In less than 24 hours, I will touch on a milestone in my life. On this special birthday, like many others, I tend to reflect on my years on this Earth, where I’ve come from and where I’m going. The wins. The losses. The evolution of me. So much reflection in fact, that I realized that I have matured without even noticing (wait if i noticed that I didn’t notice, does that negate the previous statement? Dah well…) in other words, certain aspects of my life remind me that I’ve ascended to a different plane of maturity. Such as…
The Circle of Life. Simba
It’s one thing to grow up and see people you know murdered, die of natural causes, or freak accidents. I just feel at my age that the frequency has increased twofold. I lost 2 homies this year to violence, lost my dad and my spec (Greek term for special bro/sis in an org with whom you share a close bond) in 07, and it just seems like death is much realer at this age.
Is it me, or is EVERYONE HAVING KIDS too?!! I feel like pregnancy is spreading quicker than Ebola and Bubonic plague combined! I must be getting old or people are just stroking like its 1969. A lot of people I know are getting married too. Good for them o_0 (jokes). It just shows the ebb and flow of life and I watch it with both joy and pain.
Bills
I miss my childhood, where my credit was immaculate, my money was my own, and bills were something that made mom and dad say bad words. I even miss college when only superficial items like cell phone and food and books etc were my only concern. Now, between student loans, car insurance, transportation, and other amenities, my paycheck basically pops in, gives me the Bruhman head nod, and peaces out until next cycle. I need to hit the lotto or get signed to young Money because this shyt retarded!
Etiquette
I know how to act in public settings, or better yet there’s bigger consequences for me acting the ass and without decorum. Going out to eat with a group, I know that I may have to put in a little extra and won’t complain. I understand the concept of work mingling and networking. Certain parts of your etiquette have to step up when you become a real adult, or you can still act an ass and get side eyes.
Grown travelling plans
Going from Queens to Brooklyn used to be the hood roadtrip. Now as I’m older I can hop on a plane to the West Coast, Caribbean, or Europe, at the drop of a dime (when I put in for vacation at the job and stack $$ of course). I appreciate vacation, where in my early youth vacation was a normal part of life. Work sucks, BTW.
Generation Gap
Once dudes started the skinny jeans movement and gettin light, I realized that the line in the sand was drawn between my era and the new generation. They have their new rap and movie star idols. Ready to Die dropped over 15 years ago. Kanye’s been in the game almost a decade. We have a Black president. Technology has advanced something serious. It’s wild! I’m a Generation X baby I believe, I don’t even know this generations’ designation. I do know that I’m living off experience now, and the sins of my yesterday will help me to avoid the pitfalls of tomorrow. That’s a valuable asset to have as you grow and mature.
Some people get older and hate it. I look at it as an accomplishment. This world is crazy and you survived to see another year on this planet. You have experience and wisdom. You have lived and continue to live (hopefully to the fullest). I’d rather age like the finest wine and not those Mickey Dees burgers! So I say bring on another year and let’s see whats up!
What ways have you realized that you’re growing up? What do you miss from your childhood?
I could be on 90210 and play a senior at West Bev,
Eh ahi, un hombre…
I miss not having the responsibilities… that's pretty much it… As a child we acted like a child and didn't have a care in the world… Sometimes I wish I didn't have a care in the world, but as yesterday's post indicated, we must care what goes on in this world because one way or another it affects us as well…
Things that I've noticed that I've grown up is within my own self. My persona, character. Man have I've grown and matured better than I thought I would! I've cut ties with people that even though I loved dearly, they needed to go. I've learned that not everything is going to go my way even if I pout, just because we plan for it doesn't mean that's how its going to happen. That has been one of the most difficult things for me to understand. Another thing could be the changes in my character. I'm definitely not the same female I was 2 years ago, let alone last year… and I'm very happy about that because I can easily say that I am a better woman now and I'm becoming a much better one the more I'm being passed through fire, being beat down and broken down so that I can be molded yet again…
First, condolences on your loved ones' passing.
About your post;
"my paycheck basically pops in, gives me the Bruhman head nod, and peaces out until next cycle."
Hilarious and on point…I don't even get excited for pay day anymore. I'm not gonna enjoy that money for a good 25-30 years…he just grabs him a sammich and KIM…
"I could be on 90210 and play a senior at West Bev" You are too stupid for this. LOL
No kidding everyone is reproducing…and what really makes me feel old isn't that they are having babies, but when I really hear myself say "damn, they grow up so fast!" I mean weren't they just pregnant? When did Jr start growing facial hair?? Argh.
The hardest part about aging for me personally, has been the realization that my parents are getting old. My Dad's always been Mr Fixit, do it yourself, he may not do it the best, but he sure does it himself #Heathcliff. But as he ages, and battled cancer (survivor), and just lives a less active life, his age is really showing and it's sorta a hard concept to wrap my head around. I know he's a man, but he was always more than that in my head, ya know.
Sorry for the buzzkill. Your reflection, make me reflect…31 is coming at me quick (Scorpios unite, not like that, ya nasty ass Scorp).
