'Bustin Makes Me Feel Good'

On this day in 1989, when I turned 6 years old, I received what was and still remains my favorite birthday gift of all time. The Ghostbusters proton pack. I'd been wishing for it for over a year. If anyone out there ISN'T familiar with this toy, it's basically a blue plastic backpack with a blaster, a handheld scanning device (the PKE meter), and a red adjustable ghost patch which fits on your arm. Oh, and a yellow foam energy beam!

I have really vivid memories of running through the house that night chasing invisible spirits, donning the complete outfit. I remember seeing my silhouetted reflection in the hallway mirror and feeling so proud and brave and awesome. I was a real Ghostbuster.

My trusty proton pack still hangs on my wall. The blaster's fallen silent from one drop too many and you can literally see cracks on the handle where my little hands gripped it so tightly. The stickers are worn and peeling and the foam beam is filled with feline teeth and claw marks. I love that thing.