Timex Time Travel

When I was nine, I borrowed my dad’s Timex watch and wore it with a silky Looney Tunes vest and stone-washed jeans to a birthday party at the skating rink. It was the mid-90s, and I felt like I had unlocked the ultimate level of cool. That watch didn’t just tell time—it told a story. One where I was the main character.

People noticed. Compliments rolled in—on the outfit, sure—but especially on the watch. My dad’s watch. It hung a little loose on my wrist, but it made me feel sharp, important, and seen. I skated faster than ever, the wind rushing past me while “Fantastic Voyage” by Coolio played over the speakers. I had no idea what the song was about, but I loved the beat. Swaying and skating to the rhythm was fun, feeling those hip-hop vibes ripple through the rink. The colorful lights pulsed in sync with the music, flashing reds, blues, and greens across the glossy floor like a celebration. I was entirely in the moment, living my best life in a vest covered in cartoon characters, feeling like a legend.

I’ve been chasing that high ever since.

Being an adult can be boring sometimes. People don’t stop you to compliment your style like they did when you were a kid. No one exclaims over your wristwatch or gives you props for wearing something fun.

But I’m done waiting.

I just bought myself a Timex like the one I wore that day. A quiet rebellion against growing up. A way to reclaim that version of me—fearless, joyful, and fully decked out at the skating rink. The kid who knew how to turn a moment into magic just by showing up in style. And the best part? I still catch glimpses of that kid in the mirror each morning. She never really left.