A Right of Passage

Many of you may remember my tale of the 16th birthday bash from our Christmas letter. I'll go deeper....

I turned 16 once, even one of my kids had turned 16, so what's the big deal? If you've ever seen "My Super Sweet Sixteen" on MTV you'll know, it's not what it used to be. It's not about the innocence of that first kiss or even the thrill of the driver's license. If you're a girl in So. Cal, it's ALL ABOUT THE PARTY!

While we tried very hard to make Megan's day special, it pales in comparison to some of the thousands (an exaggeration of course) of parties she's been to this year. It appears that every weekend someone or another is having a party. She's at one right now and there is an invitation sitting on the table next to my chair. They range lavishness, but all are a big deal, trust me. We've probably spent more on gifts, make up, hair accessories, etc. this last year than most boys spend on a lifetime of birthdays.

One girl from school invited her and a bunch of her friends to a party on a yacht in Newport Harbor. Now this isn't one of Megan's good friends, just someone she knows. Apparently this particular girl wanted to make sure her party was big enough, so she invited half the school. A stretch limo hummer picked up Megan and about 10 other people. There were at least 3 others around town picking up other kids all over town. There was a DJ, a full buffet dinner, sparkling cider was flowing all night. The guest of honor changed at least three times.

Here's the double standard. Jake turned 16 while we were here in the OC. He went to two parties (and they were for girls!) Why do the girls get the big Sweet 16 parties? They get the wedding later on that is pretty much all about them, right? What do the guys get? Don't tell Jake that I noticed this inequality or he'll be hell bent to right the wrong. But I was just thinking what is the right of passage for the non-Jewish boy? But then again, maybe I don't want to know. Sometimes guy things gross me out.