Recently, my husband informed me that the newest intern lmt work was born in 1995. I fell silent at the plain shock of this ghastly and horrifying admission. See in 1995, I was a smart-mouthed, invincible 18 year old senior in high school. So, 40 was a lifetime away. Plus, forty was also a death sentence. Therefore, I wanted to hide from this frightening fact or stay forever 18. But I picked my almost middle-aged mom mouth off the floor. Then, I realized that I am almost 40. Plus, the 90s were another lifetime ago.
Yet this young intern, my own kids, or anyone pretty much under the age of 35 would be as Clueless as Cher Horowitz to the anger management, chair throwing Jerry Springer-like memories that sadly indicate that I am almost 40.
Are you almost 40, too? Well here are a few more things you can pretend not to know:
1. OJ Simpson became a household name with first captivating prime time audiences with the juice being loose in the infamous chase and then subsequently changing the face of daytime TV with the even more notorious trial with, “If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit!“.
2. 90210 found you were either Team Kelly or Team Brenda. See most teen girls coveted the newest James Dean clone or Dylan McKay. Plus, they wished to live like the rich and famous in the famous zip code.
3. Friends, we all wanted them. Why? Because they were there for us. Plus, girls all coveted the Rachel do. Simply because as Chandler would say, “Could it BE any better than that!“
4. TGIF meant Friday nights were for Full house’s with Stephanie Judith Tanner’s, “How Rude” and Eurkel’s, “Did I do that?”.
5. Seinfeld was solely the show about nothing with the best one liners, such as “The Master of Your Domain”, “I was in the pool”, “Shrinkage”, and “Yada, Yada, Yada!“, too.
6. Saturday morning, we were all Saved by the Bell with the Zach Attack, The Big Bopper, Richie Belding and got “Just that excited” with Jessie Spano.
7. The Simpsons were King with Bartman’s, “I Didn’t do it” and “Nobody better lay a finger on my butterfinger”.
8. South Park became a contender with whining, screeching Cartman and “OMG, They killed Kenny. You bastards!”
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘OMG, They killed Kenny. You bastards!’ + 9 more signs you are nearing 40!” quote=”‘OMG, They killed Kenny. You bastards!’ + 9 more signs you are nearing 40!”]
9. The Real World was where all Gen Xers wanted to live. Plus once upon a time ago chose between Pedro and Puck.
10. Beavis and Butthead did “America” with “I Am The Great Cornholio” and “Do you want teepee for your bunghole!”
But on second thought, just like Claire Dane’s, Angela Chase, this is still just, “My So-Called Life” at almost 40!
*This post was originally written for the One Word Blog Linkup that was hosted by Lisa of The Golden Spoons and yours truly, too.
*But also linkied up with Kristi for Finish the Sentence Friday for the sentence, “When it comes to death…”
*A version of this article has also appeared on The Huffington Post.
Allie says
Happy Birthday Janine!!!!! Of course I remember (fondly) ALL of these things and more. Thank you for the trip down memory lane. And really, 40 is not that bad and I would never want to go back to being an intern again 🙂 xoxoxo
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much Allie and like you I am glad the teen years are behind me 😉 xoxoxo
Leanne@crestingthehill says
Happy birthday!! I’ve hit the big 5-0 and I still smile at some of those TV shows – the 90’s seemed like only yesterday and maybe it’s a good thing that they’ve gone (remember shoulder pads and perms??)
Janine says
Do I?? I totally admit to having both!! Thanks for the birthday wishes 😉
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!! I think we are the same age (I turned 38 back in March) and I remember all of these!! I have never been a fan of Seinfeld or Beavis & Butthead, though. I was always team Brenda, but I had a crush on Steve – the underdog! 🙂 Loved Friends, Saved by the Bell, and Full House. I wasn’t allowed to watch MTV, but I would got downstairs to “do my homework” and secretly watch the Real World, too!
Janine says
Thank you Lisa and we are most definitely the same and love that I have you to keep me company at this age. Oh and my mom actually got me into The Real World back in the day (true story!!). And don’t hate me but I was Team Kelly once they made Brenda have more edge!! 😉
Dana says
I’m almost 40 also, just in the other direction! Happy birthday, Janine – thanks for the walk down memory lane! In 1995 I was newly married, and now we are watching the entire series of Friends with our kids. Jeesh! Time flies.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Dana and times does surely fly as I totally remember watching the whole series of Friends from the beginning back when it first aired, too 😉
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
OMG, I totally remember being glued to the tv the night of the car chase with Al Cowling. It was so exciting. LOL.
Janine says
I was actually out swimming at a friend’s pool that night, but watched when we came inside and dried off. Will never forget it either!!
