Twenty-four candles: Time capsule

I consider myself lucky to have grown up during the "era" of autograph books, slam books and hand-written letters. I am not so sure if the teenage girls of this generation still own one, what with the exponential growth of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Picasa. But I vividly remember how my 12-year old self used to pass around the classroom my colorful autograph and slam books so my classmates and friends could scribble cute messages (remember J-A-P-A-N?) and silly drawings.

To those who do not know the difference (seriously?!?), the autograph book is a store-bought notebook with tailored questions such as "What is love?' "Who is your first love?" or "Who is your crush?". This usually worked as a two-way deal. So you answer mine and I will answer yours. Hmm, if you're wondering how I answered such questions, well, simple lang. As with any other 12-y/o girl, I wrote "God" as my first love and "my parents" as my first kiss. Then again, it wasn't all cutesy stuff because I too have had friends who were hit by Cupid's arrow at a very young age. In short, maagang naglandi! I had a lot of them actually. Ehem ehem friends, you know who you are (I can remember mga pa-simpleng date sa playground or meet-ups under the mango tree after classes). But don't get me wrong dear friends because although some of the puppy love did not last, most have surpassed the tests of time (naks!) and are still together as I write this post. Very much in love, hopefully 'til eternity!

On the other hand, the slam book can be any notebook (the prettier the better), which is passed around for friends to write-on about any topic under the sun. These were specifically "uso" during graduation because each solicited dedications from friends. So in between graduation practice, you would notice groups of girls huddled in the corner keeping busy with the slam books.

So why the sudden interest in these things? It's just that I have been sorting/cleaning old things in my room (as in my little girl room) the past weeks and so I have come across my old autograph, slam books and even letters from friends. Some of them were as old as when I was in elementary and highschool while some letteres were from college. Having these things is like having a time capsule which can be dug from the "baul" everytime I want a glimpse of my younger self - carefree and unmindful of big-girl problems. I think I must be a favorite of God because not only did he give me a beautiful family, he also surrounded me with wonderful sets of friends. :)

Here is the autograph book that I had in March 1999. I was in the 6th grade and was preparing for graduation. The pictures can be enlarged when clicked.

Here are posts from two of my closest friends. I hope you all be cool about this. Hindi ko na nga ma-remember the codes we had e! I also placed little stars on some of the confi info. :p

The slam book was more of the "in" thing when I graduated from highschool in March 2004. I have an entire book of dedications and as I browse through each one, I cannot help but giggle. I scanned some entries from friends which I thought were touching and/or ridiculously funny.

I included letters/notes in this post because they are very much as important to me as the autograph/slam books. I have a whole stash of these in my room and would've loved to post as many. But knowing that most of the info are top secret, I opted to scan only a few. Here are some scribbles and drawings from my dear friends.