Ah, the ’90s! It feels like just yesterday, yet here we are—over fifteen years later. The time has flown by (seriously, where did it go?). I can tell you exactly where the last few years have gone: I’ve been busy juggling motherhood and my writing career. But before that? Who knows!
The ’90s are forever etched in my memory, particularly because I met my partner, a sailor in the Navy, back in February 1990. After a whirlwind courtship filled with long-distance love, we tied the knot in October, and I made the big move from sunny Florida to Virginia. What can I say? When you know, you know! We spent three years navigating deployments and life in Virginia before moving to Charleston, South Carolina. By January 2000, we were off to Newport, Rhode Island. So, what do I miss most about those unforgettable years? Let’s dive in!
1. AOL
The world truly opened up when the Internet became a thing! I can still recall the thrill of hearing those iconic words: “You’ve got mail!” AOL was the gateway to email for many of us who were still figuring out computers. I joined in 1992 when AOL was still a paid service. It’s free now, and I still use my original email address. But oh, how I miss those simpler days when getting an email felt special and spam was just a myth!
2. My First Cell Phone
I can’t remember if it was ’92 or ’93, but I finally convinced my partner to get me my first cell phone after he had one for a while. The freedom of being reachable anywhere was magical! Before that, I had only a cordless landline, so this felt like a huge leap. Nowadays, we have smart phones that do everything except make breakfast, but I yearn for the simplicity of those “dumb” phones. Remember real conversations without the distractions of apps? Those were the golden days of “Can you hear me now?”
3. ‘Friends’
Who can forget the iconic sitcom that debuted in 1994? I was definitely one of those people glued to the screen every Thursday night, laughing at the antics of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. Their friendship and hilarious misadventures made me feel like I was part of their crew. Even now, I find myself binge-watching reruns and reminiscing about the good ol’ days when life seemed less complicated.
4. Bill Clinton
Oh, Bill! I admired him and his family, especially Hillary and their adorable cat, Socks. His presidency felt like a time of hope and optimism, something we all could use more of these days. Sure, there were controversies, but his charisma and down-to-earth vibe made politics seem approachable. I miss feeling that sense of possibility that came with his leadership.
5. Life Before 9/11
Before September 11, 2001, life felt more innocent. There was a sense of safety and trust in the world that seems elusive now. I often think back to those days with nostalgia—when I believed that home was the safest place to be. I miss that version of myself too, who was more trusting and hopeful. And let’s not forget that stunning New York skyline that was a symbol of dreams and aspirations.
Although I have a deep affection for the ’90s—surpassed only by my love for the ’80s—they weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. It was a period of growth and exploration, as I was figuring out who I was as a person, a partner, and a writer. Now that I have a clearer sense of self, I wouldn’t trade my progress for a return to those times, especially when there’s so much ahead to look forward to!
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In summary, the ’90s were a unique blend of charm and transformation, a decade that shaped many of us into who we are today. While I cherish those memories, I embrace the journey ahead!