There is a cost and a duty to everything we own. Rachel Maddow


16



“It’s best if we don’t speak for a while.” Practice it


19, 21



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



People will speak or act in all kinds of unpleasant ways. Stay calm and kind.


14-21



Open a Bank Account


8-12



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



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


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



Before a play date or sleepover ask the parent “Are there any unlocked guns in the house?”


6-9



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



1

“If we could see our prayers we would never stop praying.” - Bunmi Laditan, by way of her angel.


11, 17



Keep screen time to a minimum.


2-8



Put together a PowerPoint project outlining addiction: substance, gambling, shopping, hoarding, eating, etc. Have them so the research and put it together. Discuss. Reward its completion with a fun activity or trip.


15



If it costs you your peace it’s too expensive.


19



Get at least 2, preferably 3 estimates on any major expenses for home or car.


21



Go to movie Star Wars


12



If you witness a moment of vulnerability in someone, keep it to yourself. Be respectful of people's dignity.


14-18



I stopped worrying about you by the time you were seven. (I’m not talking about your safety and health, that I’ll always worry about!) But I knew you were a joyful, generous, kind, smart and well-mannered person. You were a great friend, supportive and fun. You would be a good partner, and would contribute so much good to society. I could see you had a curious mind, an active imagination and more than a healthy dose of courage.


15, 21



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


16



Grandpa used to keep a hundred dollar bill stashed discreetly in his wallet “for emergencies.”


17



Your great-great grandmother was a seamstress at Marshall Fields. Her husband was a firefighter in Chicago. The immigrated from County Wexford in Ireland.


10



Just do the next right thing. One step at a time, you’ll get there.


13, 18, 21



My mom used to say that one thing her mom taught her was no matter how poor they were they always had a clean house. She made sure of it.


18



At the start of a day / project / interview / date / etc. Do this one simple thing: State your intention. How do you want to carry yourself? What is the goal for the outcome? Just take a moment to imagine how you want to behave, react, appear, etc. What impression do you want to leave with the people you interact with? Of those things that are in your control, what outcome would make you proud?


15, 20



My best parenting advice


1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17



Listen to The Moth (storytelling) together.


15



Before speaking (or texting) ask yourself three questions: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? If not all three, don’t speak. (PS “kind” isn’t the same as good news. You can deliver bad news with kindness.)


11, 14, 20



***Manners!! *** Etiquette is the secret sauce. Everyone appreciates being treated with respect. Etiquette is the art and science of respecting others. It’s timeless and universal. Customs change, hence the need for constant study, but respect is always the foundation. In summary: Be nice. Start with yourself. Study etiquette. It will help you in every single interaction you have, social, professional, financial, everything. Manners apply to every human, in every interaction, even on the hard days. Hence, the need for practice.


3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21



Be generous in all things. That is my hope for you.


14, 18, 21



1

You have yet to meet so many parts of yourself. All kinds of different people, places and experiences will draw those parts out of you.


15, 18, 21