What do I miss from my childhood? Not having a clock ticking in my head. No long term plans with deadlines. No sense of urgency. Built in friends with similar interests and schedules. Certainty and wonder about what was to come. Endless possibilities. Innocence. A house full of people.
I enjoyed the post.
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jezebel/201…
Have a happy birthday Streetz.
I'm going to find out where you get your gifs! Lmao Rita, you KILL me
I heart you so much!!! My morning has sucked more than a hooker at Hunts Point and that gif made me laugh!!!
I feel you on the parents getting old Star. I just had a talk with my parents about wills, life insurance, funerals etc. Talk about a touch with reality. *deep sigh*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i24u4S925j0
DEAD!!!!!
Starita: "The hardest part about aging for me personally, has been the realization that my parents are getting old."
This. My parents are in their early 60s, and I don't want my dad doing yardwork anymore. It was hurting me to see my mom starting to have knee and hip problems considering the issues my grandmother and aunt have, but I talked her into working out. A few flexibility and isolation-integration exercises later, and she's feeling a lot better. Gotta keep moms and pops healthy and enjoying life as long as possible.
i feel like pregnancy is spreading quicker than Ebola and Bubonic plague combined!
^^^I tweet this at least once a week…it's an epidemic!
What ways have you realized that you’re growing up?
^^^In different ways, i've had to be a grown up through out my life from when my sister was born so i honestly don't know how to answer this question!
What do you miss from your childhood?
^^^Not having to deal with Sallie Mae & other means to obtain student loans.
Simple school assignments.
Friendships that didn't seem to have conditions.
Not worrying about my bank account.
Great post! Happy Early Birfday Streetz love!
Generation X = post baby boomer to 1981.
Generation Y = 1982 on.
I miss the days of having my life paid for…and when summer more than going to work when it's hot.
Adulthood is overated.
Are we sure about this? This puts me squarely in Y and I've always felt like an X. I'm going to amend this… even if I'm the only one who recognizes it.
yay I just made it in GenX. explains so much since I don't relate to youngins much at all…
I'm pass 35 so I've realized I'm grown for a minute. lol. Having kids definitely help you see that..I've been married before, etc….you know my story. But, it gets better with age….YOU get better with age. Time has a way of working everything out……
my empathy on your losses…..I always said when I was in high school my parents attended funerals equivalent to my frequency of attending parties….now we're leveling out….#circle of life
I once spoke to a friend about losing all of my Grandparents (I realize that I am more fortunate than most because I grew up knowing all …both maternal and paternal) and I made the statement that I felt like a tree without roots….to which she replied "You are now the roots"
Werlcome to "Arborville"!!!!!
Wow…"you are now the roots"…that's deep. I'm not ready to be the roots…
Wow! This hits home more now than ever, especially with another birthday looming over the horizon. #eventhoughicanstillpassfor35
On the whole, 2010 has seemed pretty depressing [or maybe it's just me] and I can't wait for it to pass gently into the night. And for some odd reason, I'm actually looking forward to my gradual maturation. In 2-3 years, both cars, credit cards and my student loans should be paid off and that money is definitely going to fund my world travels and future epic vacations.
BTW, Scorpio Uber Alles!!!!!!!!!! :0)
When's your birthday Scorp?
November 16th. Turning 38 y/o. :0|
2010 can kick rocks!!!
Who hoo! My car is paid off next month! I can't wait
to start putting that money into repairs now whomp, whomp, whomp!!I'm with Eddie. On the Scorpio goodness.
Streetz, you're about to be hit with the ill na-na birthday wishes in less than 16.
Generation Y baby, I'm not 21 yet and in about 112 hrs, I'm going to hit
someone. I don't get birthday punches on my bday. I give those.that time in my life where I start reevaluating my life, who I call my friends, how I act around them and in public, and all that good stuff. I'm doing my best to accept that growing up can come with any and everything. This birthday also adds alcohol into my life…legally of course. Lol jkBirth days are always important. It's more than the celebrating of this 21st for me. It's going to be more of a "It was nice knowing you but for the past year, all you did was fxck me over. See ya when I see ya." and bigger and better things. I'm looking forward to actually sticking to this too..
Anyway, great post. You're turning like 30, right?
Do I have to Lurk and find out? I will. I'm Queen Lurky.🙂Scorpios All Day Everyday!!!
I have definitely evolved as an individual — I've learned that I alone can't change the world #noericclapton#…… so now I just make my own personal adjustments accordingly and let everything else RIDE and I am much happier/stronger because of it.
My birthday was the 25th and I've been celebrating all week!! KUDOS.
Happy BornDay Streetz!!!
Happy belated birthday!! 🙂
Happy Birthday!!!! I hope you are still celebrating!*borrows some of Sane's confetti and throws some*
Happy belated Birthday! I'd throw some e-confetti, but it has suddenly disappeared.
LOL!
Thanks… 🙂
My co-worker and I just had this conversation Monday. She said that she figured it out in undergrad that it wasn't going to get any better than that time in our lives. Where your only concern is doing well in class, cleaning your room, and your work study job.
