Where Were You When...?

Today, the latest teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released. Have you seen it? If not, check it out at the bottom of this post.

I discussed this with some friends of mine and was struck by my Star Wars memories. Do you remember the first time you saw the films?

A New Hope: This movie has always existed in my life. I was born in the early 70s, and I remember seeing it as a young child at a theater in Colorado Springs. (Cinema 70, for those long-term residents!)

The Empire Strikes Back: My dad took me to see this at our little local theater in Woodland Park, Colorado. He fell asleep just before they froze Han in carbonite. I freaked out (just a little bit.) That was pretty scary for a seven year old!

Return of the Jedi: Another one we saw in the Springs, this time at the Cooper downtown. I was going on 10, and it was a magical movie!

And I know that most fans don't count the newer films, but you know, I have fun memories surrounding those, too.

The Phantom Menace: I was working in Denver at a play facility for kids called Club Disney. One of our employees swore Jake Lloyd had come to play. I never saw him, but still, it's fun to boast. I had just purchased a sports car, as I commuted from Colorado Springs to Denver and back every day. I needed something zoomey. I even registered the tag "JEDIKNT." It was pretty sweet. Anyway. my brother and I went with a group of folks at midnight (of course!) to see The Phantom Menace. We played a trivia game theater-wide, and I scored on the Imperial officers question. ("Apology accepted, Captain Needa.") So the movie wasn't that great. So we met Jar-Jar. But it was Star Wars...and it was awesome.

Attack of the Clones: My brother and I took the day off of work the day the merchandise came out. We hit every Walmart in town and scooped up swag like nobody's business! I don't remember how much we spent that day, but it was fun. It was at this movie that I pulled up outside the theater to a cherry of a spot with the Imperial March blasting out of my little silver JEDIKNT car. A friend had saved us a spot in line. It rocked.

Revenge of the Sith: This movie memory was much quieter for me, but still as sweet. No midnight madness or fighting back crowds. I had just married my husband--a pastor who isn't a big sci-fi fan (I know...what?!)--and he graciously went with his Star Wars-obsessed bride to see the third installation. I don't think he'd even seen the first two. We had a great time, and I then went home and chattered all about it with my brother.

Do you have any special Star Wars memories? I hope to make some for my kids...but I have to convince them to like it first. Apparently, they take after their dad in all matters intellectual and shy away from the fantastic impossibilities of space opera. We'll see, though. I'm rather convincing when it comes to the epic amazing-ness of this saga.

And as I said before, enjoy the new trailer...