Write your own job description. When you've been around long enough to know what you're good at and can identify what needs in the company you can help with.


21



Practice making yourself do something you don’t feel like doing. Practice and it gets easier


10, 12, 15, 18, 21



Venting is crucial but not always appropriate. Make sure you’re in the right place (no chance whatsoever of being overheard), the right time (take care of business first) and that the person you’re unloading on has the mental bandwidth to listen to you vent your emotions. Avoid interrupting if they’re busy, or not in a good headspace. You’ll know this because you asked.


14, 17, 21



Sometimes when you win, you lose. And when you lose, you win. Meaning that sometimes when you get what you want it doesn’t work out well. And sometimes wonderful things happen as a result of a failure or disappointment. Chin up. There’s a million paths to happiness and fulfillment. If one doesn’t work out your will find another.


12, 21



“You will encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” -Maya Angelou


17



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


18



Don’t waste big money on little things. Be intentional about what you spend.


16, 21



An album is like a book, meant to be taken as a whole. It tells a story, has its own vibe. Let’s listen to an album together every week.


12



Marriage tip: King sized blanket on Queen size bed.


21



Know the difference between an inconvenience and a tragedy. Hint: If it can be fixed with money or effort, it’s probably not a tragedy.


15, 20



Never resist a generous impulse.


9, 12, 19



Name a few male celebrities you would feel safe with alone in a room. Keanu Reeves, Jack Black, Barack Obama, to start us off.


11, 13, 15



Puberty is like putting a 12 year old in the pilot seat of a fighter jet. A total sh*t show at first, then better but still erratic and dramatic until they really get a feel for the speed and the pressure, the gauges, etc. They’ll learn when to question or to trust their instincts. Tell him that he’ll fly this jet for the rest of his life and it will always be dangerous because it’s an effing jet, but he will learn how to fly it expertly. He’ll do good, have fun, accomplish missions and refuel.


12



Con-men (or women) appear perfect. They are good-looking, kind, flattering, etc. Most people are good. But be careful of those who seem to be too good.


15



Your spouse will be absolutely unbearable roughly 10% of the time. So will you be, by the way. Give grace. Receive it too. Also, physical distance helps, even for a few hours.


21



Biographies: Be inspired.


12



If you don’t know where to begin, picture where you want it to end, and work it backwards.


15, 21



take advantage of the bike trail. Bike places as a family.


11



Watch Ken Burns’ “The US and the holocaust.”


17



Give them marshmallows to suck on when they get a sore throat. Takes away the pain!


3,4,5,6



Jazz in the Garden free outdoor concerts at National Gallery of Art. Fridays during summer months.


7



I hope you never abandon yourself to be loved or accepted by someone else. They’re not getting the real you and you’re missing out on the experience of being loved and accepted just as you are.


16,21



If you see a kid sitting alone, he or she might be your next best friend. Go say hi! Ask him/her to sit next to you / play on your team, etc. No need to worry about whether that person is “too cool” or “not cool enough,” they’re just a kid. Like you.


8



Have a yearly “review” right before school year. Raise allowance as appropriate. If they want more money, they’ll have to take on more responsibilities.


7-17



1

Not knowing what you’re doing is a lot less terrifying than not knowing who to trust.


14, 19, 21



Mindset for a breakup: “I’d rather adjust to your absence than be continually frustrated by your presence.” Can work with romantic partners, jobs, habits...anything you’re hanging on to that you know you should let go of.


19



Talk to people like they belong and are valued exactly as they are in that moment.


12-14, 21



The most important things I can teach you is how to love and be loved


14, 19, 21



Don’t play hard to get. Be hard to earn.


16, 21



To calculate military time starting at 1300, subtract 12.


15