Silent Philly came to the ice rink on Friday night! As I was walking in, I was 45 minutes early for the next session, I ran into one of the DJs. We started talking and he told me about the program. There are three DJs, each has a station on the headphones and you can skate while listening to the DJs. A club on the go!
$15 later, I had headphones for four hours. I grooved to all the stations while skating through two sessions (4 hours). I enjoyed skating with the other participants and I loved meeting the other DJs too, after skating was over. It’s good to know I can skate with noise cancelling headphones on and now I’ll feel comfortable putting my own personal headphones in while skating.
I loved the red channel the most. They were hits of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. A lot of r&b I haven’t heard in at least 12 years! Happy memories while skating and creating new ones. Above, some of the songs I grooved and skated to. 
The DJs followed the Happiness Box Instagram and loved the photos I posted, including the selfies.
Last month I met a group of kind, generous, sweet teenager boys that I would say are around 16, 17. The one, Connor, took my video last month and a selfie with me. In the month since, he’s been really kind and has helped a bit with skating. I’m still learning and he takes care not to bump into me or anyone else.
Friday night we got talking and he doesn’t mind helping or taking videos. Seems like a rink friendship is blooming. Same with his friends and Matt, one of the staff members.
At the end of our conversation, I thought I hope this isn’t weird and I’m not seen as inappropriate. Then I thought back to when I was a teen. I had 30,40,50,60,70,80 year old friends when I was a teen and sans the ones who passed away of older age, I am still friends with and go to for advice. I’m grateful I had them around when I was a teen.
Teenagers seem to like me. Maybe providing friendship and guidance if they ask isn’t such a bad thing. I know it helped me, it has helped others and I’m going to pass it on.
Can’t wait to see Connor, Matt and the gang next week. Silent Philly returns on 6 March and I will be participating. Winter Fest closes on 8 March and I’ll be savouring the final few weeks before it turns into roller skating in May.
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
This play list is more than alright… you know it’s outta sight! I’m happy you remembered the cool songs that the DJs played at the ice rink, dear friend. You must have had a blast listening through headphones as you skated. I was already familiar with Lauryn Hill and Bebe Rexha but not doing these particular songs. I knew the cuts by Mike, Prince and Meghan. A while back I posted a collab between Chris Brown and Pitbull. I love these sounds, the older and the newer. After the trouble you ran into with a pack of adolescent jerks at one of the rinks three or four years ago, I am pleased to read that you encountered and befriended a group of sweet, considerate guys. I hope you keep in touch with them and that friendship blossoms. You have a proven ability to make friends in all age groups.
Have a safe and happy week ahead, dear friend JM!
LikeLike
I admire you for your open friendliness with people.
Thanks for the musical treats, too.
LikeLike