So I’m an ‘80-er. Not sure if that’s how you even say it, but being born between 1980-1989 I am thus an ‘80-er. My nephew and niece are both ‘90-ers (except my youngest niece, who’s a ‘00-er, born last year in fact). When I was a kid there were expressions and cool words we all used and understood that the old folks just didn’t get. I guess this is sort of where I’m headed now — into the old folks parking lot, I mean.

I mean, seriously. My nephew keeps saying “lol” and “col” all the time. I thought only the most self-loathing nerds *said* “lol” in real life. And what’s up with “col” anyway? I asked, and was informed it stands for “crying out loud” (I suggested maybe it should be “fcol” since one usually says “for crying out loud”, and was met with eye-glittering respect for this lingo-level-up, for 5 seconds, after which they realized *saying* “fcol” is impossible).

But yeah, I’m not cool in the eyes of an 11-year old anymore. Not something I strive for, so all is good, but it’s more that I’m entering the “kids say odd things” stage in life. Do mommies and daddies feel like that, or do they (are they forced to) keep up with all the slang and new words. Failing that, they might suddenly wake up and find their kid speaking a completely different language, maybe. Part of the process, I guess, and I guess 10-15 years from now, people will say “lol” in business meetings without being met with a single raised eyebrow.

ttylm8s

I just received the approval from the government to receive student aid for my studies in Japan. Only one thing left is the visa, then I’m good to go. The school claims that won’t be an issue so I guess I’m all set!