When We Played As Kids.

Written: Monday, May 4, 2009 at 12:00am


If I could go back in time to when we played as kids, I would.

I've been reminiscing a lot lately on old memories; looking through old journals and old photos- there were only the best of times, even when I thought it was bad.

Going way back to when things were so elementary, there was always me, Jerlina, Jessica, and Debbie. I called us, "DaJj." During the school year we'd patiently wait for the latest albums from N'SYNC and the Backstreet Boys to come out. Running home from school to watch TRL at 3:30PM and find out which boy band group would be number one. We'd learn lyrics, watch the videos repeatedly, and try to mimic the choreography. (Ha! Those were the days!) We were convinced that us as a group, we'd be the next best thing in the music industry- or at least, that was my dream. Summer time brought us to selling lemonade and candy in front of our building on 176th street. Spring time turned into days of rollerblading, basketball, baseball, volleyball, or just hanging out at the park or in front of the building; thinking of new adventures to embark on. We had big dreams then. We have bigger dreams now.

Junior high school wasn't always the best of times for me. I struggled to fit in and socialize. You can just say, I was an odd-ball. By the 7th grade Jerlina and Jessica had moved away to Florida, and then there was Alex, Anthony, Kelvin, and Robert (Steven). We'd all walk home from school together, and when the weather got warm, they'd all come over to my house or the pizzeria on 177th street to chill and hang out. The inside jokes we shared, the fights and drama we had. Nonetheless, we were still friends. I'm sure they can tell you this, and may just bring it up in a comment for this note: The day they decided to play hookie for the first time, me and another girl at school found out and snitched on them. I was just jealous that they didn't invite me. :/ Regardless, I still love them. Last day of school, 8th grade, Eddy decided to tag along with us on our walk to my house. He's been apart of our crew ever since. I call them my "90 Crew."

High school came around and I had still been friends with both DaJj and my 90 Crew. It was a weird transition into high school. I remember the first friends I made were Nadine and Naomi. From there, we made friends all over the place. Summer of 2005, I met Stephanie, Lizz, and Alicia. It was funny how we met, and I'd never forget it! We modeled and promoted for Club Exit (when it was still "Exit"), and after each modeling session, we'd hang out and grab food; talk, laugh, and share our life stories about our former crushes, and our future plans and dreams. I called them my "Notorious Angels." That summer brought us parties galore, and so much more. The late night hang-outs after getting out of the club and going home late. There were times I know we stayed out and saw the sun rise. Remember the nights of going to Mc Donald's at 3am to sit and chat about the newest drama in our lives? Riding around in Caba's car for hours blasting our song, "Oh Johnny"? I'd never forget those nights. The weekends of going to New Roc City in Johnny's (Johnathan) red Spyder, with the top lid back, and the music at full-blast. We've had our adventures; but we were young then, we are wise now. Then there was Jason, who had lived across the street from me, all my life- changed my perspective forever. He always says, "If you were to die now, would you say you've done all the things you've wanted to do?... If not, you better start living your life now, because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. That's how I roll." Ha, and he lives by those words, because every minute with him is an adventure all by itself.

I graduated high school in 2006, and most of the time it was only me and Stephanie- my" partner-in-crime," I'd call her. We had our fights, drama, moments, laughs, and share of good and bad memories. I'd go back and forth between my 90 crew and my Notorious Angels. Then, upon graduating, I became extremely close with Tiffany, from which in high school we never hung out much for reasons that were understandable. So then it was me, Tiffany, and Naomi- "The Trio."

Jerlina and I constantly kept in touch throughout the years, since she moved to Florida back when I was 12. It was hard not having her around, and it's still hard now. We speak often and seek advice from one another. We daydream of the days when we're roommates in a nice big house, a pool in the backyard, and all the fancy cars. Our dreams of being wealthy and successful, and traveling all over the world together. My first best friend. What would I have been without her?

The summers of 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and New Years 2009, were the best I've ever had, and it was all because of each of these individuals. These individuals which became my second family, my support team, my partners, and my best friends. I don't know what had me thinking about all of these memories lately, but these memories, I miss. I miss these people. Of course, we don't hang out every day like the good ol' days, but its with the efforts in keeping in touch with each other that has filled my heart with happiness and hope that we would always remain in each others' lives. Of all the bad times, the drama, the tears, the fights, the jokes, the laughter, the parties, and the good times- I can honestly say, that I would do it all again if I could. Not so many years have gone by, but things have greatly changed. College, work, new families, new friends, life-lessons, more experiences, hearts-broken, hearts-mended, we are changed forever because of our experiences as friends and as individuals. I always think of them, because I know our friendships will live on forever. I just wanted to let them know how much I care.

For my newest friends, we have a journey ahead of us that I'm sure can make us or break us, but I hope no matter what, it'll keep us together. We've got a life to live, let's live it now.


"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." - Elizabeth Foley

"Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing." - Elie Wiesel