My biggest mistake was thinking that my life had to follow a singular path: college, marriage, kids, stay at home mom. I never imagined any other path: career, travel. I never questioned my assumptions. Never doubted that my way was the only path to happiness. It wouldn’t have occurred to my parents to teach me anything else, to encourage me to imagine a hundred different choices. But I’d like to encourage you. Take your talents, interests, passion, and potential out for a spin. See what sits right with you, where you feel most alive and most safe and most yourself. Feed your body, mind, heart and soul. I love you so much.


18, 21



A person’s friends are a reflection of their character. Pick friends who you can be yourself around. Look for partners who have close friendships, a circle of friends who think highly of them.


14, 17, 21



“ A vocation is where our anger and our joy meet.” -Sarah Bessey


16



“Pick a problem - any problem,and do something about it. Because to somebody who is hurting, ‘something’ is everything.” -Oprah Winfrey


12-16



Have somebody take him skiing. I never learned to ski but I hope he learns to ski or snowboard.


6-11



Re-Read "Girls and Sex: Navigating the New Landscape" by Peggy Orenstein.


13



Be ready to learn from around you. Curiosity = adventure. And when you’re curious, there’s no room for judgment.


17



Never make a decision from a place of hopelessness.


14, 16, 21



The universe is cheering for you!


14, 16, 18, 20



ALWAYS pee before you sit down to nurse a baby.


Infant-1



Avoid the tendency to obsess over someone. It’s not romantic, it’s self-destructive. You’re worth more than that.


13, 15, 17, 19, 21



To calculate military time starting at 1300, subtract 12.


15



“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.” -Mr. Rogers


15



No threats, not even jokingly.


15



Look into language school. Now is a good time to start learning Chinese, Spanish or Arabic.


5-8



Check your ego. Often.


17, 21



Hike Jones Run Falls at Shenandoah National Park.


11



From our beautiful Grandma Marie: Go easy on the makeup, get serious about skincare. Don’t skimp, use good-quality products on your face and neck. And remember SUNSCREEN on face, neck and hands every day!


16



Live a life of dignity and joy.


14, 21



Teach them how to eat a chicken wing in one bite


12



When you’re ready to grow up, (or when you have to even though you might not be ready) … Accept your responsibilities, gifts, and challenges with an unflinching honesty, with humility and dignity. Resolve to do good and to stay true to yourself. Remember the light inside you and look for the light in others. Be kind. Have fun! Know that you’re loved… So much.


15, 18, 21



Let’s talk about hungry kids. What can we do to help? Donate? Volunteer? Start a Little Free Pantry?


7-12



Chemistry is not the same thing as compatibility.


16, 19, 21



Love isn’t enough but it’s a great start.


21



Follow your dreams…not your boyfriend’s.


16



Two words: Kinetic Sand.


3



Check out Long Lake Summer Camp in NY. Theater, the arts, etc.


12, 13, 14, 15, 16



Thinking of asking her out? Want to apply for a job that sounds great? Remember you start off at “No.” You currently do not have a date with her. If you ask and she says no, you’ve lost nothing.


15, 17, 21



Unkind people are unhappy people.


8, 18



Don’t quit your job until you have another job. Suck it up and make the best out of it.


21