids there.  For the lady of honor, each friend wrote a short note to express congratulations and share some of their favorite classroom memories.  The notes went something like this:

'You are fabulous!'...'You look stunning today'...'You're gorgeous, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!' 

With their mature words and clothes, you would have thought we were toasting someone on the charity circuit at the Pierre in Manhattan.  It was refreshing to see that even though kids may grow up too quickly these days, they are exchanging girl on girl recess hate crimes for thirty-something eloquence and support.  Oh, and one more great thing about Bat Mitzvahs today...they serve drinks to the adults.  Who knew!  Games of Coke and Pepsi and dance motivators are so much more fun over Amstel Lights.