Read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book on creativity. Re-read every few years!


17



Always wear an undershirt with a dress shirt.


15



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



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


16, 21



People may have all kinds of different motives for doing what they do, saying what they say. To “give someone the benefit of the doubt” means that you consider what the best possible reason they may have for doing what they did and assume that was the motive. If someone has earned your trust, even if it’s that they’ve done nothing to break your trust, give them the benefit of the doubt.


11-15



Sometimes, no matter how great a thing is it can’t make up for what it’s not.


14, 19, 21



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



1

Life is hard. But it's not so hard you can't figure it out. You're going to be fine. xoxo


11-21



Remember to $@!#% the switch when you’re stuck: If you’re all up in your head, sad or anxious, do something physical. If you’re down with a physical problem, dive into your mind for diversion and healing.


11,14, 17, 21



Netflix “Who Was?” A biography show for kids.


6-8



Read Prefontaine.


13



Invest in a laminator, a label maker and a glue gun. You’ll be glad you did!


5



Start playing Jokers and Marbles. Get it on Amazon or Etsy.


9



You don’t have to be friends with people you don’t like. But you can’t decide you don’t like someone unless you get to know them. (Rather than a look or a reputation or a difference, etc.)


10



Try using “No doesn’t tell me your needs” when toddler / little kid disobeys. “Were you trying to be funny? Do you need a minute?”


3



The mind replays what the heart wants to heal.


16



No one knows what they’re doing. Just be kind and brave and curious. You don’t have to have it figured out.


17



I highly recommend you read The Crane Wife by CJ Houser.


15, 17, 19, 21



Look into Space Camp for next year


8



Be kinder than necessary.


9, 15, 21



Book recommendation: “Star Fish” by Lisa Fipps.


11



Be appreciative of people’s time. Send thank you notes after interviewing and applying for jobs, scholarships, etc. even if you don’t get picked. It’s common courtesy and it’s a good way to make a good impression for next time.


18, 20



Girls: does he put in the effort even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable for him?


16, 20, 21



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



The biggest mistake I *never* made was in 1997. I was working two jobs: nurse and waitress. I was having an extremely difficult time in the nursing job. I struggled to understand it and made mistakes despite working long hard hours. My waitressing job was hard too, but it was fun! A great group of fun young people, we hung out and bonded. I was crushing hard on the bartender too! I decided to quit my nursing job and wait tables full time. (I had TWO college degrees at the time.) Not sure exactly what made me change my mind, but I didn’t do it. Instead I quit the restaurant (probably because I was heartbroken over the bartender!) and enrolled in graduate school. Kept my nursing job. There I met lifelong friends, and went on to be nursing director. That waitressing job was my escape hatch. The best I could imagine for myself was waiting tables full time! What a small SMALL world view. While I am VERY glad I didn’t quit the nursing job I hated, because that’s how I got you, I wish I had imagined a bigger, better option than waiting tables full time if I felt that I needed to quit nursing. Peace Corps, move to the city, SOMETHING brave and bold and exciting. All this is to say - widen your vision. There’s so much more to life than what is directly in front of you. Be bold. Be brave. I love you.


17, 20



Staying calm is 90% of the battle. Practice.


13, 15, 18, 21



Love then when they least deserve it because that’s when the need it the most.


3, 13, 17



A red brow line is an early sleepiness cue. If you notice the skin around baby’s eyebrows seems red, they’re ready for a nap.


Infant-1