January 5,1996- I awoke with a start. This was my fith birthday, and I knew that it would be a day of joy and excitement- I would being going to the local Chuck E. Cheese restaraunt along with some of my cousins and family members. With something else on my mind at the moment- I pleaded to mom to let me open one of my presents before we headed out. I was handed a small box, wrapped in beautiful decorations. As I tore open the wrappings, my eyes grew wide- a copy of "Gex Enter The Gecko" for Sony's Playstation Video Game System. My heart was racing from joy- I knew that I was getting a Playstation with this game. "You can play that at Grandma's house." (Grandma had a Playstation that I played on a year ago) concluded mother. I knew,for sure, that I was getting my very own Playstation. I was jumping for joy as we entered the Chuck E. Cheese. As soon as it came time for me to unwrap gifts, I quickly unwrapped my other (generic, might I say) gifts and gave thanks. Then...it happened. That mysterious big present that I had been waiting for since I was awake that day was put on the table. Smiling, I tore upon the package. A brand new Playstation console was sitting there in front of me. Sounding suprised (I knew it was what I was getting and I was too excited for words)- I said in my whiny voice, "Ooooh!!!! A Playstation, I always wanted one of these". As night came, we got to the house and plugged the sucker in. As soon as that bootup screen appeared on our big screen television, I knew my life would be changed forever.

Today, it brings a tear to my eye to remember those first days that I played video games. I still play today, but the rush of excitement I once felt has vanished. I remember the year 2001 as my glory year- the first time I had my very own video game system.