Kristen says
When I interview athletes I always look up their bio’s in the media guide, they were born AFTER I graduated college! It’s amazing to me how old I am but I still FEEL 27! I miss 90210 and Cheers and all of the other good shows. Sigh.
Janine says
I know I truly don’t feel my age most times and so have to remind myself, as well. And I miss all those shows and than some here, too 😉
Sarah Coulter-Gremley says
Lol my kid was just in here talking about full house! You’re only as old as you feel, they say!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I agree totally!!! 😉
Jessica Ullrich says
This was a great trip down memory lane. I’m 33 and I remember all of these! 🙂 What a fun way to start the morning!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Aw, so glad I started your morning off right and can recall all of these, too Jessica 😉
alisa/icescreammama says
Well happiest birthday to you!!! And when i think about it or see a nostalgic (ugh) is frightening how long ago things happened. but hey, in my house, we’re still watching full house! haha. and this week i was a skating rink! 🙂
Janine says
I know and loved that you were at the skating rink! Totally awesome in my book and thank you for the birthday wishes, too 😉
Stephanie says
Happy birthday Janine! I wasn’t even married in 1995. What a completely different life. Thanks for all the fun memories!
Janine says
Aw, thank you Stephanie and so glad to give you fun memories today 😉
Joy @ Yesterfood says
Happy Birthday to my truly AGELESS blogging buddy!! 🙂 You make everything more fun- even getting a little bit older. 🙂 Have a beautiful day!
Janine says
Aww, thank you so much Joy and you definitely make everything more fun, too!! Love you <3
Diane Roark says
Janine,
Will you be 40 this year? This month? You know I turn 50 this year and I am still having such a difficult time with it. Probably because all my kids are getting older too and leaving me. BOO! Thank God Full House is coming back on t.v. I cannot wait to watch the new shows. I love following your blog!
Many blessings,
Diane
Janine says
I still have two years for 40 and turned 38 today. But still inching closer to 40 definitely am feeling it myself. But like you so happy Full House will be back 😉
Jhanis says
South park, Beavis and Butthead, 90210 and Friends…Oh my… Those were the days Janine! LOL Wishing you the loveliest birthday! Have a fantastic celebration! xo
Janine says
Thank you so much, Jhanis and those were seriously the days!!! 🙂
Seana Turner says
Sadly, I’m closer to almost 50 than almost 40:) But I know that feeling about the intern’s age… I had a similar moment when a babysitter told me she was dressing up as an 80’s girl for Halloween… and I had been an 80s girl, so that felt weird!
Janine says
That would have made me feel weird too as I totally was a young kid, but still grew up in the 80s too!!
Leslie says
Solid mid-30s here, but I can totally relate to all of this. I can still clearly recall binge-watching the Real World Marathon with Pedro and Puck. All the drama! And whatever happened to the TGIF lineup? Those shows were so much better than all the junk that’s on these days.
Janine says
I agree and definitely miss TGIF and so many of these shows. Nothing I watch truly is the same to me now sadly.
Alexa says
I LOVE THIS POST!!! This brought everything about my childhood right back. And My So Called Life. Best. Teenage. Show. EVER. Oh my goodness this made me nostalgic! I too was 18 in 1995. 🙂
Janine says
Alexa, you are so right about My So Called Life and truly was so upset when they took it off. Never understood that and never will!
Allie says
Momma! I know he feeling. I am WELL into my 40s:(. I was at a store the other day and saw the signed about it you were born after this date in 1994, you cannot buy alcohol. Oh lordy…I almost died. I 1994, I was a twenty something living in Fort Lauderdale, working at my first job having recently earned my Master’s, having the time of my life. It really made me pause. People born in 1994 can now drink. Crap.
Janine says
OK, that is so scary and yes god help me 1994 drinking might have just sent me over the edge a bit, too!! LOL 😉
Kristen Miller Hewitt says
Happy Birthday and thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Aw, thanks Kristen and so glad to give a trip back to you, too!! 😉
Jennifer Weedon Palazzo says
Oh man. I remember all of these. We’re old!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I know we are, but still we had the best TV shows if nothing else!!
Bill says
I know I was alive then but I don’t remember much of it. LOL Happy Birthday my friend. Have a wonderful day.
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much again, Bill and have a wonderful day again, too!!! 😉
Briton Underwood says
First off, Happy Birthday! I won’t tell you my age because your eye might twitch then you might assault me. Secondly, I LOVE Beavis and Butthead!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Briton and I won’t ask you – promise!!! 😉
Jill Cohen Ceder says
Team Brandon Walsh! I even named my son Brandon 🙂 love these memories
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Team Dylan McKay, but I had girls, so…
Karen says
Happy Birthday! From what you wrote I’m probably the same age as you. 90210 was the biggest thing with my friends and I. We would have viewing parties when it was on in the summer. Remember they used to have a summer season?? Happy Birthday again!
