Timeline of the 90s: 1996

Check out this list of things that went down in 1996:

The Year of 1996

Tupac, OJ, Jon Benet Ramsey, Nintendo 64......there was a lot happening.

December 4 & 6, 1996: Extreme Overload

Today, you get a double dosage of December entries!

December 4, 1996: I thought I better keep up before I forget to tell  you some important things. Yesterday and the night before I had been bonding with Jarod. We got alot of things settled and today be brought me [an] Alanis CD with a band-aid on it. I guess that's what he said he would bring to "heal" our friendship. Oh....Lyra broke up with [her boyfriend at the time]. I tried not to act too happy, but I was. Today started off a really good day, but I started feeling bad and hence became "Satanic Monica" bitch-whatever. I am so loaded-with homework, so I gotta jet before I go into extreme overload.

December 6, 1996: I just got back from seeing "Daylight" with Lyra. As we were leaving some guys recognized me as [my brother's] sister. Is that all that I am? [oh boy] Just kidding. [good] There's this 8th grader at Evans [Junior high] whose been coming on to me. Don't ask me. Just because he thinks I "sound" fine. Today I had to dress up for NJHS [National Junior Honor Society] Induction. I hated it. I'm just not a girl or something. Oh well. I gave my compliment for the day to Sam and he returned it very sweetly. He's so perfect. And he looked damn good today all dressed up. Oh [some word I cannot make out AT ALL]! Stop dreaming Monica! Jarod relapse! Sound alarm!

Passing Notes: Your Mom

I have all of these really funny random back and forth note writing. This one is a typical dialogue between Ben and I during 8th grade English class.

What makes this one even better is that I am missing the first page, so let's start right in the middle of things....

Me: That's funny case my mom said you were horrible. But it would be just fine if you would end my existence right now? Because I guess you own my soul anyway, right?

Ben: You, Yes, I do own your soul! Your mom is a liar, she screamed my name all last night. I'm surprised you didn't hear us.

Me: Well, I was at Lyra's house the whole weekend.....But I know my dad's doin' your mama!!

Ben: You, This no longer concerns me.

I wonder what notes passed between my friends now would be like? My guess is not that too far off from teenage conversation. I'm encouraged to experiment. :)

November 13, 1996: We'll See

Not much has happened lately. Jarod wrote me this note a couple of days ago in which he said he was sorry for anything he did to me and he wanted to fix our friendship. That was funny. Anyway, my early b-day party is Friday and I'm excited even though Jarod's not going, but I've done just fine without him for the past 6 months. It'll be cool. I think I am in major dislike of guys, except for the norm. I've been thinking about Sam lately. My new prey? We'll see.

[Sigh.....oh, 14 year old me....I feel like I've changed so much and yet in so many ways, might still be the same.]

We Were Children

September 24, 1996: This is what you've been wanting

Today has just been hell. I specifically wish to relate my night to you. Well it was going pretty good. I talked to Shara, Mohit, Sam, and was in the middle of a conversation with Lyra when Jarod called. Seems Christa won't be going to [Rosalyn's] quinceanera with him and he's making me feel guilty for not going with him. His words were-"This is what you've been wanting. Forever." But I've decided to go with Mohit cause I don't break promises and I don't play mind games with people. I cried a little with Lyra and it felt so good. Then I talked to Meghan, Ben and Rosalyn. They all told me the same stuff. Ben's words were-BASTARD! But as always, Ben's conversation led to Lyra.

Passing Letters: THE Letter of 1996

Ahhh, gone are the days of passing notes and handwritten letters. I feel like newer generations struggle just to write a paragraph without inserting abbreviated words or emoticons. In middle school, we wrote lots of handwritten letters all the time.Everyone bugged me to toss my letters, but I was adamant about keeping them. And I am so thankful that I did....because it is the best box of nostalgia that I have....well that and my box of mixed tapes. Go ahead, get jealous.

As you have learned, "Jarod" was the center of my world in 1996. And I treasured everything he said, wrote and gave to me--I didn't even care if it was degrading, or condescending, or absolutely confusing. Just the very fact that he thought of me at all made my heart flutter. What I am about to share with you is THE LETTER of 1996. This letter was written in two parts and delivered to me in a box of playing cards with only the Aces in it. Jarod was a bit obsessed with Jim Carrey and "Ace Ventura". My celebrity idol at the time was Alanis Morissette. I could not think of two more fitting personalities to describe him and I.

This letter would set the tone for what would continue to be a very unhealthy relationship between us for many many years. And here's why....

Monica,

I am blank. I have nothing to say. I am so MAD at Christa. She ruins everything. And as far as my feelings toward what you said. [I said that I liked him.] I have felt the same way in the past. I thought we would be "perfect". We have so much in common. And well, to tell you the truth you are the closest I have come to my "dream girl". But I REALLY [double underlined!] like Bridgette. She might not be funny like all those other people, but she cares for me. Alot. I'm sure you would too, and hey who says we can't be friends. Maybe even more someday. But right now, "I'm hooked up." But don't give  up. I'll always try to be as good and as nice to you as I would be to my own girlfriend. Because Hey like I said, someday it could happen. You will always be a dream to me. 

Love,

Jarod

P.S. Mortal Kombat rules, Alanis rules, Jim rules.

[written in very large letters along the left side of the paper: Don't Feel Bad. Please.]

