Hi, it's your 25-year-old self. 👀
And now a message from your
25-year-old self:
Hey there, oldie. Remember me? For the last few months, I've been quietly observing our 2020 life, and man, it's nuttier than a box of Cracker Jack.* I mean, who could've guessed that LAW & ORDER: SVU would still be on the air?? And yeah, there's a terrifying global pandemic that has halted travel, social interaction, public performances--pretty much everything that makes us Us. It's a sanity-scrambler for sure.
But guess what? You're getting through it. And sure, you may take superfluous showers just for the alone time. Your kid stares at screens while you scream into your pillow. But I'm here to tell you that it's FINE, and hey, that's still nothing compared to all the sitcoms and sodas we mainlined as a child.
And not to get too creepy here, but I *also* know you've been thinking about me lately. I know that, sometimes, you wonder if you would've done anything differently had you known what was coming. You wish you'd partied harder, seen more of the world, taken advantage of all that free time and unbridled creative energy when you had the chance. Time seems to pass so quickly now, and you're worried that there might not be enough of it left to accomplish everything you set out to do.
So here's some advice: I'm flattered that you miss our youthful vigor and firmness, but try to let nostalgia be a source of comfort and inspiration rather than worry and regret. Watch BACK TO THE FUTURE and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK again and smile. Take all of those memories and mistakes from our youth and whip 'em into poems and stories and art. Connect with old friends (unless they're crazy or dead, which happens from time to time).
This year has been harder than a sack of rocks, but like a bad perm, it won't last forever. I'm proud of how you've been handling it all--and trust me, even if Doc Brown pulled up outside in his you-know-what, you wouldn't wanna live this part of your life over again.
Anyway, it's time for me to go drink too much at a loud concert with no earplugs. Hang in there! And don't worry about those neck wrinkles, I think they look fetching.
Love,
Yourself
*Actually, the number of peanuts in Cracker Jack has DECLINED in recent years, so they're not as nutty as they used to be. Pfft.
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I LOVE THESE
NOSTALGIC PLAYLISTS:
"Meet Me in the Bathroom" has every song from Lizzy Goodman's history of '00s NYC rock, "Our Band Could Be Your Life" features '80s bands from Michael Azerrad's book & "Nostalgia" is steeped in '90s 120 MINUTES-style tunes. Listen! Be healed!
Retro 'gram: @nightflightofficial
Remember NIGHT FLIGHT in the '80s? The series featured a mishmash of cult videos, animation, weird moments--it was like an early, cooler YouTube. You can still watch old episodes and cult films via their subscription-based site, and their Instagram account is full of random throwbacks. If Kate Bush, Max Headroom & Grace Jones make you tingle, you may wanna check it out.
I LIKE THESE
NOSTALGIC PODCASTS:
THE REWATCHABLES digs in to fave movies. GAYEST EPISODE EVER breaks down gay-themed eps of classic TV. SAM PANCAKE PRESENTS THE MONDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE reflects on '70s made-for-TV movies. And on THE JV CLUB, folks reveal their teen selves.
Thanks for reading! If you email me at whitmath@gmail.com, please stick your favorite food mascot in the subject line.Â
Your maniac on the floor,
The Pillsbury Doughboy
“We're all born bald, baby."
- Telly Savalas
Reach out! Find me on Twitter, Instagram and at whitmath@gmail.com.