I'll Admit It, I Love the Hokey Pokey

When I was a kid, we used to have roller skating parties.

I think we also just went skating sometimes, but the point being, we went to the roller rink, put on some skates (or eventually roller blades), and skated around and around in a circle. There were the jerks that went too fast and knocked people over, there were the newbies that clung to the side banisters and walls to just make it around, there were groups of girls strung out in a line, holding hands... Over and over, we would loop around. Sometimes we'd get off for a few minutes to grab a drink or some food, but overall it was just good contained fun.

My favorite part came about 2/3 of the way through a session. They would call everyone onto the rink to form a circle. It was time for the HOKEY POKEY. I can't tell you why I like it so much. Maybe it's the group aspect of it. Or the repetitive nature. We all sing a song, do silly movements, some people fall down... It's completely goofy... and I completely love it. Much like I love karaoke, the Chicken dance, charades, pictionary, and scores of other activities in which I have a gravely difficult time convincing other people to participate. Personally, I think that if clubs offered this activity around midnight, I might be inclined to go more often. Heck, I'd sit through the tired scene if I knew that at midnight, I'd get to Hokey Pokey.  Oh, and cell phones would have to be turned off. I can't imagine anyone trying to put a whole self in, or even an elbow whilst trying to email, text, BBM, or the like. Do I really think this is ever likely to happen, ever? Surely not, but a girl can wish. I can't imagine a bit of group bonding rooted in song and silly movements might not just be what we all need. You just can't ever be too upset when you're shaking it all about, or doing the Hokey Pokey and turning yourself around. You just can't.

My birthday's coming up. I think a night of juvenile fun might be just what I need. An evening where we do the Hokey Pokey, roast marshmallows, play silly board games, laugh, and talk. If you come, please leave your cell phones in the bucket by the door. You won't need them anyway.