For some people, birthdays are reminders that childhood is faaar away. In our culture, youth = happiness, and yet look around at all the anti-depressant consumers. I fight the illusion by chasing that elusive dream with childlike celebrations. One year, I found my birthday bliss at the Playland Skate Center in Austin. Skates strapped on, I convinced my jovial group of merrymakers to risk life and limb to add one more year to my stay here on Earth.

Mission accomplished. I was transported to birthday nirvana circa 1979 at the Skate Machine in Lubbock, Texas. Michael’s Jackson’s “Wanna Be Starting Something” and an attempt at the limbo erased every single worry about tsunamis, global warming, terrorism, joblessness, crooked politicians and credit card debt. It all faded into the concession stand’s gloriously sticky floor, where all that matters is how much Wacky Taffy and cherry ICEEs can be consumed.

You should try it. Admission and skate rentals are cheaper than a shrink.

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About the author

Autumn Carpenter
While navigating the carpool lane and translating toddler conversations might not rank high on some adventure life lists, I happily include those accomplishments alongside skydiving, dodging Pamplonian bulls and surviving three-hour Vinyasa yoga classes. I look for the story in everyday situations, and convey them easily in both print and online mediums. I’m also SEO-friendly ghostblogger, web content writer and copywriter. Let’s collaborate on a project today!

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1 Comment

Stacy Stroud

OMG yes. If skateboarding can come back in, why not roller skates?

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