There weren't any more animals on our little farm yard except for our old dog Tony. More of my siblings had moved out and on their own. I was the one relied on to mow the two acres of thick lawn every week while my mom took the push mower around her flower beds, large trees and outbuildings. I had time to think.
I can't remember exactly when, but one of my friends' family acquired an Atari gaming system. What fun that was! Keeping the little ball from touching the side of the TV screen......slowly bouncing back and forth.....wow! Pacman and Donkey Kong turned into all the rage about that time too. My brother got in on the excitement and purchased an Intellivision system which I absolutely enjoyed because I could play baseball on it for hours while he was at work all day.
I can put money on the fact that my brother still has this thing |
The flared jeans were going out of style and were replaced with crotch-wrenching acid-washed jeans and the uncomfortable jelly sandals were the footgear of the year. The '80's were fun and colorful, I'll admit that, but the clothing was quite awkward to me, even at that time. I probably hung onto my flared jeans a little too long. To me, the early teenage years were all about how to acquire somewhat fashionable clothing without having a job. Begging. Yes, begging my mother would just have to do until I could find a place to work and make some money. Hair crimpers and leg-warmers weren't a dime a dozen, you know!
Ha! |
Eventually, I found sweatshirts/t-shirts and old jeans were the most comfortable and affordable attire. I should have stuck to that plan right from the start....it really is cheaper and much less stressful.
Boys were really looking interesting to me at this time. But not the boys that I grew up with.....that would be like finding my brother attractive....yuck. I should have tucked those feelings away until I was older anyway because when I tried dating boys at that time, the distance between Winkler and Schanzenfeld proved to be the biggest problem. How was I going to make a relationship bloom from 3 miles away?
Time was ticking and soon Garden Valley Collegiate in Winkler was on the horizon. High school is where many of us that grew up together, grew apart. It was inevitable. Different friends, different interests and busier lives pulled us in opposite directions.
This was the time in my life that I really, really, really, would like to do over. I look for this period in my own children because this can be a very "lost" time. I honestly wished that I would have had more guidance.
Me in Grade 8 |
My second son, whom I may need to punish, tells me that I look a like an alien in this picture. I may have to pull out his baby pictures.
I really do miss those young Rebecca years but we all know that nobody can stay there. I would be a 47 year old lady with teased hair and spider bangs wearing platform shoes. That would be a hoot to see, wouldn't it?!