So, I was watching 30 Rock a couple weeks ago and I was reminded of my childhood. One of the characters had a toy car in her mouth. She pulled it out, looked at it and stuck it back in. No, I didn’t used to eat toy cars. Yes, it was a very strange scene, but that’s not the point.
It reminded me of some of my favorite toys growing up. I think it was Hot Wheels that had the cars that changed colors in warm or cold water.
I was also reminded of the toy cars that came in the Honeycomb cereal box. Whenever we would go to the store and get new cereal, that next morning was a race to breakfast between my brother, sister and myself. I used to get so mad at Sarah because she could sleep until 2PM if Mom would let her and yet, if there was a toy in the cereal box to be claimed, she would be up before the sun.
I also got to thinking about other toys that I loved growing up. In doing so, I was reminded that yes, I was a tomboy. For example, for Christmas or birthdays it was a pretty safe bet that I would be receiving some sort of sports-related item.
I was also obsessed with NFL Starting Lineups. When I was in third grade I had a double hernia operation. I remember my sister giving me an Ickey Woods starting lineup as a get well present. And yes, I still know the “Ickey Shuffle.”
The first Christmas that we (as in us kids) bought Christmas gifts for each other, Sarah bought me a turbo football (and a very lovely watch that had changeable colored rings).
I had some other key indicators that I was a tomboy. I was against brushing my hair, for example. I also hated wearing tights.
Thankfully, I’m no longer anti-hair brushing. But, I still have an obsession with the NFL. I love my fantasy football. I also still participate in my fair share of sports. But don’t worry Mom, I try to find balance by painting my nails and wearing lots of pink.