I look forward to getting older. I am ready to get over the hump of the 20's and stride gracefully into my 30's. I have a year and a half, and I'm excited.
Happy Birthday, Carlito!! I guess its Scorpio season(I don't know anything about this stuff), so Happy Birthday to all of you!!
Streetz, I feel you one hunnid on this post. As a fellow Scorpio with the best Oct B-day, I'm doing the yearly reflection and internal assessment. I made some progress, some mistakes but I did it with no regrets. I'm single for the first time in my adult life and learning alot about myself and women and it's a sobering process.
I hate school loans, but love the education. I hate car insurance, but love calling that Btich mines. I hate politics but love the work that I do.
We are both soldiers seeking the light and the best we can do is trust in the big G to keep us on the path.
Happy bornday Pham!
I feel you on this 100%
This was a nice post and on point!
I'm 35 and mature. Some major differences that make me laugh are…….
Thrill seeking is out. Most people don't realize the whole "thug life" thing is really about thrill seeking. It's why so many convicts go back to jail. It's not the money they miss. It's the life style. It's been hard to do but I'm not wreckless anymore. Got too much to lose and I feel like I owe too many people to get caught up in somethin stupid.
Passing on sex. Never thought I'd be there. But with maturity you realize there is a time to pass on sex.
Bein flexible. Realizing that other people's way is not the wrong way…it's just their way.
Realizing just cause you are the youngest, or the child….doesn't you are not the leader of your family. Realizing that people that are older than you may not know as much about some things as you do. Sometimes you have to be the teacher or the discipliarian.
Welcome! *keeps looking for a new stock of e-confetti to throw*
Thankyou but it's just me J. My info got wiped out and I accidently pressed L instead of J.
But anyway….I've been meaning to change my name. So I think I'll be…….
Great, now I'll be picturing you as a dark Steve Buscemi.
LOL….yeah I thought about it and decided to change it to something more creative.
Even though Nucky's "ufck you" is as epic as when James Woods says it.
I'm goin wit il Duce de Maryland ROFL
I forget that I'm an adult sometimes. When friends of mine in their 30s ask to hang out, I'm amazed at the fact that I have things in common with them. Lol. It happened overnight; I'm not too far from where they are. I love being an adult because I love the thrill of taking chances on my own, messing up, learning who I am minus who I'm supposed to be (according to parents, church, and other influences that may or may not be ME). The freedom comes with consequences: bills, serious eff ups w/out mommy & daddy to bail you out, and grown-up heartbreak. I love what I do, so work is definitely a plus to me. No need to ace Calculus or Anatomy & Physiology. I do what I love, including party when I can, travel at whim, and eat what my stonach deems necessary. Oh and I can kiss who I feel like…and the teacher won't tell my daddy.
Being an adult rocks.
Welcome! *gives up on e-confetti* *pops e-champagne*
the best thing about aging is discovering who you really are…. every year another piece of me gets cemented- and I love it.
Happy Birthday Streetz!
Really? I feel like I've changed so much that when I turn 60 I'll be surprised to see who I am.
Pregnancy is the new black.
I realize that I'm growing up because everybody in their mama thinks I should have a kid by now. My own mother has even "thrown in the towel" and said that the arrival of my niece in December will be her last grandchild. *rolls eyes*
I miss not having bills and not having to pay rent.
I also realize I'm growing up with the way I handle stress or react to situations.
iDIED at "pregnancy is the new black"
I have spent SO much money for baby showers this year. I need to get a Babys R Us credit card w/ frequent flyer miles or something.
Girl bye!
As we speak I'm printing out games and stuff for a shower this weekend. Then I have another one in December…the same week my niece is supposed be born…iCan't!!
I'm so over weddings and baby showers…my pockets need a breather!!!
LOL @ "Girl bye!" I need a breather too. Hell I need an exhale. #NoStella
Don't forget to put money away in your "Get LaLa to Cali" account. Don't let unions and babies eat up all ya money 😀
Oh, I didn't forget! In December I get paid 3 times, so I plan on starting the Cali stash right then and thurr!
"Pregnancy is the new black."
– And the Messikan – which by the way I choked on my coffee for that one! lol
"I realize that I’m growing up because everybody in their mama thinks I should have a kid by now. My own mother has even “thrown in the towel” and said that the arrival of my niece in December will be her last grandchild. *rolls eyes*"
– I feel you! Mom gave up a long time ago on me, now she says that my brother will get married before I will (and he don't even have a GF at the moment!) and pop out a kid before I even get married! Lol Moms… SMH
We definitely Sissys
[insert George Lopez joke about Latinos and kids]
Yeah man, I wanted to tell her to be quiet…like seriously.
What do I miss? not being able to eat bullshyt food with complete and utter disregard to carbs,sugar, my waistline, and fat. I still protest my "growing up" by eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch. judge me if you will.
Summer Camp. yeah I said it. I week every summer during junior high and a few years doing high school.
