Thursday, December 18, 2008

Twenty Years Ago


Twenty years ago, I was 22-years-old.

Twenty years ago, I got my heart broken by a guy for the first time.

Twenty years ago, in 1988, I paid $125.00 a month in rent for my own small bedroom in a four-bedroom house.

Twenty years ago, I switched scooters, from an old Vespa P200 to a brand new Honda Helix 250.

Twenty years ago, I thought it might be realistic to still date girls.

Twenty years ago, I was still working at Disneyland, in the Character department, until they fired me.

Twenty years ago, I started working in a dance clothing and supplies store, after being fired from Disneyland.

Twenty years ago, I was taking as many dance classes as I could afford to, dreaming of the day when I would be a real, working dancer.

Twenty years ago, fifty dollars allowed me to sign up for as many units as I wanted to take at the local junior college.

Twenty years ago, I used to withdraw five dollar bills from our credit union's ATM.

Twenty years ago, I could still wear Levi's 501 jeans in W30 L30.

Twenty years ago, I was not brushing and flossing regularly.

Twenty years ago, I was still using an electric Brother typewriter.

Twenty years ago, I still felt inferior for having dropped out of college.

Twenty years ago, I still believed that Christianity could help me stop being gay. At least, I wanted to believe that.

Twenty years ago, I used to wonder how my life would turn out when I became an older adult in my thirties and forties.

Here's to the end of the current year, and the beginning of the next.

Here's to the next twenty years.

13 comments:

Michael DeAntonio said...

You didn't brush your teeth regularly? I'm not sure if this friendship can continue.

mr jp said...

If I wrote a post called 20 years ago, I won't remember much ! hahha.

Hmmmm, like your retrospective posts, its like we're all different people back then huh ?

If you could relive it, would you do it all again ?

Peter Varvel said...

MV, all better now. Smell my breath! Smell my breath!

MR JP, sometimes I wish I could do it all over again, so I could do some things differently. I think that's a typical wish for many, and a dangerous one at. It's good that we're not able to.

Twenty years ago you were 4? Or 5?
Blog some posts about your childhood - or draw some cartoons of your memories from that time!

movindowntheroad said...

is it your birthday?! Disney actually scares me. Honest.

Peter Varvel said...

M, ha ha! No, it ain't my birthday (I'm just old . . .). Disney scares me a little, too. They've become so Nazi boot camp in the last two decades. I try not to transfer that fear to the kids when I go with my niece and nephew.

Lori said...

20 years ago I was 8. I had a thundercats lunch box. I sang in the choir and I wanted to be a Vetranarian when I grew up.

Peter Varvel said...

L, these are perfect examples of why I freakin' LOVE you!! I'm so sad we were not the same age as kids together, although we've always behaved as children together, you and I, LOL.

Cheryl said...

I wish the ATM still gave out fives. Sometimes that's all you need. And sometimes that's all you have.

Peter Varvel said...

C, I freaked when I tried to withdraw $40.00 last month, and the ATM informed me that I could only withdraw a minimum of $50.00 - I thought it was the new minimum amount. It took me a few seconds to realize that the individual ATM must have been exhausted of twenties.

SleepingBeauty said...

20 years ago, I was 5, playing catch under the hot sun and getting full attention from my parents, thinking life is perfect.

Now I know life need not be perfect. As long as your enjoying it, its all good :)

Happy New Year Peter.

Peter Varvel said...

Thanks, SB! Happy New Year to you (I hope you get a new car, soon, too!)

quin browne said...

20 years ago you were hot.


you still are.

the Constantly Dramatic One said...

20 years ago....I was learning to walk. I think. I dunno.

Have to ask my mom =P