13 Going on 30 Date: Razzle Dazzle Swingin'

If only I could go back and relive my childhood again. Ahhh, the things I’d do differently. Maybe I can’t go back in time, or fast forward, a la Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30. And if I could, pretty sure I wouldn’t pick my first year as an official teen. Middle school years will always be awkward. But I’d sure like to go back to Freshman year of high school, so I could tell the hottie who sat by me in Spanish class what I really thought of her. Well, since revisiting my adolescence is out of the cards, I suppose the next best thing is to bring my childhood into my dating life. That I can do.

In one 13 Going on 30 non-dating moment, the literal over-the-night turned 30-year-old Jenna finds herself reminiscing with her former friend Matty. And might I add, they hadn’t been friends since going separate ways after a huge falling out at her 13-year-old birthday party. As the former childhood friends walked and talked, Jenna poses the following question, “you know what I wish I had?”

Razzles.

Shortly after picking up the candy-turning-gum sweets, the pair find themselves on swings, even jumping off as if they were kids all over again. The non-couple laughed, joked, and reminisced about their earlier days. It was clear this date had to be all about bringing back our childhood.

  Though I couldn’t recall ever trying Razzles myself, after a bit of pre-date research, I knew the store Five Below was just the place to pick some up. Within seconds of entering the store known for selling everything for $5 and below (which was true until recently), I found the Razzles I was looking for. I quickly placed packages of all three flavors in my basket. Next was the addition of Pop Rocks, another candy referenced in 13 Going on 30, and one that I remember fondly from my childhood. I then found Boston Baked Beans and Chick-o-sticks (two candies I knew my wife loved back in her day…and still does). For good measure, I couldn’t pass up a package of Big League Chew. Oh, and no way was I leaving without a Dunkaroo for each of us. Done. I had the childhood loot.

I kept this date a secret from my wife, so imagine her surprise when I told her the morning of that this date would be taking place on a playground. As it was Saturday, I chose our kids elementary school, hoping it would be empty. Not to mention it was concealed from view of any nearby motorists, offering the privacy I was looking for. After arriving, I opened the picnic basket, revealing the goodies from our childhood (and Jenna’s 😊). After devouring the Dunkaroos, I said we had to try the swings first. That’s exactly what we did, complete with a mouthful of Razzles. Within minutes, we each felt a bit dizzy. Haha, guess I’m not exactly a child anymore. And with apologies to Jenna and Matty, we did not jump off.

Playing on the playground was so fun. We were alone…that is, until a lone lady showed up on the walking path, eyeballing us with every lap she took. I didn’t care. We were having fun, doing an activity neither of us had done in who knows how long. Being on a playground often brings great joy to young faces, something we’d seen in our own kids. After swinging, we tried everything from the slides, getting slightly wet bums in the process, to the mini rock wall. I surprised myself when I reached the top, peering over for a one-of-a-kind pic. At one point, I touched my wife, yelling “tag, you’re it.” She promptly tagged me back, to which I responded, “hey, no tag-backsies.” Soon enough, she touched another piece of playground equipment, calling out “safe zone.” She totally made that up. But ahhh, such is life as a kid.

Before leaving, I asked her to come up with an obstacle course for me. After nearly biffing it as I almost missed a step, I completed the course, asking for my time. So slow, haha, but so fun. As we were heading out, my wife mentioned that we had to try the telephone thing. It was a clear sign that she was loving this date too!

For those wondering about our 13 Going on 30 inspired snacks, I tried them all, even ranking them in the process…

1.       Dunkaroos – I’ve always loved those ones and looks like I still do!

2.       Pop Rocks – Watermelon was my favorite flavor of our trio of selections.

3.       Boston Baked Beans – Hmmm, I think I’d get these ones again.

4.       Razzles – Not bad, but Jenna hyped them up a bit much.

5.       Big League Chew – I’m not a gum person.

6.       Chik-o-Sticks – My wife might love em’, but I could do without. 😊

Though my wife disagrees with much of my childhood candy ranking, we agreed on something much more important. This date was a blast! It was so fun playing, laughing, and reminiscing as if we were kids all over again. I could see a playground date even working as an unusual first date, second date, or one for a married couple looking to put a bit of kid-like-fun back into their dating life. That was us.

As for the 13 Going on 30 date sequel I’m thinking it’s about time I learned the dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, followed by an exciting game of 7 Minutes in Heaven with my wife. Just watch the movie. 😊

Until next time, keep dating.

Brent

BUILD YOUR OWN DATE – 13 Going on 30

Note: The following ideas all came from the movie. Feel free to use one, all, or something else. The choice is yours.

Locations:

·         Playground

·         Limousine

Activities:

·         Do something you (and your date 😊) enjoyed at age 13.

·         Photography

·         Read fashion magazines together.

·         Make a mix tape.

·         Learn Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Food:

·         Favorite snacks from your childhood

Brent Bonus:

·         7 Minutes in Heaven. Have fun!!!