WOW!

When I turned 13, I had a combined Bat Mitzvah with my sister who is 11 months younger than me (I am adopted) anyway in the Jewish community these parties are usually huge and extravagant. I have been to a lot of them, ones that had to be 10 times as expensive as the one I had. I think my parents paid a total of 7,000 dollars total for both of us. As we were not spoiled as all hell, we were only allowed to chose where we wanted the reception to be held. Everything else was left up to my parents as they said that they were paying and they got to decide. Although looking back I really just think that this was a party for my mom.

Since then none of my sisters or me have had anything close to a party costing that much. When I see this Super Sweet 16 crap I just wonder what the hell the parents are thinking. At least a Bat Mitzvah is a recognized Jewish tradition and is something meaningful. But still, like I said, as the kids we decided VERY little when it came to planning the party and we knew our place, which was not to whine and complain and butt in because it was instilled in us that we should be thankful our parents were doing this at all. Hell, I didn't even want to have it cause from a very young age I rejected the religion and by the age of 23 I had converted to Catholicism.

How can the parents do this? My parents would have laughed in my face if I had asked for a super sweet sixteen! It's entirely too rediculous. My little sister is getting married next year in October and it's still going to be just a small ceremony and reception for close friends and family, as well as my wedding will be when I tie the knot. The last thing I want is a HUGE expensive wedding as it cheapens the affair and it's only a one day thing, it doesn't add anything to your life. A special day or event can be special without spending thousands of dollars.

What is wrong with parents these days?

When in doubt, God prays to Hoffman.

(And yes I am FEMALE!)