Janine says
Thank you Karen and I definitely do remember the summer seasons and always tuned in for the Beach Club episodes 😉
Bev says
Happy birthday, Janine! I’m under 35 (though now by much) and I remember all of those references from my youth 😉 When I had interns at my last job I couldn’t help but to feel old when I thought about what years they were born.
Janine says
Thanks Bev and I know the thought about the intern truly got me!
Melanie says
I’ll welcome you to the 40 Club! 🙂 I remember all those things and in 1995, I was getting ready to graduate from college. YIKES! Where did the time go? I still remember it like it was yesterday. The best is yet to come! I didn’t believe people when they talked about how great turning 40 was going to be. I thought 30 was great. 40’s are amazing! There’s something reassuring about knowing who you are and not worrying about what other people think. It’s freeing! 🙂
Janine says
Melanie, thank you so much and I seriously needed to hear this today more than ever! 🙂
karen says
Happy Birthday babe!!!! You look fabulous! I’ll be 40 in October and can’t wait.
I know I make references to a few 90’s and early 2000 TV shows and movies and my HS students just look at me like I;m weird…it’s quite surreal.
Janine says
Karen, totally surreal when I get looked at by my own kids like I have five heads when I quote something from our generation and they have no clue. Thank you again for the birthday wishes.
Marcia @ Blogitudes says
First and foremost – Happy Birthday dear #1Word co-host! 🙂 I hope you have a truly marvelous day! I love this post – this stroll down memory lane. It seems we were thinking along the same line this week. I love that you used the TV approach. I’m past 40 by several years and definitely remember all the shows and events you mentioned. The OJ thing. Wow! What a spectacle that whole thing was. And “yada, yada, yada.” Gotta say I’m glad that’s somewhat fizzled out. I had a girlfriend who WAY overused it. LOL 🙂 I greatly enjoyed your blast from the past! Thank you, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, thank you Marcia and I was truly smiling this morning when I saw that we both did take a similar approach to this one 😉
the Imp says
Happy birthday!
Janine says
Thank you so much!!! 😉
Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says
Happy Birthday, Janine! Remember, 40 is just a number, we’re as old as we feel, somewhere between 7 and 107 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much, Stephanie and love your outlook on this 😉
Tamara says
I’m just three years behind you so I loved ALL OF THOSE THINGS. Except I was probably not ready or cool enough for most of them, and you probably were!
Ah! Happy Birthday to one of my blogging best friends! (I can’t bring myself to say bestie but it’s valid here)
Janine says
Aw, I love you totally 3 years behind or not and definitely are cool enough to hang out with hopefully very soon!!! 😉
Shell says
I too was a senior in /95 an all of this brings back memories!
Janine says
Aw, love that you were too a senior back in 1995. And what memories indeed!! 🙂
Jill Ginsberg says
I remember every single one which tells me I probably watched wayyyyyyy too much TV! Happy Birthday! To the best year yet:)
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Aw, thanks Jill and I most likely watched way too much TV, too!! 😉
christina says
Happy Happy Birthday!! Going against our words, I hope you have a wonderful day filled with large amounts of cake, presents and togetherness <3
Janine says
Aw, thank you and so far so good on all levels!! 😉
Sue Loncaric says
Happy Birthday!!! I remember everything you have shown – maybe I watched too much TV LOL:) Anyway I loved your post and I’m Sizzling Towards Sixty so don’t worry about 40 you haven’t even started yet!!!
Janine says
Aw, thanks again Sue so very much!! 😉
My Inner Chick says
Haaaaaaaaaaaaappy Birthday.
Didn’t you know that 40 is the new 30?
40 is when you slide inside your own skin and not give a sh*t what others think! How liberating.
btw, I love love love Saved By the Bell!! x
Janine says
I will totally take 40 being the new 30 and thank you so much for the birthday wishes, too!! 😉
Anonymous says
Ha! What a fun read! I was never into 90210 so Brenda and Kelly are BFFs as far as I know. But I’m with you on all other mentions here. Beavis and Butthead! I totally forgot about them. That’s totally something I would not let me kids watch right now. The infamous Thursday night prime time line-up with Seinfeld was not to be missed and an excuse for a weekly GNO at somebody’s uptown apartment or another. Thanks for the flashbacks Janine!
