Not really broke, but just not handed free money from the parents. Had to go out and mow lawns, rake leaves, wash cars, help neighbors paint, etc. We would do just about anything to earn money for parts for our BMX bikes (which each tube had six million patches) or to buy cigarettes, beer and weed. I can recall mowing a lawn for $5. That five bucks would get at 14 years old, two quarts of Old English 800 (before 40's existed) A pack of Camels and a joint. Each was a dollar. Friend and I would get the beer and smokes from a small ARCO gas station that was not yet an AM/PM, from a clerk who didn’t care. Head on down to the park where there was always someone selling joints or pils or crank or some shit. Get a shake joint for a buck or a Bud joint for two bucks. Maybe get some cross tops, ten for a dollar. Those were the days.
At 11 years old, I got to cross a fairly busy street, to go to the "corner" store, to buy the old man a carton of cigarettes. The clerk barely looked at me, didn't even bat an eye. Can you imagine, an 11 year old showing up at a convenience store today, to buy smokes!
iSnark 1 points 3 months ago
At 11 years old, I got to cross a fairly busy street, to go to the "corner" store, to buy the old man a carton of cigarettes. The clerk barely looked at me, didn't even bat an eye. Can you imagine, an 11 year old showing up at a convenience store today, to buy smokes!