One of my earliest school memories is from Child Garden, near Hobbs and Main. I attended Kindergarten there in 1978. I remember playing on the playground during a solar eclipse. The sky got incredibly dark for the middle of the day. Darker than when the sun goes behind a cloud. Although I was only five, I don't recall being scared or mystified. Perhaps teachers had told us it was normal? I just remember climbing the hot metal ladder to the wavy slide and continuing to play. Beyond knowing I attended the school, I have no memory of teachers or the other children. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures.
First Grade is a blur. I have the class photo and I recognize all the kids. Even remember most of their names. It was 1979. Yet, I struggle to remember any important events. Nothing stands out. If I think of the year, I mostly think of times at my cousins house on Saturdays. I don't necessarily remember those as fond times. I was there cause I had to be not that I chose to be.
Second Grade was an event year. I noticed girls. I remember sitting in Mrs. Carrol's class with JM and K- flanking either side of my desk. They kept looking at me and whispering and giggling. They had decided I was to be their boyfriend. At first, I was embarrassed and confused. But flattered. In the end, it didn't last long. I think our torrid affair lasted a week. Then the two girls magically forgot the events ever happened. Women!
Third Grade, now that was the year that was the foundation to friendships that would continue through Junior High and High School. That was the year I became a latch key kid. My mother had the brilliant idea to put the key on a chain around my neck. Simply put: I lost the key the first day. Day two: it was on a key chain in my pocket to which I never lost a key again. Girls were more attractive and crushes on EF and SP started. Blonds. Dimples. SP was like a little Wilma Deering from Buck Rogers. Who could resist? Neither shared my feelings. If anything I was just the dork. Shy. Misunderstood. The geek who daydreamed more than he achieved.
