My Elementary School Crush

{this is how I choose to remember him}

The first time I heard a Michael Jackson song was on the bus ride to school. I was in first grade. I was confused. I didn't know why a girl would be singing about another girl named Billie Jean {those were simpler times, folks}.

Then, one day a classmate brought in a record, which my lovely teacher, Mrs. Webb, let us listen to during free time. That day changed my life. It was then that I realized it was not a girl singing that song. I was smitten.

I wore my I ♥ Michael Jackson pin every day, along with my
I ♥ Michael Jackson headband {WHY didn't I keep those??}.




I listened to my Thriller record non-stop.





This was my favorite part of Disneyland:




I watched Michael over and over on our "We Are The World" laser disk.


My crush wore off as I moved on to Jr. High and High School {and he moved on to new facial features}, but my love of his music continued.

I remember our Superbowl party at Dan Ellison's. MJ's halftime performance was the main reason I went.

A BHS Dance Company performance was not complete without at least one dance choreographed to a Michael song {mostly thanks to Jackie, Brooke, and Lisa}. Ahhh, Smooth Criminal........


Sure, he became a nut {and barely recognizable}....

But there's no disputing the sheer awesomeness of his music.

He'll always be the King Of Pop in my book.