You’re probably sitting there thinking: “is that really what she wants to do with a time machine?” 

With that kind of power, you can travel anywhere and anytime. Travel through ancient Egypt, see the tragic fall of the Roman empire, watch non-Christians being slaughtered for being non-Christians ( by Christians), all the art of the renaissance period (still available in somewhat expensive European museums), have cake with Marie Antoinette and try all her clothes, see the sky get smothered with black smoke all in the name of capitalism (but saying that, like that makes me a hypocrite), advice a schoolboard to let this particular student get into art school with the mere hope of saving the world from tragedy.

If I had a time machine, I would return on March 31st of 1970. Watching my grandmother give birth to my mother may sound horrifying, but the first crying sounds of my mother would probably make me cry as well. Despite wanting to stay for the first thousand days of my mother’s life to ensure she gets enough warmth, hugs, kisses, and comfort, this story is about me celebrating the life of a mom who turned 53 today. If I had the power, I should stay to nurture her two-year-old self instead of going to Visage, Scaramouche, Roseland, or some other club she used to go to with my aunt and their friends. Still, deep down, I know she wouldn’t want me to.

So yes, if I had a time machine, I would play dress up with my mother. We could give each other a makeover. I would wear bright hot pink pantyhose that I may have ordered late last night on Amazon. I don’t know what my mom would wear because she always has something to say about the bright stuff that I wear. Perhaps a black cocktail dress? I’m thinking Princess D. 

The list I made is based on songs I know my mom likes. And it is no secret that I love them too. It’s my husband who eye-roles me whenever I put “boom boom music” on. After almost twelve years, he came to terms with and accepted the fact that I have an enormous love for the 80s era. The clothes, the music, the movies, the colors, everything, but I know that a few of my principles would not fit in that era and that the people would exile me and probably blow up my time machine before I have time to return to the present.

Without further due, here is my list for you, mama.

Let the music play – Shannon (1983)

Every time this song comes on the radio, my mom smiles. I know she gets nostalgic when the beat starts. She always mentions that her cousin used to love this song. The first time I heard this song was when I first saw Adventureland (2009), which will always have, in my opinion, the best soundtrack ever; it’s perfection. This song wasn’t introduced to me by mom, but I do like this song a lot. It’s safe to say that this was Shannon’s most significant hit, and I would have loved to dance this with you in the 80s, mom.

What a feeling – Irene Cara (1983)

This song was introduced to me by you, mom. I remember watching the movie with you on a weekday. You were off that day, or you may have called in sick. At first, I thought the movie was boring. And the social norms of women having to do “light work” because they were women were already embedded in me. I got uncomfortable looking at Jennifer Beals in baggy coveralls, all greased up and with the name Alex, the same name as my dad. Then, you explained that in the U.S., it’s normal for girls to have boys’ names and vice versa. Mom, we would have danced to this song until our knees hurt.

Walk like Egyptian – The Bangles (1986)

About three years ago, you told me you liked this song, and I do too. For some reason, I never thought you would like such a song. By that, I mean that it’s very funky. It’s a good thing that you want it, and we’ve danced to this a few times, but it’s not the 80s, and the world sometimes doesn’t feel as bright as it did one day. However, whenever I hear this song, I move like my mom, no matter my mood. And mommy, I know you don’t like to listen to this, and maybe a few of you wouldn’t like it either. Still, songs like this are the reggaeton of my generation, perhaps with less vulgar words, but you get what I mean. 

Show me – The Covergirls (1986)

I’ve heard this one a few times on the radio. Remember the list of songs you gave me last year to make a playlist for your birthday? This song was on it, and I remember you liked it a lot. Not only did you dance, but you sang to it as well. It was altogether a fun time. I know we would have had a ball dancing to this in the 80s, but chitchatting while listening to it. 

Point of no return – Exposé (1987)

Ah, yes! The big one. I put the songs on this list in no particular order, but when it comes to this specific song, I don’t need a damn time machine to go back in the 80s because I already am. This song is also on the soundtrack of Adventureland (2009), so it’s no surprise that I like it and would give anything to dance to it with you in the 80s. I know you want it, too, because every time this song comes on the radio, you remind me that I need to take my time in life. Enjoy each step, and it’s never too late to fulfill all my dreams. Well, today, I want to tell you the same, mom. It’s never too late, and life is too short to wait, so don’t.

I really hope you had a happy birthday, mom. I can’t wait to see everything you will achieve this year. I love you.

Oh, and I wanted to put “Kontent’i mirabu” by “Doble R” on this list, but it was released in 1992, did you know?