Ah, youth! The golden era was filled with questionable fashion choices, cringe-worthy moments, and an inexplicable ability to bounce back from any embarrassing situation. As we grow older and wiser there are certain things from our youthful days that we can’t help but long for. The glorious absence of responsibility or the delightful ignorance of adulting. So get ready to bring back some memories and that cigarette lighter.  Start yelling FREEBIRD!

Fearlessness (or Ignorance?): Remember how you’d jump off swings at unimaginable heights without thinking twice about broken bones? How about riding bicycles down steep hills at warp speed? We were fearless daredevils! We built forts used as places to drink beer and partied in the cornfields. Now even walking on uneven ground feels like attempting tightrope walking over Niagara Falls.

The Mysterious Disappearance:
Once upon a time, there was an abundance of youthful energy coursing through our veins. We could pull all-nighters like it was nobody’s business – dancing till dawn or binge-watching entire TV series in one sitting. But now? The mere thought of staying awake past 10 PM has us yawning uncontrollably.

Platform Pumps
Elevate your height, elevate your style… or maybe just elevate your risk of ankle injuries! The stiletto pumps of yesteryear gave us inches of added confidence along with a constant fear of toppling over like human-sized Jenga blocks. But we rocked them anyway because fashion has no limits.  Now I find my feet are too flat or swollen. Damn I miss those shoes.

Grade school! Those were the days when our biggest concern was whether to choose chocolate or vanilla for lunch dessert. But what made those years truly unforgettable were the friendships we forged – bonds as strong as the glue on our art projects!

Who can forget Recess– a haven for adventure-seeking souls! This group of daredevils would be up for any challenge – climbing trees taller than skyscrapers (in our tiny minds), and ruling the monkey bars with unmatched finesse. We were never afraid to try out new things with childhood friends.

First off, let’s talk fashion. Picture this: big hair that defied gravity, neon-colored everything, and shoulder pads so massive they could double as small aircraft wings. We strutted around like peacocks showing off our style, which was often questionable at best. But hey, we owned it with pride!

Now let’s not forget the music scene. The 80s gift-wrapped us some unforgettable gems – from Michael Jackson to Madonna to Bon Jovi (cue epic air guitar solo). We rocked out to cassette tapes while secretly perfecting our dance moves in front of the mirror for hours on end.

Slightly Ironic like the Alanis Morriset song I loved in the 90s, since you are reading this on the internet. But anyway, fellow Gen X-ers will remember the good old days when we had to rely on our wits instead of Wi-Fi.  Life was simpler then and I miss those days.  Better yet there is no recorded record of our fun except in picture boxes tuckes away in our broom closets.

I miss the malls of my youth! The days when I could spend endless hours roaming through those glorious consumer havens, basking in the fluorescent glow stores beckoning me with promises of trendy clothes and neon scrunchies. Ah, the memories of a refreshing Orange Julius.

Camaros and Trans Ams – The Muscle Cars We Miss

The muscle cars of our youth! There’s something about those roaring engines, sleek designs, and rebellious spirit that makes us nostalgic for a time when driving wasn’t just a means of transportation but an exhilarating experience. Not saying I was ever lucky enough to own a 1969 Camaro with racing stripes, but I felt cool in my boyfriend’s car in the 80’s.

You’re running late for an appointment when suddenly *poof,* your keys vanish without a trace! You turn your house upside down only to find them resting innocently in the fridge or hanging out with your plants in the garden. Who said treasure hunts were just for kids?  I miss the effortless memory I had in my youth.

No bottled water here, I’m pretty sure I remember thinking what a stupid idea that was.  Who’s gonna pay for free water?  Turns out, everyone! This brings me to my favorite way to stay hydrated as a child The water hose – our childhood companion during hot summer days. Nothing quite beats the satisfaction of taking a refreshing gulp from that coiled contraption, that tasted like metal, creating memories filled with laughter. 

There are a lot of things to miss from our youth and growing up in a simple time.  These are just a few of the lighthearted moments I remember.  Though I’m sure not all, you know that fading memory and all.  Plus we don’t want to spill too many of those secrets.  Now we are your loving, innocent grandparents, with no evidence to prove otherwise!