Throw leftovers and some cut up veggies in an omelette/ frittata. Cuts down on food waste and saves money.


17



“It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to grieve. Because you can also live your life, and love your life, and be happy too.” Excellent advice from 9/11 survivor.


12, 15, 19



It's natural to avoid change. Try to learn to accept change, embrace it if you can! Change is good. :)


15



The only thing that matters is love. When we live with love - for God, for others and ourselves, that is what makes life worth living.


16



Look into YMCA “family camp” in PA.


7



Marry your hero.


21



You are always responsible for how you act, no matter what you’re feeling. (Or whether you’re drunk or in any way impaired.) Hammer this point home for the next 10 years!


13



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



1

Mallomars in Christmas stockings. Mom NEVER buys Mallomars. But Santa does. (Reticket x 15 years.)


4



When you feel like judging someone, try to resist the urge and get curious instead. There’s always a story.


16



I would rather deal with a big truth than a little lie. Whatever it is you’re going through we can solve it together but only if we’re both honest.


14



When you meet someone for the first time try to clear your mind of any assumptions about physical appearance. Race, gender, age, handicap/disability, etc.


17, 21



Teach tuck to drive


15



“We don’t see the world as it is, we see the world as we are. - Prince Harry Or to put it simply, wherever you go, there you are.


12, 15, 21



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



Build something beautiful.


13, 21



Look into going to college abroad. Research international universities. Spain, Netherlands, etc.


15, 16



There IS such a thing as coming on too strong. Err on the side of leaving them wanting more.


15, 18, 21



Are you proud of the work you did today? Were you respectful and kind? Did you tell the truth and look out for the little ones? If so, I’m happy. I don’t care one bit about grades.


5



Happiness comes from giving and helping, not buying and having.


14, 19



When choosing a partner I think it's less important that you both "believe" the same things and more important that you VALUE the same things and share the same priorities.


20



Pool safety- never touch equipment and always have a grownup present when swimming.


3-8



Kids make fun, it’s not nice but they just do. Just blow it off if kids make fun of you got something silly. They’ll drop it if they don’t get a ride out of you. ... But bullying is different. If kids are being mean, threatening or scary, tell me and your teacher.


7



Shampoo their hair. Nice luxurious shampoo. It’s a treat. In “5 Love Languages” speak, its an act of service and physical touch.


5, 7, 9, 12



Read “Raising a Screen Smart Kid” by Julianna Miner before you consider giving him a phone.


10



Read Admiral William McRaven’s autobiography Sea Stories.


17



“Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good.”


10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21



You are absolutely priceless. What someone thinks of you, whatever may happen to you, no matter who loves you (or rejects you), nothing can diminish your worth or your worthiness. You. Are. Priceless.


10, 14, 17



People learn all sorts of different ways. I found I learn best by repetition (drills) especially true for skills. And by listening for studying. Recording my lectures in college made a huge difference in my ability to learn and retain material. Let’s find what works for you.


14, 17