I miss the effect that 20 dollars had on me. 20 bucks on a Friday nite from my parents had me GOOD TO GO. now…thats cab fafe (one way) to downtown (dont like to drink and drive=like to get s**tfaced when I party)
I miss sleep. PERIOD.
and the July/August ediition of EASTBAY, because that meant it was time to order football cleats and gloves for the upcoming season. The first time my parents let me order my stuff with a credit card I looked at it like the golden ticket on Willy Wonka/Chocolate Factory.
and heres one for you: I miss the anticipation and drama for Snoop Doggy Dogg's first album…I remember the day it dropped, being at Blockbuster music with 5 other kids in line, all with the same album. That nite I was introduced to "It aint no fun if the homies cant have none"…lol. oh the days…i miss them.
and lastly…when dating/pursuing a woman wasnt the equivalent of safely trying to walk through a minefield (from an emotional aspect)
Yeah when dat Snoop dropped we probably kept that joint in rotation for a week straight……….and rollin em up back to back. LOL
1992-1995 OMG….The Chronic, Ready to Die, The Dogg Pound, Snoop's Joint, Illmatic, Reasonable Doubt, Southernplaylistic.
Never have so many classics been dropped so close together.
L: "1992-1995 OMG….The Chronic, Ready to Die, The Dogg Pound, Snoop’s Joint, Illmatic, Reasonable Doubt, Southernplaylistic."
A single tear rolled down my cheek after reading that. Throw in Way 2 Funky, Safe + Sound, and What? the Album, and that was my rotation. Honorable mention to Midnight Marauders.
Oh how could forget…….also the first Mobb Deep joint.
Damn Hugh…you just killed it. that really was an era of just really good music. CHUUCH
Now we sound like a bunch of old guys reminiscing over 15-20 year old music.
Hey thank God we're generation X. Generation Y will be reminiscing about Gucci Man and Soldier Boy.
I remember EASTBAY for real. That was our exclusive kicks spot, lol.
also i remember listening to Doggystyle in the backyard with the homies off tape. Wilin out because the shyt was so raw and pimpadocious.
**Throws the W**
yeah Eastbay was like the bible of shoes…thats the only place Id pretty much get my atheletic gear and kicks from. I remember they used to deliver your goods in a bright blue/turquoish platic wrapped bag.
Eastbay was the internet before the internet LOL
Ya'll don't eeeeem know…I grew up in the boonies, I'm talking you can hear Deliverance playing in the distance, STICKS. We waited for the mail and read and reread Eastbay like it was
p0rnthe Bible.If we wanted shoes, we had to order them, no stores, no malls, magazines. On that Sears and Roebucks ish. You think I'm playing…it was Eastbay or pack the family up in the
covered wagonvan and "go to the city" and hour and a half away.http://www.riley.d21.k12.il.us/images/online_clas…
(tell me someone recognizes that pic, I can't be the only one that was addict to OT as a kid…)
There was always one dude in the hood that had the eastbay catalogue… you'd be huddled around him at lunch time looking for the new ish… eastbay was what up.
I'm a girl and I used to get hyped for when my cousin's Eastbays came in the mail! OMG I would spend hours looking at shoes and folding down pages like I want those, and those and those. lol #stillasneakerheadalilbit
Riiiitaaaa!!!! I knew there was a reason I liked you…that dang Oregon Trail, LMAO. Out in that field trying to kill cattle for the family and cathing rabbits….
I LITERALLY clapped my d@mn hands together!!!!!!!! I am SO stoked that someone else was an Oregon Trail Stan back in the day!!!
Killin buffalos and stuff like a real OG 🙂
*fist pumpin into the night* You made my night TT 🙂
Eastbay was where I got all of my Champion NBA jerseys.
It's embarrassing looking back at some of the jerseys I have though, especially since I was trying to get jerseys no one else had. I was looking in my closet the other day thinking, "what was on my mind when I got a Hershey Hawkins Charlotte Hornets jersey?"
ROFL….Yeah it didn't matter who. It was about have the one nobody had.
I used to be hella obsessed with the Larry Johnson jersey…the teal one. never did get me a pair of those Converse with the REACT JUICE in em…lol
eastbay! i used to dog ear pages of tennis skirts hahaha
I think its official…I can deem 2010 to be the worst year of my life to date; I'm ready for the new year.
I like to think of myself as a mature individual wise beyond my years…there's been a couple of cosigners on that as well.
Oh Geez *Midwesterner voice* the babies are having babies! Well, not really, I guess I'm at that age where its time to start settling down, but damn don't all do it at once! I told my friend the other day, I'm going to have to start deleting the ones who are having kids off of my FB page, because its all they seem to ever talk about.
I'm ready for the early 20's to be over. I want security. I don't want to keep searching for the perfect job, house, grad school, etc. I'm ready for everything to be as it should.
Happy Birthday Streetz!
(I like to keep a healthy distance between myself and scorpios)
I think its official…I can deem 2010 to be the worst year of my life to date; I’m ready for the new year.
^ You're not alone on this one. I just hope it ends on a good note.
ROFL Part of growin up is realizing your married with children friends only have married with children stories to tell. LOL.
