We just didn't know any better

E: "Mom? Is the TAKS test done on paper or a computer?"
Me: "You know, I'm not sure. When I was in school, it was on paper."
E: "So it's probably on a computer now."
Me: "Maybe."
E: "Probably. Old people did stuff on paper, but we do the same stuff on computers."
Me: "I'm not that old, sweets."
E: "You were born in, like, the 1900's. That makes you pretty old."
Me: "Whatever. We had computers when I was a kid, too."
E: "Yeah, but they were brand new. All you could do was type words and play Frogger."
Me: "Frogger was awesome."
E: "Frogger's ok, but it's not 'awesome' (insert rude air quotes). You guys just didn't know any better."

Round and round...

5 minutes after he was tucked in to bed...

E: "Mom, guess what?!"
Me: "What? What are you doing awake?"
E: "I had to do something important."
Me: "What did you do?"
E: "Counted my money. Can you believe I have SEVENTY dollars?!"
Me: "That's awesome, bubs. You really need to go to bed."
E: "I know, but I can't stop thinking about what to buy."
Me: "Let's think about it in the morning."
E: "Maybe a Wii game. But which one?"
Me: "Think tomorrow. Let's go."
E: "Or a car."
Me: "A car? You'll need to save for a while."
E: "I know. Can you believe I'll be driving in 9 years?"
Me: *shudder* "I know."
E: "If I start saving now, I could have the coolest car ever."
Me: "Definitely. Off to bed--"
E: "--and all my friends would be like, 'Dude! Check out E's car!' and I'll be like, 'Yeah. I've been saving since I was 7.'"
Me: "You can do it if you try. Come on. I'll tuck you in."
E: "If I save $20 a month until I'm 16, I'll have a TON of money."
Me: "Yep. You'll be able to buy a car. That's awesome."
E: "I could probably do it."
Me: "I'm sure. You'll just have to keep saving."
E: "Yeah. Maybe I'll just buy a Wii game instead."
Me: "Bed."