# Things you wanted as a kid and now have as an adult. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 18, 2009, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877 "2009-03-18T13:11:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Unsquare\_Dance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b3f665/32.png) [@Unsquare\_Dance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unsquare_Dance)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/1 "2009-03-18T13:11:23Z")
And I don’t mean a dog or a house or something serious. I mean goofy stuff. Stuff you own or have done that make people say, “Whaa? Why? Jesus, how old _are_ you?” We’re buying a house on a lake, and it has a flagpole in the backyard, right near our dock. I always wanted a pirate flag, so I bought one off eBay and I’m stringing it up as soon as it arrives. We’re also buying goofy artwork and retro furniture and painting the walls orange or green. We’re buying workbenches and tool chests for our computer gear. I covered my kitchen in galvanized metal and my countertop looks like oxidized steel. … Basically, I’m mashing everything we loved as kids into a home for us, and it’s so awesome that I’m about to explode. What about you? What are your big kid indulgences? ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/2 "2009-03-18T13:27:29Z")
I have a stand-up arcade machine that has [Robotron: 2084](http://www.tripoint.org/robo/robotron.html) on it! 😃 It’s not an original, but one of those 10-in-1 machines. It also includes _Defender, Stargate, Sinistar, Wizard of Wor, Joust_ and a few other games. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/3 "2009-03-18T13:42:09Z")
I have a girlfriend who’ll take off her clothes and let me play with her boobies. I spent _a lot_ of time wishing for one of those when I was a kid. ---
**Author:** ![StuffLikeThatThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc8723/32.png) [@StuffLikeThatThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StuffLikeThatThere)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/4 "2009-03-18T13:48:39Z")
The really big box of crayons. With the sharpener in the back. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/5 "2009-03-18T13:53:45Z")
Maybe not so goofy, but when I was about 15, I wanted to have a guitar and amp like Paul Weller when he was in The Jam. I now have them (Rickenbacker 330 and Vox AC-30) ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/6 "2009-03-18T14:06:37Z")
I know this is too serious, but when I was a kid, I always wanted a gold tooth. Now I have one (way in the back, can’t normally see it) and it makes me happy every single day. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/7 "2009-03-18T14:11:38Z")
Glasses. I was a really stupid kid. ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/8 "2009-03-18T14:21:26Z")
I also wanted a guitar,\*\* Arky\*\*. I bought one for myself last Christmas (2007). Now I just need to take lessons! **Unsquare Dance** , One of my best memories was when I moved in to my apartment in Denver - it had a powder blue tub and shower. I went out and bought a clear rubber ducky shower curtain - yellow and blue. It made me smile every time I walked in to the bathroom. How could it not make you happy? So kudos to you for the pirate flag! One of my favorite recent purchases is what I call my “super hero ring.” I love to wear it because it’s something silly I bought because it made me happy. I always get comments on it when I wear it. It’s something my mom definitley shakes her head at. [Here’s a picture of it.](http://melodyharmonius.livejournal.com/2008/12/10/) Oh - and I’m glad I have a bf that likes to have sex. I used to have a husband that didn’t. So I hear what you’re saying, **Knead**. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/9 "2009-03-18T14:37:20Z")
> [@StuffLikeThatThere](#): > > The really big box of crayons. With the sharpener in the back. Me too. Finally I mentioned it to my dad one day, and he got me one for the next major gift-giving occasion. I think I was 30 or so at the time. ---
**Author:** ![Mahna\_Mahna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e47c2d/32.png) [@Mahna\_Mahna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahna_Mahna)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/10 "2009-03-18T14:42:39Z")
All my friends had cable TV when I was growing up, but all we had was a pair of lousy rabbit ears that picked up a whopping 8 channels (and sometimes 10, on a really really clear day). Let me tell you, it was cause for excitement on those rare Saturday mornings when we could manage to pick up the ABC affiliate over in Rochester, because that meant I could watch the really good cartoons. Now I can watch all the Saturday morning cartoons I want. Unfortunately, they’re not nearly as awesome as I remember them being when I was in grade three. ☹ I also own a pair of bright blue shoes, keep a jar of Nutella in the cupboard, eat cake for breakfast once in a blue moon, hit the snooze button a couple of times more than I ought to, and always have a tub of ice cream in the freezer. ETA: **melodyharmonious** , that’s a kick-ass ring! ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/11 "2009-03-18T14:42:51Z")
> [@melodyharmonius](#): > > I went out and bought a clear rubber ducky shower curtain - yellow and blue. I did the same thing in my first apartment! Rubber duckies are awesome. Period. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/12 "2009-03-18T14:47:37Z")
An awesome computer (okay, it works better if you measure its awesomeness by 1990s standards). Also, never underestimate the importance of being able to go out and buy cookies whenever I want. ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/13 "2009-03-18T14:49:54Z")
Cookie dough. Growing up, I had the fear of salmonella put in me by my mother, and thus looked agast at all of those people who ate cookie dough. Sure, it looked tasty, but was it worth DEATH? As an adult, I’ve discovered the pre-made Pillsbury dough, with pasturized eggs. Now it is mine, all mine! ---
**Author:** ![Chanteuse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de053/32.png) [@Chanteuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chanteuse)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/14 "2009-03-18T15:55:33Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > I have a stand-up arcade machine that has [Robotron: 2084](http://www.tripoint.org/robo/robotron.html) on it! 😃 Oh, wow! The next time I come to Fredericksburg to visit my sister, I’m dropping by your place with a roll of quarters in hand! 😃 When my hubby and I were dating, every weekend we’d go to Showbiz Pizza and play Robotron for _hours_. Good times, man! Oh, I also have the big box of crayons, and a coloring book to go with it! And I’m NOT sharing with my kids, either! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/15 "2009-03-18T16:04:29Z")
I have a cleaning lady. I always wanted to get out of household chores…🙂 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Devil\_s\_Grandmother](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@The\_Devil\_s\_Grandmother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Devil_s_Grandmother)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/16 "2009-03-18T16:17:57Z")
I have a pair of \*\*bright purple \*\*high-top sneakers. I think I’ll wear them to the office tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/17 "2009-03-18T16:24:30Z")
Junk cereal - Cap’n Crunch, Coco Puffs, even \*Cookie Crisp \*- whenever I want it! Also a bike. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/18 "2009-03-18T16:27:43Z")
I bought a wrist rocket ten years ago in grad school. It was awesome. I think I’ll dig it out and go do some target practice out in the swamp. ---
**Author:** ![Shecky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@Shecky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shecky)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/19 "2009-03-18T16:33:36Z")
I second the pirate flag. I put it up in our backyard the first summer we owned the house. I also always wanted a jukebox and a video game machine. I’ve compromised with the 8 year old me and made computers that do that instead. ---
**Author:** ![Coup\_Fourre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@Coup\_Fourre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coup_Fourre)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877/20 "2009-03-18T16:39:53Z")
A DVR. Of course, in the 70’s, DVR’s didn’t exist (at lease I don’t think they did). I can’t tell you how many times as a child I wanted to to able to: - leave the TV area, pause it and come back to where I left off. - hey, what just happened there? I wish I could rewind the TV. - time shift my programs (read: watch after playing) It’s like someone has answered my prayers. Now if only there were stuff to watch on TV… Enter—ON DEMAND! Best. Invention. Ever. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-wanted-as-a-kid-and-now-have-as-an-adult/489877.md?page=2)