As I reminisce about the 1990s, it feels as if they were just yesterday, yet they slipped away over a decade and a half ago. Time has certainly flown by! The past five years of my life have revolved around raising children while managing a writing career. But what about the years prior? They remain shrouded in a delightful haze.
The ’90s hold a special place in my heart, particularly because I met my partner, a sailor in the U.S. Coast Guard, in February 1990. Our whirlwind romance led to marriage in October, prompting my move from sunny Florida to Virginia. We spent three years in Virginia—though he was often away—before relocating to Charleston, South Carolina. In January 2000, we journeyed north to Newport, Rhode Island. Those years were filled with youthful romance, challenging deployments, and significant transitions.
What do I long for most from that cherished decade?
-
The Dawn of AOL
The Internet truly transformed our lives in the 1990s. I vividly recall the excitement of hearing, “You’ve got mail!” AOL became the gateway to email for many of us who were still learning the ropes of technology. When I joined in 1992, it was a paid service, but I still treasure my original email address. Those early days were blissful—no spam cluttering our inboxes and the joy of receiving a personal message. -
My First Mobile Phone
I can’t pinpoint the exact year, but I finally convinced my partner to get a cell phone around 1992 or 1993. Having a device that made me reachable anywhere felt revolutionary, especially after years of relying on a cordless landline. In an age dominated by smartphones capable of everything from social media to email, I often find myself missing the simplicity of those basic phones—remember when real conversations were the norm? -
‘Friends’ and ‘Mad About You’
Shows like “Mad About You,” which debuted in 1992, captured the essence of our lives back then. I adored the quirky love story of Jamie and Paul, even if ours was quite different. Though the series concluded in 1999, watching reruns now reminds me of my own early romance. -
The Clinton Era
Bill Clinton’s presidency was a time I look back on fondly. His charm, the saxophone performances, and the upbeat campaign songs made him relatable. I admired Hillary and their daughter Chelsea, too. The optimism that filled the air during his presidency feels like a distant memory, especially when compared to today’s political climate. -
Life Before September 11
Much like the optimism of the Clinton years, life before 9/11 felt more innocent. There was a sense of security that seems unimaginable now. I miss the belief that my home and country were safe havens. Those days of naïveté fostered trust and hope, and I often think about the skyline of New York City that represented so much of that feeling.
While I have a deep affection for the ’90s, my love for the ’80s is unmatched. I truly grew and evolved during the ’90s, navigating life as a person, spouse, and writer. Although there were challenges, I wouldn’t trade my current life for a return to those simpler times, especially when there’s so much to look forward to, including exploring options for family planning with resources like this home insemination kit or learning from experts like Emily Carter, DNP, FNP-BC, who provide valuable insight into the journey of starting a family. For anyone considering family planning, I recommend checking out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The ’90s were marked by significant life events, the rise of the Internet, the advent of mobile phones, memorable television shows, a sense of optimism during the Clinton presidency, and a feeling of safety before 9/11. While I cherish those memories, I also appreciate the lessons learned and the experiences that shaped who I am today.