In celebration of the 30th anniversary of a classic ’80s film, let’s reflect on how life has transformed since 1985, or if it really has at all.
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Employment
- 1985: Scored a job at a local diner, earning $3.50 an hour.
- 2015: Now, I’m getting paid to write! At the freelance rate, this translates to roughly … $3.50 an hour.
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Waiting (A.K.A. ‘Isn’t It Funny What We Put Off for Others?’)
- 1985: I’d sit by the phone, eagerly anticipating a call from a crush I met at the beach.
- 2015: Now, I’m glued to my phone, waiting for my child’s soccer schedule to be posted.
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Snacks
- 1985: Indulged in Ruffles potato chips paired with sour cream and onion dip.
- 2015: Seriously, I should have invested in Lipton Onion Soup Mix back then.
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Cinematic Experience
- 1985: The Breakfast Club premiered. Was told I looked like Ally Sheedy—did that mean the one with the messy hair or the glam version? I pondered this for years.
- 2015: Watching The Breakfast Club with my kids. My teenager is mortified to watch it with us, while my 11-year-old is amused by all the “inappropriate” scenes I had forgotten about. (Note to self: Don’t tell the teenager about the original Bad News Bears viewing.) I’ve finally stopped worrying about which Ally Sheedy I resembled.
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Beloved Jeans
- 1985: I scrimped on my diner earnings to buy a pair of $85 paisley Guess jeans, only to trade them for comfy grey Hanes sweatpants later on—thank you, college diet.
- 2015: Found those paisley Guess jeans online for just $19. Probably discounted due to the “super skinny” label. It’s clear that women of all ages prefer comfort over squeezing into tight jeans, especially when Hanes sweatpants are at the same price.
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Parking Skills
- 1985: Managed to parallel park a Pontiac station wagon in less than five minutes during driver’s ed, scraping by on my driving test.
- 2015: Still can’t parallel park, but I excel at backing my minivan into tight spots. Recently, I squeezed it between two luxury cars—climbed out the back door. Totally forgot about how the owners would get into their vehicles.
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Trophies
- 1985: Accepted the reality that I would never win a trophy, convincing myself it wasn’t important.
- 2015: Great news: You can now buy yourself a trophy that doubles as a wine stopper. Isn’t it marvelous?
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Concerts
- 1985: Attended that unforgettable Purple Rain tour with Prince, complete with a bathtub performance and Sheila E. pulling someone from the crowd.
- 2015: Sure, my kid loves Taylor Swift’s wardrobe and upbeat songs—but honestly, what’s new? Back in my day … oh well, never mind.
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Sleep Patterns
- 1985: Enjoyed a solid nine hours of sleep. School ran from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., leaving ample time for activities, homework, and no need for caffeine.
- 2015: Nowadays, local high schools kick off at 7:20 a.m., and coffee has become my lifeline. My teen isn’t there yet, but it’s only a matter of time.
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Friendships
- 1985: I was selective about my friends.
- 2015: Still making thoughtful choices about friendships. I genuinely appreciate my kids’ friends too. Ultimately, relationships matter more than competitive soccer levels, AP classes, or college prestige. Trust me, I’ve been around long enough to know.
Bonus Insight: The song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a tribute to the joy of Ruffles and sour cream and onion dip, was penned by Prince in 1985 and later popularized by Sinead O’Connor. Just a thought: what if he filled that iconic purple bathtub with dip? I’ll bring the chips!
In summary, while some aspects of life have changed since 1985, many remain delightfully the same. Whether it’s the nostalgia of favorite snacks, the trials of parenting, or the enduring importance of friendships, the essence of life continues to connect us across generations. For parents navigating the journey of home insemination, check out resources on treating infertility and explore our guide on the home insemination kit for helpful tips. If you’re dealing with a wiggly baby during diaper changes, this expert advice might come in handy.