The black pirate hat danced around in the air, weaving and bobbing to some Disneyland music. Attached to it was my head and the rest of me, being dragged along on this wild ride. The only sounds I heard were ones of trumpets soaring higher and higher, trying to hit an absurdly high note. The pirate hat and the warm Florida night had taken control, and my self-consciousness went right out the window. I danced, not greatly or with any skill whatsoever, but I danced. For that one night, at the end of our trip to Florida and Walt Disney World, I enjoyed life in a way I never have before.

Earlier that evening, I had wandered around the hotel, feeling lonely and bored. My roommate and I had planned on visiting the theme parks, but his father, a chaperon, had taken him out for a surprise birthday dinner. So I was left alone to wander. Feeling in the mood to play some video games, I headed out to the arcade with a crisp ten dollar bill. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out, penniless, after quickly finding out that I should never get behind the wheel of a race car. I don't believe I even managed to complete one lap, let alone finish. On the way back, I ran into some friends of mine, who had returned from dinner to get their tickets for the theme parks. Seeing how lonely I was, they invited me to go with them. I agreed, happy to do anything.

We got our tickets, and decided to go to the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks and the parade. When we arrived there, we walked around, stopping to get some ice cream and pie. The air was constantly filled with the screams of joy from children running around, and every person had a smile on his face. The happy mood was contagious and I began to smile myself. My two friends sat down for a minute to enjoy their ice cream, so I went into a store looking for a souvenir. The pirate hat sat on the table, looking silly even from across the room. I moved closer, a smile and a chuckle coming from me as I thought about what my friends might say. A cartoonish sticker of Captain Hook was on the front brim, and his large smile sold me. I picked it up, paid for it, and put it on, anticipating the reaction of my friends. I was not disappointed. Howls of laughter burst forth, and I quickly joined in, enjoying the moment. I spent the rest of time at the park and the ride back to the hotel with a big smile on my face.

It was around eleven o'clock when we got in, but I was having too much fun to go to sleep. It was also our last night in Florida. I went into my room, and got out my Cd player, and put in my Disney Jazz cd, wanting to listen to some fun music. I intended only to listen and watch the stars and the night, but the incessant beat of the drums and jubilation's of the trumpets filled me with energy. I was in such a good mode, I began to let the music move me, and I was off. For once in my life, I forgot about being mature and serious, and let it all go. I got even more flamboyant when my other friends returned, enjoying their shock at seeing me like this. I had the time of my life.

When I think back on that trip, it always brings back a smile to my face. Since then I've tried to be less serious and enjoy life a little more. I've made more friends and I have had more fun this past year than I have before. That experience has changed my life for the better, and I'm glad it happened in a funny way.