Janine says
Aw, you are so welcome and just happy you could relate 😉
Julie Jo Severson says
Ha! Thanks for these fabulous flashbacks. Thursday night lineup with Seinfeld was not to be missed and another excuse to gather at somebody’s apartment to drink wine. Beavis and Butthead–I haven’t thought about that show for ages. Definitely not something I’d allow my kids to watch now. I wasn’t much of a 90210 show so I’ll stay neutral on that one. Truly enjoyed this.
Janine says
Aw, glad you enjoyed this, Julie and makes me happy though it just wasn’t me on so much of this 😉
Charlene @Teacherbytrade-Motherbynature says
Happy Birthday Lovely Lady! I hope you had a fabulous day!!! Laughing out loud to these – I can remember most of
these however I am closer to 30 than 40 (tehehe) I LOVED 90210 – I wish we had a Peach Pit in our town!
Janine says
I would love a Peach Pit in our town!! And thank you for the birthday wishes, too!! 😉
Julie says
Oh this brought me back! I’m in my early 30s but most of those were part of my growing up too 🙂
Janine says
Aw, so glad to bring you back, too today Julie 😉
Amber says
I have to say, I found myself nodding to most of the list.
I love Friends! My son likes to say, “So you watched it a long time ago too when you were little?”
Janine says
Aw, so cute and love that your son is saying that to you 😉
Pam@over50feeling40 says
Fun post!! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop
Janine says
Aw, thanks again for hosting this week 😉
Kristi Campbell says
I miss the younger years! Happy happy birthday Janine. I think I already said this here but you know, old age hahaha has a way of making us forget (for real) so rather than scrolling through to remember whether I said it for real or thought it while reading on my phone, happy birthday. You have so much wonder ahead of you. <3
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much Kristi and I totally know about forgetting. I blame the kids and age too LOL 😉
Melissa says
This was great. I’m 36 so this resonated with me. 90210 and Saved by the Bell were part of my weekly tv routine. Mark Paul Gosselaar even went to my high school. I think he was in my older sister’s class.
Janine says
Melissa, that is truly awesome about Mark Pail and I totally had a crush on him back in the day so not sure how I would have acted if I actually went to high school with him!! 😉
Kelly L McKenzie says
Happy, Happy 40! I shudder to think of all the years that have passed since I last saw 40, however I refuse to dwell on that. They’ve been wonderful years. Yes, the best is truly yet to come for you! This was such a clever post, Janine. Loved how you handled it. Raising my glass up high and shouting “here’s to another 40!”
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much Kelly and got to admit it was such a fun post to write in retrospect now 😉
Anonymous says
Happy Belated birthday!! I saw it was your birthday on Wednesday but I could comment (chrome doesn’t work for me with your mobile site anymore so I’m in Safari!) I hope you had a great day and even though I’m not near 40 I remember all of these things!!!
Janine says
I never used Chrome to be honest on mobile, but thank you for stopping by again today! 🙂
Nellie says
I think my last comment went to spam! Happy belated birthday!! I hope you had a great one!!
Janine says
Just got it and responded and thank you so much again for the birthday messages!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Happy belated Birthday!!! So I missed saying it on THE day. So of these were my brothers shows (he graduated in 96) but someone of them we watched today ( I was still living at home in my early 20s). I think of them all I could still sit down and look at Seinfeld and Friends.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Kenya and my brother graduated in 2001. So, I think we had that similar generation gap there with our siblings and did watch some of his shows, too, because I was also living at home at that point still, too 😉
Chris Carter says
AH!!!! LOVE THIS JANINE!!! You brought back SO many memories!!! Oh yeah… those were the days!!!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Chris and so glad I could bring back some great memories!! 😉
Jen says
Some of these shows my kids have no idea about and never will. My birthday is next month and it is one step closer to 40. It is amazing how old and young you can feel no matter the birthday age. I am so much smarter than my 18 year old self, but inside I still feel younger than my middle aged self. Go figure?
Janine says
I know go figure, right! Seriously I feel the same way pretty much, Jen!! 😉
Tianna says
happy birthday! I’m not near 40, but I remember almost all of these lol…
Janine says
Aw, thanks Tianna!! 🙂
Ginny Marie says
I didn’t read all the comments, so I’m sure someone mentioned that they are making a sequel to Full House. I wonder if it’ll be any good? Happy Belated Birthday, Janine!
Janine says
I totally heard this and dying to see myself now. Thanks so much!! 🙂
lisacng @ expandng.com says
YES, TGIF! I looooved this line up on ABC.
