Girls Day

In anticipation of my niece’s upcoming 8th birthday, we enjoyed our annual Girl’s Day out today. Traditionally, plans commence a few weeks in advance when she makes two lists: (1) her favorite restaurants and (2) her favorite activities. She gets to select one from each list, then we set a date and wait for the big day.

This year our day started with lunch at her favorite place … House of Japan. We marveled at the giant Koi swimming under the glass bridge in the entry way. We oohed and ahhhed as our chef/entertainer lit the grill on fire coaxing high flames, then tossed an egg in the air and cracked it in half with his spatula. Then we savored our rice, steak and Japanese “French fries” (bean sprouts). Finally, the staff brought out a quartered pineapple with “head” cut to resemble an exotic bird—aflame with a lit sparkler, while they sang “Hoppy Birtday.”

Then it was off to “Sweet and Sassy”—the salon created exclusively for little girls, and likely the brainchild of some zillionairess who surely has villas in Paris, Rome, Greece and Bora Bora--thanks to her recognition that little girls like to play beauty parlor and have their nails painted. (Now, WHY didn’t I think of that?!!)

The place is awash in bubble gum pink, has all the glitzy, glittery and sparkly things that little girls love … and it’s in a mall. Your little one arrives for her appointment, picks a hair style (“Princess,” “Diva” or “Rock Star”), then the pampering begins. Her nails are painted, her hair twisted into little sprouties (or an elegant bun –if she’s a princess), and then make-up is applied. Final coatings include sparkly hairspray, sparkly face gel and sparkly eye shadow. It’s a fun time for little girls—and packages range from $16 for style and make-up to $450 for the grand Pink Pajama Party. The best part is the look on their faces when they gaze upon their dolled-up little mugs (and hair) in the mirror, post production.

I love spending time with my niece. I learn so much from her. You could say she’s a mentor to me. Her confidence reminds me to loosen up a little. She just says what she thinks. She is informative and honest …

“So—Em, what is Sweet & Sassy like?” I ask on the way there.
“Well, it’s really pink—which is kind of annoying after the first couple of times you’ve been there. They could’ve used a little lime green.”

She is opinionated (like when she saw the Michael Jackson shirt in one of the stores at the mall.)
“Michael Jackson. Eww.”
“You don’t like him?”
“No. He sounds like a little girl.”

She is used to getting what she wants, and has good reasoning skills.
“I am SO-O­-O having that Pink Pajama Party for my birthday.”
“But, Em—it’s $450. I don’t think your Dad will go for that.”
“Well, my Dad usually gets me what I want.” (She pauses, acknowledging that her CPA Dad might experience a little sticker shock with this one.) “Besides, the birthday girl goes free.”

I’m not sure at what point in my life I lost the ability to just say what I think without worrying if it’s politically correct … or if someone will/won’t approve … or if someone might disagree. But, I’m working on getting back there. I figure if I spend enough time with the Divine Miss Em, I can remember what it was like to be me when I liked myself … all while getting what I want and developing good reasoning skills. Clearly, it starts with determination.

FYI ... I am SO-O-O getting that diamond tennis bracelet for my birthday.