Obviously, I'm a late bloomer.

So we are checking out at Wallyworld and one of the things I do to keep myself entertained is to read the name tags of the cashiers. You see some interesting stuff there. I've already been checked out by Tequila (in more than one city), Seiko, Latoya (no relation to the Jacksons though), Precious, Jamaica, Atlanta, Heaven Leigh, Louisiana, Cristal (like the champagne) Princess, Ebony, Lexus, and some I couldn't even begin pronounce - I have to ask.

This time, my cashier's name was Chassity. I recognized that one.

Now a little background. Years ago, I remember reading/hearing that Chas Bono, daughter of Sonny and Cher Bono, was named "Chasity" (one T) and not "Chastity" (two Ts). I don't know where or when. Some interview with Cher, I thought, but until I was looking it up to write this post, that's what I recalled was correct.

(I've since found, according to her book cover as pictured on Amazon.com - it is spelled C-H-A-S-T-I-T-Y. See it here). Who knows.

So back to my story.

When it's my turn to check out, just to make conversation, I ask the cashier if her parents were Sonny and Cher fans.



And, get this, she says "Who?"

WHO?

Who were Sonny and Cher? Sonny Bono? And Cher? CHER? I mean, who doesn't know Cher?

"You know," I said, in total disbelief that she couldn't know her, "Cher."

*Blink ** Blink*

"CHER!" I said again.




Her face was blank.

I then asked, "When were you born?" Just to get an idea, you know? I mean, I'm old but am I THAT old?

"1986," she replied.

"Oh," I said, "Chasity was born in 1969."
I don't know how I know this, I just do.

And then. And then. And THEN, she says this:

"Wow, my mom wasn't even born until 1972."

WAIT ONE MINUTE THERE.

Let's do some math. Daughter was born in 1986, mother was born in 1972.

Her mother was about FOURTEEN years old when she was born. 14. Fourteen. Wow. Although I shouldn't still be surprised by this, it's far too common. But I am. Call me old fashioned.

And, I really don't know. Maybe it's a cultural thing. But personally, I wouldn't go around telling people that my mother got pregnant shortly after she became a teenager.

And even worse, I am older than the cashier's MOTHER. The cashier could be MY daughter.

And much worse than that: I could be a grand-mother by now. In fact, some of my classmates from high school are grand-parents. In fact, many women my age in the area where I live have been grand-mothers for some time now.

And I have an 11 year old at home.

I'm not ready to be called a grandparent.



But now that I think about it, I do feel so very old. And so very tired. I need a nap.