The person you have the most electric connection to may not be the ideal choice for a life partner.


15, 19, 21



Jump in and help where help is needed. Don’t wait to be asked. Whether it’s clearing dishes at home or friend’s house or tasks at work. It could be something big like solves problem or little, putting paper in the copy machine at work.


15, 18. 21



Check out School of Rock (Vienna) or Bach to Rock.


9



Healing happens when you give up the hope that the past could have been any different. xoxo


20



Gambling is a very tricky thing. It can get out of hand easily because of how the brain works. That initial “rush” of excitement starts to burn pathways, and causes chemical reactions that need to be fed more and more. Before you know it you’re gambling more often and with more money, trying to achieve that rush. Be very, very careful with gambling. Gambling casinos and online gaming know this and they exploit it to make TONS of money. It’s a scam. Avoid gambling all together or step away very early.


16, 18, 19, 21



Favorite bible verse: Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have placed my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”


15



People always say “Be yourself.” That’s good advice but really what does it mean? I think it’s easier to explain what it DOESN’T mean: When you’re being yourself you’re not pretending to be interested in something or someone you’re not. You’re not doing something just to please someone else (or just to tick them off.) You’re not wearing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. You’re not pretending to have fun when you’re not having fun. You’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re not trying to fade into the background. You’re not trying to change anything about yourself or someone else. I think that’s a good start. What does “being yourself” mean to you?


11-14, 18, 21



You’ve been entrusted with so much. Think about how much of an honor that is, and how big a responsibility.


16, 18, 21



Before you quit your job - or leave your spouse, etc. consider that you may be suffering from anxiety or depression. We sometimes attribute outside things (or people) as the cause of feeling desperate for change. But sometimes it’s just that our brains are fogged with anxiety or depression. Help is life- changing.


21



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


7-14



Work the problem backwards. Start with the solution (desired outcome) and count down from there each step. Some steps will be small, some big. But you’ll get there!


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



change the wifi password often. Hold it hostage until chores are done. Work first, play later.


9-14



At dinner time, go around the table and share your “highs and lows” for the day. (Re-ticket up to 21)


5



Watch film “Radio” (2003) and talk about being brave. Teach them that doing what’s right takes courage.


8



You’ll miss me when I’m gone, but if I did my job right you won’t need me.


21



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


14



It’s your civic duty to vote (including midterms!) Be an informed voter.


16, 18



If your car is overheating turn on the heat full blast. It draws heat off the engine.


16



People pretend to enjoy all sorts of things. Don’t assume you’re the only one who thinks drinking to the point of getting sick is just stupid.


15



Make a pound of ground beef go further by adding chopped cabbage or mushrooms.


19



Re-Read Tim Russert's Big Russ and Me.


14



Learn to tie knots.


10



There is an expression “God only gives you what you can handle.” I think that’s backwards. I think that God gives you the grace you need to handle whatever comes your way. He is faithful and generous. I think that’s what “Be not afraid” means.


17



Always know where the main water shut-off is in your house.


18



For parties, collect cell phones and put them in a basket. "Parent calls only. Enjoy the people here! They're pretty awesome!"


12



Give them the book Starfish by Lisa Fipps.


12, 14



Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Unless you're a lifeguard. ;)


16, 21



It’s okay to feel jealous. Totally normal, totally human. Just never act on jealousy.


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



Be willing to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know! Don’t just make stuff up.


15, 20