There's nothing wrong with Scorpios homie…lol
We are misunderstood but we keep it real. we are loyal till u eff us over. Period. lmao
You know I've never had a problem with them personally and some of the guys I've met are really cool (You would've never guess they were scorpios)…but I am not built for the dramatics lol
…please I got a $46 ticket this morning for not wearing a seatbelt….REALLY? REALLY?
I'm old…not just older but OLD, y'all know I have teenage sons and I just dream of when they're both in college so that me and hubby can be left alone.
You just wait til your parents die…that's some old ISH for you! Not just your parents, but your FRIENDS parents that you grew up with. I was just at my gf's mother's funeral last week and she was 70 and died of cancer. I remember when she used to play kickball out in the street with us. I remember when she used to give us "real talk" about sex. Now I'm reading her obituary in the church right after the soloist.
I'm looking at kids, grand kids, great grand kids that look like their daddy's daddy's daddy at the repast. I remember watching your sister doing the hustle off of Boz Scaggs Dirty Low Down and we thought she was so cool…while wearing tube tops outside…we were the little black girls that smelled like hair grease and bubble gum. OK…if that's any indication of how old I am now ya know…
*chuckle* $46? That's all? I just beat a $510 dollar one for passing someone "too closely" a few weeks ago.
#mdcopsain'tnojoke
Cosign on the loss of the parental figures. My Mom died shortly after having me, and my Dad just died about 2 years ago. It feels wierd suddenly having no one to run to and ask those "serious life questions". But I guess that's part of growing up as well, finding your own way and navigating your own path.
And FTR, you don't look old in your avatar pic….
Thanks Eddie but I'm 48 and I don't think I look old either (I exercise, eat right and take 1 a day) but I'm getting "old ways" if that makes any sense?
Sorry for the loss of your parents and yes, that sense of being totally alone is eerie. You also become more distant from your siblings (at least I have) because your parents were the glue that kept you together…
and it wasn't just the ticket, it was the fact that I got pulled over by 2 squad cars and a DT….for no seatbelt? REALLY?
#newarkcopsain'tnojoke
"Thanks Eddie but I’m 48"
*DropsJaw*
48?!!! Girl You Look Good!!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU..
48? Well damn! I bet big money your son's friends call you MILF.
YOU'RE 48!?!
Good black don't crack!
Thanks for the compliments but you all are embarassing me because we all know that 48 is old as hell. *SMH*
Thanks for the compliments but you all are embarassing me because we all know that "48 is old as hell". *SMH*
hahahaaaa… STOPit!!!!
Okay…. SURE 48 is on the Backend BUT you don't look it all Red and at the end of the day it all boils down to HOW OLD DO YOU FEEL??
Embrace it Red!!!! 😉
This was wonderful and sad at the same time. I feel you on loss. In my life the funeral to weddeing ration is like 10/1 in favor of funerals.
The thing thats rough about losing people who've known you your whole life, is that you begin to lose as sense of where home is. Home as in, the physical place, but also, home as in – who you are as a person. If there's no one to pull you back and remind you of the person you are or were raised to be… it's easy to forget and be someone else, if you're so inclined. If this makes sense for those of you who haven't lost people, but, if you have, I think you know what I mean.
"If there’s no one to pull you back and remind you of the person you are or were raised to be… it’s easy to forget and be someone else, if you’re so inclined."
— It makes perfect sense and when I go to the neighborhood that I grew up in I am overcome with a complete sense of sadness by the fact that almost everyone is gone. I don't go back very often because of it…the memories are like ghosts.
I understood 100% fam. shyts retarded
and Red, if you are 48 I got a bridge in BK to sell you.
You aged well homie!
Im trying to look this way until im 50. Tony Horton
I like being an adult but it has had its moments. I had a rough childhood, well rough compared to my friends but I was always loved so I guess I shouldn't complain. There are a few things that I wish I could have back.
Summer vacations. My aunties would trade off and send me to different places each summer. I went to New York, DC, the grand canyon, Hawaii etc on their dime. Those were the days.
I miss when falling in love meant he checked the box in my love letter next to "Do you like me?". Heck, typing that just made me smile. Love is so complicated, why?
I miss my Mom not nagging me so much. I swear she wants me to be superwoman.
I wish when my money was just that…my money.
Feliz Cumpleanos Streetz!!! Ser bueno o ser bueno en ello
I never got a letter like that from nobody.
Ash boogey! You're a mess! Put your pic up and stop lurking……gravatar.com. The ladies will appreciate the eye candy even if you are invo
vled.
Correct me if I am wrong but I put you up on this site. I don't need gravatar.com. Oh and please stop mentioning the countdown you got a nigg@ sweating.
Whatevs. I am going to call Mel and tell her you said that :-p
Sorry, I don't know you at all to be crackin on you, but your countdown/fear statement made me think of this…
http://www.gifsoup.com/view/168431/holy-o.gif
and I smiled…thought I'd share…
@ Ash I won't call if you have hush money!
Imma throw shade if I can't get paid blow you up to your girl like an army grenadeI kid, I joke!@ Star….LOL!!!!
