For most of my primary school friends, things have changed drastically as they ALL have kiddies now. And please, don't think that I am exaggerating when I say ALL my primary school friends have children. In my group of old school primary girls I am the only one there without a child! So when every one is talking about their little ones and the day to day drama of being a mother, I'm just like "has anyone seen the latest season of Game of Thrones?" And when my mommy friends talk about the sleepless nights they have due to restless babies, I'm just there sipping my wine reminding myself not to moan about only getting 5 hours of sleep due to me binge-watching the latest series!
This in itself got me thinking about the good old days; when we were in school and life was a lot less complicated. When we didn't have to adult! Adulting is hard work and it's constant work might I add!
Do you remember when we used to write letters to each other? When instant communication in class was done via a hand written note and not whatsapp? Do you remember the fear that would pass over you when the teacher would see the note being passed from one student to the other and would read it out loud? There was ALWAYS something bitchy in those notes (and if it wasn't bitchy it was humiliating), it was never a sentence like: "Do you have an extra pencil that I could borrow please?" Or, "lets meet up after school to go over the maths homework" No, it was guaranteed that the letter the teacher read out had something to do with how cute Gary looked today and how amazing he smelt! Or "Lets not be friends with Sam because she is always talking to Brenda and you know Brenda is so fake" Yes, that's the letter the teacher reads!
Do you remember when R10 could practically buy you a house? I realise how very old I sound by mentioning this, but this is one of the things I miss the most about being a child. Going to the corner shop with that R10 note clenched tightly in your hand and then giving the shop owner your order like a boss. "Can I please have a colddrink, a packet of chips, a chocolate, a packet of biscuits, a pair of Nikes, a Levi Jeans and lose sweets with the change?" Ooh don't even mention when some drunk uncle of yours gave you a R20 note! Then you be straight up ballin' like a G!
I don't know about you guys, but I used to get my ass whipped if I misbehaved. Now, let me state that I am in no way missing this part of my childhood. I don't get how some of you freaky dicky people out there enjoy getting spanked for pleasure. I can tell you now, that if my partner ever spanked me I would turn around and slap him shitless! I don't find it sexy, it brings up some dark moments in my past and unless you want me lying on the bed in the foetal position crying, rocking myself to sleep I suggest we stay far away from spanking.
Oh my word, this topic took such a turn! The point I was trying to make about spanking is that even though I don't miss it, do you remember how well behaved you were in public. For those of you who were also spanked, we were terrified of misbehaving because we knew we were going to get it! And get it good! My friends have really well behaved kids, and spanking should probably also not be given to naughty children. Naughty is fine. Its rude children I have an issue with! When I hear a child shout at his/her parent, or disrespect them in public, or roll their eyes at their parent. I stand (usually at the mall) and watch to see the parents reaction. Like I'm literally staring, waiting for that mother or father to raise his hand and smack some sense into their little one. Most times nothing happens. And most times I am that person who shakes her head and says under her breath: "Chi chi chi! No manners that child has! - Say that in your most indian aunty voice.
I think we are trying so hard to become "new age" that we over look basic manners and allow our children to disrespect us and others. And let me guarantee you that if your child has no manners with you, they have no manners with others either!
Do you remember the sleep overs we would have as kids? Building forts in the house from the sheets and blankets, sleeping on the couch pillows for the bed. Staying up late at night, talking, watching movies, eating junk food. My best friend in primary school, Jeanine used to have the coolest sleep overs. We would watch movies upon movies upon movies and just camp out in either her room or the tv room. It was the best. My other childhood friend, Ziningi was the pits when I would sleep over. From a tender young age she would be the first to pass out. We would still be having a conversation when I would notice her eyes closing. Her famous line was always: "my eyes are closed, but I'm still listening" It's funny because even till today she is in bed super early!
About a month ago, a few friends and I wanted to recreate this childhood sleep over, we had so many ideas of how the evening would go, but most of the guests cancelled and we were only three in the end. We still had a great time, but it just wasn't the same. I still want to do that old school sleep over, so if you are keen let me know and we can do one, but the adult version ofcourse!
Lets not let being an adult make us dull and boring! Despite having to adult on a daily basis lets still have some fun and be childish every now and then!
Have a great week ahead!
Coco
