Last month I celebrated my 37th birthday. 3 – 7 ! Every year my age creeps forward by a year and I can never believe it. In 3 more years I will be 40. I have to confess that I sometimes forget my own age. Is it bizarre to say that I feel like I’m still in my twenties? I’m not saying that searching for compliments. I honestly do. I feel healthy and young at heart.
Ironically when I was in my twenties I pictured my thirties to look a lot different. In my young heart I saw myself married with at least 3 kids. From a very young age I visualized being married in my twenties and done having kids by my early thirties at the latest. Maybe it was all the Disney movies I loved to watch and all the happily ever after films that ended with marriage and a truck load of children.
When I soak in my reality today, a different yet equally great dream was realized. I was married 3 years ago and was blessed with my amazing daughter last year. She was a gift that I had been dreaming of from a very young age and although we waited longer than I would have expected, it was more than worth the wait. As I look at the world my daughter was born into, what a different time it is compared to when I was a child. The days of running around the neighbourhood and playing outside 24/7 seem like only yesterday.
Memories! Am I the only one that loves to reminisce? The 80’s / 90’s were awesome! Here are a few of my favourite things in no particular order from my childhood. I’m sure they will take you back to yours too, whether you were born earlier or later.
1. The 80’s hair : Oh yes! My mom prided herself in whipping these ‘do’s’ up for us, with and without force, everyday before school. Visualize a lot of tease to it and a wall of bangs that you couldn’t break down even with a rock!
2. LA Gear runners : Anyone remember these? I sported the white and violet high tops and kept the hanging brand chain on for the extra coolness factor. They were close to what Keds are today.
3. Timex Indiglo : These watches were so popular when I was in elementary school. The beep every hour and the glowing light couldn’t be any cooler. I had it set on the 24 hour clock which made me feel even more special!
4. Mr. Dressup : Who remembers him accompanied by Casey and Finnegan? The quality of kid shows has definitely changed. I used to watch Mr. Dressup all the time – singing, arts & crafts, dress-up games and imagination galore!
5. Cabbage Patch Kids : Move over American Dolls. Cabbage Patch Kids were the “must-have” dolls whose authenticity was proven by the tattoo on their bums. My doll, Freeman Nathaniel, kept me company throughout my childhood. I still have him!
6. Windbreaker suit : Were you even fashionable if you didn’t sport a windbreaker? Warmth no but style yes! Mine was green and white. Oh yeah!
7. Panasonic shockwave : I remember when this first came out. I couldn’t wait to listen to my cassettes with music that I had recorded straight from the radio. When the discman came out, I was even more excited for the cd experience without all the skipping.
8. Alf : Who remembers Alf? I had so many favourite shows growing up. Is it because tv was better back then? Fridays and TGIF were the best with hits such as Full House, Growing Pains, Family matters and more.
9. Jelly shoes : I think every 80s child lived in these or at least had a pair (That and maybe aqua shoes for the water). Why don’t I ever remember getting blisters in them?
10. Pagers : Who needs cell phones when you could page your friends with “texts” using the numbers themselves? Decode this, “17 17725 50 41117” (It was so fun). Either that or leave your number for your friend to call you back. I remember heading straight to a payphone to call my friends when I got the page.
I honestly could go on and on about the best things I remember from my childhood. What I sincerely remember the most is spending actual quality time with family and friends. Other than some Nintendo here and there and a specific day of the week with good shows to watch, I spent much of my time playing outside until the sun went down. Those were the days! Now being a mom, I hope I can teach my daughter to enjoy the simple things in life and make her childhood as memorable as mine was.
My 37th year is off to a good start. Now with my daughter I have the opportunity to spruce up my “child within” spirit and build new memories with her. I wonder what her memory list will look like years from now.
What would you include on your list?