Stop it, the both of you.
Streetz, where we drinking?
Like you, I'm happy to be growing older. I had a rough go of it as a young fellow so, I don't really miss much about my childhood – accept the many people I lost.
The best thing about being an adult is our ability to shape our worlds as we see fit. As a child, I had ideas about how things should be, what could be done to make my situation and my family situation better but, I was unable to act on those ideas… my life was not my own. As an adult, you can make your own family and build it as you see fit.
Worst thing about being adult… Sallie Mae… hands down. Sometimes I feel like calling my girl cousins to have them jump her. Sallie Mae is the Diddy of School Loans… best friend when you sign, worst enemy when you learn later that you'll spend most of your prime years paying her back… Swindle. And eff all yall who were EOP or NOAH or HEOP or anyone of the other "I'mPoorAndBlackSoIShouldn'tHaveToPayTuition" programs. What would happen if we all just said eff Sallie and stopped paying?
Good post Streetz.
“I’mPoorAndBlackSoIShouldn’tHaveToPayTuition” programs — hehehehehe, sorry but I got THE biggest chuckle out of that one this morning…..
I hate Sallie Mae….I wish someone would off that bish.
Ever notice in college it was always the kids in the "IPABSISHTPT" programs who had the flyest clothes… new Jordans and stayed AllPoloEverything in college. Meanwhile, the lower middle class kids like me whose families were broke, but not like… welfare broke had to register late and negotiate with the Bursar every semester. I was on a first name basis with the ladies in the financial aid office. Then, once you get your tuition straight all the good classes would be full… now I got a 3 hour Statistics class at 8 am on Fridays… smh. Sorry, had to get that off my chest.
YES!!! Same ish growing up, the kids who lived in the projects were always the flyest!!
I feel you Most…I had to make some friends in the financial aid office. Times were rough! You have to be dirt poor to get a decent financial aid…it's ridiculous!
1) Remind me to tell you the story of how I almost had to drop out of school cause of some financial aid
2) When i walked into Memorial Hall, the Financial Aid people shouted my name like I was Norm.
3) Bar XII Tomorrow 9pm until, then Next Sat the ofish party
Agree with your points. We were apprentices as children, now we get to be Picasso.
Best. Financial Aid Story. Ever.
I was in the Student Accounts Office at [the Real] HU one day and overheard two students talking about how rude the employees were. One said you know when "so and so" came in to try and get an increase in his financial aid payments for next semester, one of the ladies told him "Maybe you should pawn some of those gold chains and rings you're wearing instead of coming up here begging".
Me = 0_o
Haha! I was BALLIN in college. I had a private scholarship as well as Bright Futures (thank you Florida <del>gambling addicts</del> lottery players) I'm worth more in school than out, which is why I need to go back asap!
But don't be fooled those “IPABSISHTPT” had loans too, they just aren't as mindful of their credit as some of us.
I was broke as h@ll as far as money in my pocket. But tuition was never a problem. Probably cause my mother did all the paperwork and met the deadlines. If I had to do it myself I probably would have messed it up.
Also, I went to and HBCU, but I don't think our offices were as bad as the stories I've heard. I mean to be honest, most problems with our registration came from student not doing things on time. But I never had a schedule or payment go missing.
Big bro… allow babe bro a verse on this awesome instrumental.
…with Age came Swag. People always get mad at this word, "swag." It's really hard to define, and everyone attempts to have it. Funny people so pissed about swag, but if you ain't got it, you ain't got nothing. Best way to explain swag to a man is to say, it's very similar to when a guy says, "she just doesn't have "it"" Whatever that "it" is, that's the same thing that swag is in a man.
Anyway, with age came swag, however I think I was always ahead of my years. With age, quite frankly, Mr. IDGAF was born. It's at the point that you stop trying to impress anyone, or meet social norms that you get swag.
I don't read GQ to figure out what I want to wear this week to work, I wear what I want, what makes me feel good. That's swag. I don't go places, or hang in circles with people just to say that i'm a part of a certain scene, quite frankly, IJDGAF anymore. That's swag. I don't do anything that I don't want to do, and I really don't care what anyone thinks about that, they won't go when I go. That's swag.
I got vices in life, some of them make me better, and some of them make me worse. But they are mine and I own them. When I got older, I stopped trying to please everyone and pleased myself.
I'm my own person, with my own style, with my own theme music.
Picturing Dr. J walking in slow motion up the street off of some funky beat and then tripping….
me–> http://www.gifsoup.com/view/73114/faint-o.gif
Outstanding mental picture RedLady LOL
I don’t do anything that I don’t want to do, and I really don’t care what anyone thinks about that, they won’t go when I go.
That to me is what growing up is all about. My twenties were all about pleasing everyone else, my thirties are all about pleasing myself.
absolutely. that was a great quote and I was gonna highlight it myself.
there isn't anything better than living for yourself and doing what YOU wanna do!
Dr J: Mr. IDGAF was born
*HeadNod*
I can relate to this, This is where I'm at in 2010.