And Happy Birthday!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Lisa and I know I loved TGIF totally!! 😉
Anonymous says
So cute post!! Better late than never, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Janine! I’m so glad I met you in this online world!! 🙂
I’ve learned about Friends, Seinfield, and The Simpsons from my husband. He was born in 1985 and I’m even younger than him.
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much and so glad to have met you, too 😉
Rea says
CUTE POST! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANINE! Better late than never for me! I’m so glad I met you in this online world!!
I learned about Friends, Seinfield, and The Simpsons from my husband and he was born in 1985. I’m even younger than him but I love his fave shows too! 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thank you again Rea and truly so glad we met, too!!! 😉
Jack says
Hey now, OJ was nationally known long before the chase and not just because he was in Naked Gun or worked as sideline sports reporter. Nor because we remember his Hertz commercials.
But because some of us remember when he played in the NFL and were old enough to be very disappointed that our sports hero turned into a murderer.
Janine says
Very true Jack, but still I guess I will never forget that chase.
Nina says
I love all these references! Ahh… the good ol days. One of my coworkers shocked me when she had no idea who Brenda and Brandon were. In my mind I thought everyone knew who they were!
Janine says
Nina, that would have totally shocked me, too!!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
A little over halfway to 50 has some of the same highlights! I’m trying not to think about it. WHERE does the time go?
Janine says
Michelle, I really wish I knew, but are glad we do share some of the same memories here 😉
The Pinterested Parent says
This was the most fun to read. I am turning 41 next month and feeling the age for sure. I love all the blasts from the past. I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Janine says
Aw, glad you enjoyed them and sounds like we are from a similar generation time, too 🙂
Kathy Radigan says
Well I know every single reference so that gives you an idea of how old I am! I loved My So Called Life and my son and I have so much fun watching Friends reruns. How is it possible that so much time has gone by it really all seems as if it was happening yesterday!!! Happy, happy, birthday my dear friend! xo
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much, Kathy and I keep asking myself that same question about time, too though. Xoxo 😉
Corinne Rodrigues says
You made me smile, Janine! Now I’ll just have to write a post about what the almost-50s look like! 😉
Janine says
Corinne, my pleasure and cannot wait to read what your almost 50 looks like now, too!! 😉
Aunt Gloria says
Sorry…I’m a little late in catching up with your posts. I know you had a happy birthday and hope you have many more. Thanks for this trip down Memory Lane of TV shows. I’m still addicted to Friends on re-runs. Re getting older….Nanny always said….be glad you made it this far! Consider the alternative! Enjoy every year of your life and be proud to be almost 40! Enjoy the benefit of your investment in your life! Lots of love…..xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and I keep saying there is always staying 29 forever!! 🙂 xoxo
Aunt Gloria says
I left a comment yesterday….getting caught up late. And don’t know where it went. But basically….be glad you got to where you are and enjoy your accomplishments! Many happy birthdays ahead……love and xxoo
Janine says
I did see and comment back to it – so definitely weird. But thank you again, Aunt Gloria!! 🙂 xoxo
Rabia @TheLiebers says
I miss TGI Fridays on ABC! That was some quality tv!! And my boys sometimes put their shirts up on their heads like Cornholio and I laugh hysterically and they just don’t get why it’s so funny. Of course, I’m not gonna explain it til they’re much older!!
Janine says
Rabia, I totally get it and wouldn’t be explaining it until mine are much older here either!! 😉
Echo says
Happy Birthday, Janine and yes, I am right there with you because I remember it all too! Thank you for sharing this at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Echo and glad though it seriously just isn’t me 😉
Kenya G. Johnson says
Pedro and Puck, what a throwback. Yep I was all up in watching that series and couldn’t wait for the next week. Wasn’t Andrea from 90210 on that particular show too? I think that’s when I found out how old she was in real life. I don’t remember how old she was then but I know she was way older than me and I called her “old”.
Janine says
Kenya, I totally called her old too back then and I can’t stop smiling as you just reminded me and brought me back on that comment, too 🙂
Kelly L McKenzie says
I remember this post! Just as brilliant as the first time I read it.
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much Kelly!! 😉
Kristi R Campbell says
Janine, such a great post to link up this week and OMG I so hear you about learning co-workers were born in the 90’s. GAH. It feels so weird right?
Janine says
Thank you Kristi and o know definitely weirdos me out having to find out a co-worker was born in the 90s!!
Allie says
I’m commenting again:) (Cause I did the last time – lol). You know that Luke Perry is now 50, right? EEEk. The other day at work, one of my coworkers made the comment that Friends (my favorite show of all time) wasn’t fanny. I have decided I no longer like that person!
Janine says
They wouldn’t be one of my favorite people either as I still love Friends, too Allie!