It has been a long while since my prime childhood, and I have a feeling I am missing a bucketload of nostalgic things. Too many of them appear material, not memory-focused. I can strangely recall only specific things at the moment, so here is a list of ten in no particular order.
#10. Fool’s Gold
Maybe this was just an occurrence at my school, but kids loved to trade fool’s gold for a time. There is absolutely no value to it, but even so, I kept a cute, tiny plastic treasure chest for my fool’s gold. If anybody stole it, the things I would do. I thought it was the neatest thing. How was it made? Can it actually be found in nature? So many questions have gone unanswered. So little elementary school time.
#9. Bakugan
There was a show of this, I’m aware. But the toys? On another chemical level. Whoever crafted this deserves a raise in life. Anyway, I had a Pegasus Bakugan that would flash its glorious wings once dropped onto a hard surface. However, I also babysit this adorable toddler at my martial arts gym, and I bring old toys for her to play with. Guess what? I lost it. My favorite toy, most probably stolen by some other sticky children in the area. I think kids are great, and I want them to enjoy this toy as well. But step foot on my turf bearing this lost toy… things will go down.
#8. Swings
Who doesn’t adore swings? I still go on them when I walk past a park! Maybe that’s a bit strange to admit, and I’m utterly positive that some kid is judging me as I kick my legs with glee. No matter. It’s a brilliant way to release stress from a long day, just not in the hips. 30 minutes maximum, and you’ll never twist again.
#7. Goosebumps
What a terrifying show. Demented and true to its book series, Goosebumps has always haunted its viewers, but in a good way? All I can think about is how this series influenced my taste in horror media. I can’t thank it enough, but I still close my bedroom closet at night, just in case the monsters try to attack.
#6. Water Gun Fights
If you’ve never tried a water gun fight in the rain with your neighbors, you’re oddly missing out. Although specific, I remember one evening when all I could think about was playing with Nerf guns. When I couldn’t find any, my mind was set on water guns. Colds really didn’t matter when kids were having fun; If we got thirsty, hey! There was rainwater right there! We could refill water guns near the puddles. Logically, it was sound . . . sort of.
#5. Dolls
I dislike dolls. Always have. Maybe not Barbie dolls and the like, but all of them scream “demonic.” Still doesn’t mean I hate them. Realistically, they will not come back to life, but the imagination of it is familiar. Sometimes I feel reminiscent of them. Like the doll shop in downtown Campbell, or the old ones you’d find at Granny’s house.
#4. Grandfather Clock
Tick, tock, BONG! That is a scary sound to hear at 3 AM while spending the night over at your grandparents’ house, but how neat is that? This gigantic clock just works 24/7 to not only tell time, but hypnotically sway, surrounded by its elder barrier, surrounded by beautifully carved wood. That definitely won’t sound cool to most, but is it nostalgic? Mhm, and I’ll still sleep like a baby despite the antiques staring me in the face.
#3. Redbox
A significant time in my life was going to Safeway with my dad. Of course, not for groceries, but for movies, as a grocery store would provide. Technology has advanced a lot since then, and though it seems easier, I quite miss a working DVD and CD player in the household, especially borrowing cartoon movies to force my dad into watching. It just gave off a vibe that things were so much simpler. I also felt less lazy, but I don’t think there is much of a difference from that than today. The main difference is more choices for movies. Now I can watch Ben 10 anywhere. It’s crazy!
#2. Reading Pictures
Reading pictures? How is that possible? Nobody starts as a perfect reader, drawer, or speller. So I started with picture books. Had them read to me. Maybe I Spy, maybe old children’s tales stuffed together in the old 70s books that still sit on my closet shelf, gathering dust more than financial value. But the money doesn’t matter. I could understand everything just from viewing the ancient art. I hope I can pass this feeling on to other people someday.
#1. My Old Room
My old house was a bore from the outside. Gray townhouse, lined in a row of other gray townhouses. But physicality was never an issue for me. The inner workings of the home were a blessing, and I had the liberty of relaxing on the third floor. It was luxurious, and so was my room. I remember waking up early in the morning to watch my dad ride away on his motorcycle to work, eventually having the bright, summer sun beaming down on my eyelids through the blinds. I remember having battles with my toys, determining winners unfairly, and having losers rise back from defeat. I remember dancing in my room to my iPod, whatever music my mom downloaded. I remember rarely inviting or showing friends around my room. It was my sanctuary, not with many wall decorations or much flavor at all. It was cozy with imagination, creativity, and memories. That is all that mattered to me, having a quiet place to be myself. I don’t live there anymore, and I have a brighter neighborhood. It isn’t the same, including people and my new room, though it has improved comfort and design by miles. At least I have my family wherever I go, so nothing ever really changes.