Monica, Part II

I am so weird huh. That other note was how I feel. This one is just me wanting to talk to one really good friend. (And maybe in the future more but that's totally up to me and you when that time comes if it comes because I don't plan to break up with Bridgette soon and you might some one else but hey that's a long way away. ) As long as our friendship never breaks apart that's all that matters. Whether I am going out with some one or you are. We gotta be friends. So how are you. That's good. You been haveing fun with your tool? How 'bout that peanut butter? Yummy. Are you going on that lab trip? Not me. I can't. Bummer but hey it's ok. Oh, by the way I got one hand in my pocket and the other one is...oops, sorry that's personal. (Just joking) Well peace homme, g-dog, g cuz in the house mac-daddy

Love,

Jarod

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Updates:

1.) He was absolutely never as good to me as he was to any of his four or five girlfriends he dated instead of me.

2.) Jarod never matured from this state of adolescent humor. He hid behind juvenile jokes and vague sentiments the entire time I knew him. Let's flash forward to the letter he wrote me at high school graduation:

Mo, I am going to go against the grain. Let's start over: 
Monica, Don't keep in touch, I hate you, and I always have. All our times have sucked. You suck. Leave me alone and forget you knew me. Bitch! Slut!
Kidding! No but really folks, it's been tough as hell. You and your "heme-pene" [Not explaining] Thanks for being my friend and my 1 true love. What a 6 years! Let's have 6 more, and kids!
Show me your balls!
-Jarod

3.) Mortal Kombat the video DOES rule. The movie does not. :)

4.) I've got one hand in my pocket and the other other is....thumbing through the rest of my middle school letters!

The Poetry Collection: 1996

In middle school, I wrote a TON of poetry. All of it was pretty sad. Rumors spread that I was a lesbian because of all the poetry I was writing and sharing with people. Sigh....... :)


School Supplies


White out
All those good memories
I had of you
Because now I want to
Rip you into shreds
Staples
Cling to my heart
Causing all the pain
To stick together
Erase
My sorrow and
Bitter past and present
The future is the only
Happiness although my fate is
Inevitably unsavable
Color me with your crayons
Red for my rage
Yellow for a smile
While you use
Scissors to cut my dreams in half.

September 12, 1996: A New Life?

Geez, I know it's been quite awhile since you last heard from me. Well, I just haven't felt up to it lately. I guess there have been a few changes in the meantime. Like....Jarod's over me. I'm not ever sure if I really like him that much. Mohit's my new pal and Ben's becoming a better one. However, Lyra is still my best friend. That's one consistency. I made (dance) troupe and Rosalyn's quinceanera is only a month away. Everyone's stressing over it. I'm stressing all over these changed and mixed emotions. Like....I think I like Mohit. Actually, I know I like. (I also found out Cameron likes me.) Ben and I are "bonding" because I don't think of Jarod much anymore. I'm usually in good moods.

If there was anyone who ever loved to name drop in middle school, it was me. :)

This song ran on repeat in my stereo in 1996.

"I've been downhearted baby,
I've been downhearted baby,
ever since the day we met."

Truer words were never spoken about teenage crushes.

August 19, 1996: On Accident on Purpose

Today I was so hyper! And for once in a long time, I was actually happy about my life. Until I saw Jarod after school. It felt like he was trying to get rid of me, so I left him early. I've decided if our friendship is really important to him, he'll call. (Sooner or later. Probably later than sooner.) Well, Lyra and I played a mean trick on Ben today. See, she gave him the wrong note on "accident" on purpose. I was just a second party-an accomplice I guess. As far as I know, he fell for it. I can't believe Ms. Dawson gave us homework! And I forgot my book. Bunghole...until a new day and a story to tell.

August 14, 1996: 9th grade freakin'

Well hello! Right now I am anticipating school so much! However, I'm worried I won't have any classes with Lyra, Ben or Jarod. I know it shouldn't matter, but if I don't have a class with Jarod, I'll totally freak. I am so worried we won't stay this close and before I know it, we'll be strangers again. I feel like the 9th grade though is going to be an important year. A year for changes and new experiences. A year for parties. A year for Jarod and Bridgette breaking up! A year for love, maybe? Please? A year for good friends and the last year with Jarod. Better get some sleep before I start freakin'!

July 20, 1996: Sad Songs

Right now, I'm listening to the sad songs of Tom Petty. Ever wonder why when you're sad you don't listen to happy songs? Whatever. Lyra and I ended our garage sale at about 1:40 and I made $20. I got the feeling she wanted me to leave ASAP. Who knows why. I only got about five hours of sleep...when I got home I took naps in intervals. Probably took a total of 3 hours. Then I talked with Rosalyn....other than that it's been pretty boring @ home....Jarod just called. He only wanted to talk to me if there was something wrong. He was caught up in TV and said he really needed to go, so I hung up on him.

[NOTE: I was most certainly listening to Tom Petty's "Wildflowers" album.]

Monica, age 14

May 24, 1996: Long Time, No Write

Long time, no write! I decided to make this a regular diary, so....

It feels really weird not being in school. I'm already missing Jarod. Well, yesterday I spent the day with Lyra and Ben (or should I say the night). It was her birthday, so we went to see "Mission: Impossible"! Tom Cruise-whew!! Anyway, I feel really strange around the two of them. I feel like a 3rd wheel, like I shouldn't be there. I'm still thinking of Jarod every day and wish we were together instead of him and Bridgette. We just have a chemistry, like Lyra and Ben. But I know they'll never be an "us".