I definitely feel what youre saying. I came into my own style too. I like taking tips from publications, friends, etc. i also like just doing me dressing wise too.
**tips cap
Streetz used to be that dude in the Miller Lite commerical that's like "What's wrong with my Dragons"… lol.
Sorry Bro – had to.
Dat commercial killed Ed Hardy
From your fingertips to God's ears, please let that be true…
"Mr. IDGAF was born"
Haha this made me chuckle cuz I can relate 😉
Happy Birfday Streetz! I don't have much to say on the post right now, but it really was a great read :).
As a Gen X’er, I can state unequivocally that the 30s are the best years of your life. You’re young enough to enjoy life, but old enough to be relatively financially established and have a little experience.
Bills: Bills suck. I’ve always said that I’m just the middle man between my employer and my creditors. I should just have my direct deposit at work going to US Bank and Great Lakes instead of my checking account. I can’t wait for these college loans to be paid off. It’s like another car payment. But at least with age comes lower insurance premiums.
Generation gap: I officially realized I was old in 2004. I was at my parents’ house and my brother was watching 106 and Park. AJ announced the “old school jam of the day” was Mary J Blige’s Real Love. I said, “Old School? That song came out in 94!” Then it hit me that was ten years ago. And that was six years ago. I also get a reminder talking to kids at the Y, who are taller than me, and they will say something like, I was born in 92. I'm like, I was in high school in 92! That was when the Bulls played the Blazers in the Finals! That was really 18 years ago?
PS: Carlito? Why is it I’m picturing you spitting apples in people’s faces and saying, "that was cool"?
Yep and yesterday when you said my oldest was Al B. Sure –
I asked him last night…"Do you know who Al B. Sure is?"
He said no…who's that? LMAO….he was born in 1994.
LOL. I wonder who the new guy is that they call all light skinned guys. When I was young they were always sayin I looked like Busy Bone even thought I love absolutley nothing like Busy Bone.
Mike Bibby or Vin Diesel yes. Or Jeffrey Wright. But not Busy Bone.
I have no idea…but that Busy Bone comment had me dying laughing at my desk.
Shemar Moore…
*Shudders*
That man does NOTHIN for me.
#carryon
Soul Train Shemar Moore was gaaabage. I didn't get the appeal. At. All. And he should never, evAH in life wear braids (that's what that woman was so mad about, scribblin in her diary "I know this fool doesn't think he's cute with these cornrows…") They look good on some people, but everythang is not for everybody Boo Boo.
But Criminal Minds Shemar Moore??? *drool* Older and wiser? *shrugs* Maybe. But I think it's just the way he dirty talks Penelope
with her techy, nerdy self. *bats eyelashes*It was a poorly made wig. He should have killed his wig maker cause that joint was foolin nobody.
Dat joint was half afro, half braids. ROFL
Shemar Moore in Criminal Minds…. *drools* Gotta agree with you Starita the way he tells Penelope "give it to me baby girl" (no pause) has me always wanting to go and get my glasses, pig tails, and pen in mouth stat! Lol
Has you "wanting to go and get my glasses, pig tails, and pen in mouth stat!"…Hmmm, pen in mouth, um, yeah, ok, let's got with that…
but it's not what I was picturing "in mouth"LOL yeah Carlito without the drug problem though…
Thats my name in Latin America. I rox with it, lol
happy early birthday fam. my birthday passed a little less than a month ago and i'm now staring 30 right in the face. like you i'm don't look at it as getting older but only becoming more accomplished.
i'm actually looking forward to my 30's. i want to continue to grow and evolve into a better man and person. my boy sent me his save the date wedding magnet in the mail the other day. i can admit that i felt a ping of jealousy (then i snapped back into reality).
as far as traveling plans are concerned i'll be free of school soon (for the time being) and i'm already planning where i want to go. i already have europe, north and east africa in my sights.
happy early birthday again. don't do anything i would. lol
LMAOO no wild boy antics will be televised or tweeted lol
Awww Tunde was jealous of marriage? That's kinda hot.
is it? i think it's the pits.
It is, a man that wants to commit is a beautiful thing. #nolie
While I'm at it let me give you some deleted scenes from this post. some other acts of maturity/observations:
1) I dont have the tolerance for party bs as i did 10 years ago. mostly because at that age, youre thirst to party, especially if you aint 21! Now, with all the stuff I'm involved with, to wait on massive lines, to get scolded on my attire by a bouncer who didnt make it to the NFL or CFL, and other bs is not whats up. Thats why i dont club unless its an occasion. Industry chillin, lounges, etc are my speed.
This rule does not apply if Im out of state. lol.
2) Reindeer games with women – ive seen so many scenarios and heard of other that when my BS-ometer goes off, I have to answer and leave it alone
3) Fighting – I've seen too much real shyt to get into scuffles or not try to avoid them when my people get a little ticked off. Cant go into work with a black eye like "O I was sparring in Brazil with the gracies" cmon son!
4) Paying full price for anything – Im sorry, by this age you should have enough connects to get deals on at least 40% of things you buy!
