The 1980s were a glorious explosion of color, hair, and sound. I was just a kid, but I soaked it all in. Madonna ruled the airwaves, and Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. But for me, my heart belonged to New Kids on the Block—or NKOTB, as we call them now. I was convinced I was going to marry Joey McIntyre! Those catchy tunes and synchronized dance moves had me swooning, and I’m pretty sure I had every poster plastered on my wall.

Then came the 1990s, where I hit my teenage years and was fully immersed in a cultural buffet. The rise of grunge introduced us to bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, and it felt like everyone was rocking flannel shirts and combat boots. But let’s be real: NKOTB was still a major part of my life. I still remember the excitement of hearing “Step by Step” on the radio. Those were the days!

During this time, I also developed a serious crush on Ben Affleck after his breakout role in Chasing Amy. He was charming and effortlessly cool, and I couldn’t help but become a fan. However, when he married Jennifer Lopez, it felt like he was trying to hurt me. Seriously, Ben? Did he think I wouldn’t see through those games? I remained a devoted fan, but it definitely stung a little!

Now, as I navigate my 40s, my NKOTB obsession has evolved. Thanks to shows like Farmhouse Fixer, I would literally die to be Jonathan Knight’s best friend! He’s just so sweet and genuine, sharing his passion for home renovation in such a relatable way. Sorry, Joey—you’re still my childhood crush, but Jon is my ultimate best-friend goal!

The early 2000s brought a digital revolution that completely changed the game. With the advent of Napster and iTunes, downloading music became the norm. I can still remember the thrill of creating my first mixtape on my computer! Movies also took off, with franchises like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings captivating our imaginations. And who can forget the golden age of television with iconic series like “The Sopranos” and “The Office”? This was when binge-watching really took hold, and I was here for it!

As we rolled into the 2010s, pop culture began to shift in exciting ways. There was a growing emphasis on diversity in films and shows, with groundbreaking movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians making waves. Streaming services like Netflix changed how we consumed content, turning binge-watching into a beloved pastime. Musically, we saw the emergence of artists like Beyoncé, Drake, and Billie Eilish, who pushed the boundaries of pop music in new directions. And then there’s Taylor Swift—I’ve officially become a Swiftie! Her storytelling through music resonates so deeply with me, and I love how her sound has evolved over the years. From her country roots to her pop anthems, she truly captures the essence of growing up.

Now, stepping into the 2020s, everything feels different once again. The COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, forcing us to connect with pop culture in new ways. Virtual concerts became the norm, and who would’ve thought we’d be tuning into live shows from our living rooms? Platforms like TikTok took off, transforming trends overnight. It’s amazing how quickly things move these days, but it’s also thrilling to see creativity flourish in these new formats.

So here I am, about to turn 45 and feeling nostalgic about the pop culture journey that has unfolded over the years. From the vibrant colors and big hair of the ’80s to the diverse and dynamic content we enjoy today, every moment has shaped who I am. As I celebrate this milestone, I’m excited to see where pop culture will take us next. Here’s to all the trends, music, and stories that keep us connected—and to the adventures still to come! Cheers to 45 years of pop culture magic! 🎉