I posted my first blog entry on MySpace last night, thought I'd share it here too...
Knowing that I soon need to replace my bedroom furniture I decided to have a bit of a clear out from a few of my drawers today. Mostly odd bits in the first one - some enamel badges, a few long forgotten keyrings, spare links for my Swatch watch wristband, a Rubik's clock game, and something else which quite surprised me... a small, credit card sized radio.
Now I forget how long I've had this thing, it must have been sometime around starting secondary school I'm sure, and I'm 29 now. It had one earphone and the cable acted as the aerial. It also only received the AM waveband so reception was never that good, although I certainly remember using it on the school bus on many occasions. Anyway, it quickly became one of those items that got put in the drawer, forgotten about, and never thrown away because it may end up being useful one day.
So back to today. There I am sat on the bed and I try switching it on, earphone still connected although the front section and battery compartment a bit loose. Amazing, it works! After all this time I couldn't believe it! What a wonderful feeling it was to think this little radio still plays a tune!
Like an old friend reacquianted this little object reminded me today of how important it is to remember the past, to think about the good times enjoyed, and the forgotten dreams and ambitions of years ago.
Don't forget, many past friends are still around! The ambitions may linger somewhere in the back of your mind, and all those things you wanted to do a long time ago can still be achieved. Always take a few steps forward and enjoy the present, but be sure to leave a clear footprint as you go! Every now and again it's nice to trace those footsteps back, the view may well be different but you will encounter familiarity and memories along the way.
In the end I did throw away the radio, it's old and out-of-date, but today I do have some happy memories of using it. The watch links are still in the drawer, like a link to the past, they remain intact.