Cosign #1 – I went out last weekend for a friend's birthday party. It was funny – maaaad jokes, but when you repeatedly clutch your pearls and mutter "well I never…" You're (read: I'm) too old to be in the damn club.
Loving that you're a bargain hunter…Coupon Queen here. MrRebates, you better ask somebody…
Co/Sign…..when I wrote about no more wreckless behavior….fighting was at the top of my list. I used to love a good brawl. LOL But now it's like: Night in Jail, $2000 to the lawyer, $2000 to the hospital, possible job loss leading to possible home loss……The math is different when you older. LOL When I was 17 the only calculation was "How many of them are there and who's holdin heat." ROFL
Cosign on bouncers. Before I came to this site I used to spend a lot of time on a music site. We were always doin post on "99 Bouncer Scams." ROFL Basically the whole dress code thing is a scam to put money in that bammas pocket.
#4 is the truth.
Picture it… Memorial Day Weekend, Vegas. People dropping up to $100 to get in the club any given night. I paid a total of $20 for the entire weekend to get in the club, and that was one night b/c our friend was out of town, and that was a major discount + no wait. The other nights were $free.99, no wait. *sigh* the good life. lol.
You know how I know I am a grown up? Because I aint with the bullshit anymore. Just this week alone I have been checking people left and right from siblings, to male friends to employers.
No longer am I standing down and letting shit ride just to keep the peace. Now its like, I am perfectly fine with walking away from this paycheck, relationship, situation without any fear because age and experience has taught me that another job will come, another man always comes, and situations always pass. It's never a matter of if, its a matter of when.
I think the reason people cringe at the passing of time and youth is because they are not grasping the lessons that have been laid out for them to conquer. Life is like a video game, you go from level to level, dodging badguys, and learning what needs to happen to advance.
However, I have noticed that many people get stuck on one level, either because they keep repeating the same mistakes or because they fear the unknown perils that lurk in the level beyond so they would rather stick to what they know. Thus they are stagnant …but in denial of course.
I love looking back on the past year and tallying up my wins and misses and summarizing what I learned and game planning on how I will apply it to whats next.
This life shit is exciting to me.
I mean it's the ultimate adventure…
CHURCH!!!! Cue the organs!!!
*does a praise dance*
all this talk of sallie mae makes me so happy that i've been in school 10 years post high school and i don't owe a dime. matter of fact i get paid to go to school.
I have to disagree that adulthood is overrated. There's a cell phone ad out now that hammers home the point.
Kids sure don't have "adult" issues because they have no control. I remember a comedian being asked would she want to be 18 again-as she were at that age not with her current level of maturity. She defiantly answered no.
I agree. Adults can take risk and have some control. Kids do not. I suppose the ones up here waxing nostalgic about their adolescence forget the politics. For example my moms would call me back up stairs to go get the food from the car-right as dudes about to head to Queens (if u from NYC you know why).
Or how about calling me up to remind me I have to help her paint the house and put up tv shelf?
Mind you parents don't ask kids "how's your summer/spring break/xmas holiday look"?
Don't get me started on cars-the phone and vices and sexual habits. My moms was a master at using what all kids want-control- against the child.
One friend, his pops checked his son by saying he was doing his thing with the girl sho nuff-in his fathers house-on a bed he brought. He told his son wanna bone in his pad like a man then he wants half of ALL bills to be paid by his son. Dude was 15.
Yea the almighty teenager is overrated.
Again things are carefree because you don't control much.
Funny from the day a baby crawls humans seek to get on their own. We see movement and want to go. Can't walk ok we'll crawl-then stand then walk and then it's on!
As kids we want to be "10"…double digits and 3 yrs from adolescence. By then can't wait for 16-18-21.
But then a handful of years from 21 some want to regress to an stage of no control? For me my maturity is seen in the challenges I have taken up.
Teenagers, front deny, and avoid anything messy. If they don't embrace the options of adulthood they become Peter Pans.
Last I'm a 70's baby the 80's sucked and the 90's was deadly. Too many murdered friends and situations that today 15 years later (a choice made by immature wimpish teens) is still a everyday problem. I enjoyed my youth but I don't wanna go back.
Al B.,
A big ROO to you for the Earthstrong kid…lol
#nopatronthisyearnucca
Streetz…where the party at bruh?!!!
Whateva LaLa u aint comin out from Jerz..lol
but we turnin it up next sat. Ill post it on Streetztalk/twitter soon!
You gaming! I'm definitely down to come out tomorrow night…smh
Booooo!
I'm probably one of the youngest commenters on here, Generation Y, but I have to admit, I'm noticing the transition as graduation approaches.
Good post.
I really miss being a kid. Especially high school and college. AND I don't care what anyone says, growing up and watching everyone getting married and having kids is difficult. It's a wonderful thing, especially if you are happy. However, it's harder to maintain close relationships (especially if you are single (w/out) children. I know that with my friends and me, we definitely don't hang out like we used to.
Came into my mind when reading: You have a cough? Go home tonight, eat a whole box of Ex-Lax – tomorrow you'll be afraid to cough. ~Pearl Williams