Waking up with the sound of birds chirping, dogs barking, and the faint noise of my buddies playing in the backyard is what I used to hear from my bedroom window. No air conditioning so our windows were open which is why I could not only hear all the wonderful sounds of nature but I could also smell the cool crisp morning.

It was a time when all of my friends from the neighborhood would hang out, much like the classic movie The Sandlot, is pretty much how I can describe my upbringing. It was the 80's era so everything was so colorful and loud, Coca Cola wars, heavy metal, and the never-ending of chasing girls.

Listening to Bon Jovi in the '80s was a for sure way of grabbing the girls attention, and let me tell you, I needed all the help that I can get when it came to chasing girls. The religious aspect of deciding as to what to believe in, Twisted Sister "Your Gonna Burn In Hell" and to Stryper, "To Hell with The Devil", are just some of the songs that would essentially let your mind wander as to what you wanted to believe in.

Looking back now I would never change as to how I grew up, always outside playing, kids would talk to other kids face to face, none of this texting crap that kids have today. I don't want to sound like I'm complaining about today's world but rather trying to make a point, kids and young teenagers, it is more real for you to say something to someone's face to face than texting someone else.

So for all the people that grew up in the 80's it was a time to shine, time to be free, and a time to dance! It was a time when the best music was written. You are never too old to listen to the 80's music, I know because my wife and I manage to attend as many 80's events as we can. You are only as old as you make yourself feel, so download some 80's tracks, The Cure, Cyndi Lauper, Wham, or whatever tickles your soul, and be young again!