Requiem for Recess

These are the memoirs & anecdotes from the unofficial First Gen X'er. The stories are all true, however dangerous or gross they may appear. Prepare yourself for a deep dive into the nostalgic recollections of a non-famous random person.

Here's a passage from my memory of the junior high tour we took during our last year of elementary school:

I looked around at my classmates. We were all thinking the same thing, but no one was asking. Finally, the tour girl said “That’s pretty much it, does anyone have any questions?” I looked around. Nothing. I couldn’t take the strain any longer. I raised my hand.

“Yes?” she asked with a plucky smile.

“Where’s the playground?” The plucky smile turned into a look of pitiful compassion.

“We don’t have playgrounds in junior high.” She slowly explained to me like I was a 5-year-old.

You’d think I could not sink any lower…but you’d be wrong.

Gen X kids had to invent fun, it wasn't going to be handed to us. We were always pushing boundaries and always getting into trouble. I've documented most of the crazy stuff I did as a kid, and as the unofficial first Gen X'er, I invite you to share in the memories, before I reach the point where I can no longer recall the smell of freshly popped red gunpowder strips, the sweet chalky taste of candy cigarettes, or the excitement of Saturday Morning Sneak Preview. Enjoy.