In high school, I would tell my parents I wasn't feeling well, go to my room, then climb out my window and go to punk rock clubs in New York City. I saw The Ramones, Patti Smith, Blondie and many other lesser known bands in clubs in the East Village or the Lower East Side. The drinking age was 18. I was 16 but the people working the doors didn't give a crap back then. Occasionally, someone would ask "are you 18?" and I'd say "yes" and they'd go "OK" and let me in.
At that time (late 1970s), the Lower East Side was extremely run down and dangerous but nobody ever bothered me. Today, the entire neighborhood is gentrified and the music clubs are all gone and replaced by upscale clothing stores and coffee shops.
Amazing how many great bands got their start in that little hole-in-the-wall!
I had similar experiences starting in early 70s when I was in high school in the Chicago area. Same thing back then, with the alcohol/drugs. Nobody in the city really cared how old you were: I started getting into dives when I was 15. Didn't even need to gain entry cuz there was grass/bootleg booze all over the streets. I missed a lot of school, which I'm not particularly proud of, now. But, it was what it was.
I have never not been a caregiver. My siblings were around me all the time. I was the oldest. I was the babysitter, protector, and encourager when it was called for. My Mom could not keep up with everyone.. but I could. I don't know why? I learned at a young age how important it was to be there for my siblings. We are all still on this planet. I love them all!
Me too! Oldest of 6 - one with several challenges, with parents both working - usually more than one job each. I was also the go-to babysitter in my neighborhood for children with disabilities. As a teen, I taught the Special Ed religion class, and teachers used to "assign" me to assist Special Ed kids in mainstream classes like art.
Then on to visiting/helping elder relatives, caring for grandparents, aunts, parents, sister, parents-in-law and neighbors. It hurts my heart when we have remote family members I cannot help care for, but I have spent many hours on the phone "coaching" others.
Fortunately my husband was also raised in a caregiving family and has been my caregiver through numerous surgeries and a long illness - I am blessed! And having been a caregiver to all sorts of people, I hope I treat him well.
Me too! Oldest of 6 - one with several challenges, with parents both working - usually more than one job each. I was also the go-to babysitter in my neighborhood for children with disabilities. As a teen, I taught the Special Ed religion class, and teachers used to "assign" me to assist Special Ed kids in mainstream classes like art.
Then on to visiting/helping elder relatives, caring for grandparents, aunts, parents, sister, parents-in-law and neighbors. It hurts my heart when we have remote family members I cannot help care for, but I have spent many hours on the phone "coaching" others.
Fortunately my husband was also raised in a caregiving family and has been my caregiver through numerous surgeries and a long illness - I am blessed! And having been a caregiver to all sorts of people, I hope I treat him well.
You sound so caring and loving. I think I forgot to add babysitting other children ( but I did make some money) . I knew thing's I cannot explain.I had a photographic brain. I would read all the time and could remember the pages word for word. Now however I have blanks. Oh well , part of aging. We should keep up. I enjoy your comments and kind word's. Hugs
You sound so caring and loving. I think I forgot to add babysitting other children ( but I did make some money) . I knew thing's I cannot explain.I had a photographic brain. I would read all the time and could remember the pages word for word. Now however I have blanks. Oh well , part of aging. We should keep up. I enjoy your comments and kind word's. Hugs
When people find out about me, they are surprised that I am orginally from Las Vegas, Nevada. People usually go to Vegas, not come from there.
Also, I am pretty good at holding babies small children. Women used to find it an attractive quality that I was such a "natural" at doing it. Now that I am older, women in that age group just call me "sir." =(
When people find out about me, they are surprised that I am orginally from Las Vegas, Nevada. People usually go to Vegas, not come from there.
Also, I am pretty good at holding babies small children. Women used to find it an attractive quality that I was such a "natural" at doing it. Now that I am older, women in that age group just call me "sir." =(
The last time a young woman talked to me, she screamed obscenities for ten minutes because I chided her for parking in a handicapped spot. (True story.)
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Very interesting history, you bad boy, you!
I recently saw a documentary about CBGB's.
Amazing how many great bands got their start in that little hole-in-the-wall!
I had similar experiences starting in early 70s when I was in high school in the Chicago area. Same thing back then, with the alcohol/drugs. Nobody in the city really cared how old you were: I started getting into dives when I was 15. Didn't even need to gain entry cuz there was grass/bootleg booze all over the streets. I missed a lot of school, which I'm not particularly proud of, now. But, it was what it was.
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1 ReactionPretty obvious from your (hilarious) story about your experience with the baby changing station in the "How About a Laugh" thread the other day!
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1 ReactionSo was Jeffrey Dahmer.
Me too! Oldest of 6 - one with several challenges, with parents both working - usually more than one job each. I was also the go-to babysitter in my neighborhood for children with disabilities. As a teen, I taught the Special Ed religion class, and teachers used to "assign" me to assist Special Ed kids in mainstream classes like art.
Then on to visiting/helping elder relatives, caring for grandparents, aunts, parents, sister, parents-in-law and neighbors. It hurts my heart when we have remote family members I cannot help care for, but I have spent many hours on the phone "coaching" others.
Fortunately my husband was also raised in a caregiving family and has been my caregiver through numerous surgeries and a long illness - I am blessed! And having been a caregiver to all sorts of people, I hope I treat him well.
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7 ReactionsYou sound so caring and loving. I think I forgot to add babysitting other children ( but I did make some money) . I knew thing's I cannot explain.I had a photographic brain. I would read all the time and could remember the pages word for word. Now however I have blanks. Oh well , part of aging. We should keep up. I enjoy your comments and kind word's. Hugs
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5 ReactionsHugs to you too! I like to think of my time on Connect as an extension of my caregiving.
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4 ReactionsIt is, Sue, and we all appreciate it and are the better off because of it. ☺️
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4 ReactionsMe too!
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3 ReactionsWhen people find out about me, they are surprised that I am orginally from Las Vegas, Nevada. People usually go to Vegas, not come from there.
Also, I am pretty good at holding babies small children. Women used to find it an attractive quality that I was such a "natural" at doing it. Now that I am older, women in that age group just call me "sir." =(
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4 ReactionsAt least they talk to you.
The last time a young woman talked to me, she screamed obscenities for ten minutes because I chided her for parking in a handicapped spot. (True story.)
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4 Reactions