Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


6



1

Sex is not an act, it’s a pool. Stay in the shallow end for as long as possible. Have fun. Be safe. Be respectful.


15



If someone doesn’t want your attention or warrant your attention, don’t give it.


15



“I don’t know what I think until I write about it.” - Joan Didion


15



Check out news-for-kids websites like Dogo News and NBC Learn.


7



Highly encourage typing/ keyboarding class.


14



Go easy on the cologne, perfume, scented lotions, etc. People shouldn't be able to smell your perfume a mile away, only up close. Also, it's generally not appropriate for work.


17



Surround yourself with people and ideas that inspire you and captivate you. Life is too short for destructive relationships.


13, 18



Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a Negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride." - Anthony Bourdain


18, 21



Get to know your body, push yourself in terms of strength and endurance. You're stronger than you think. You're growing stronger every day. Your body is amazing and healthy. Take care of it! Enjoy it! Use your amazing strength and energy to do good in the world.


12-16



Read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig.


4



“Courage is cheaper than Channel. It works better too.” - Scott Galloway


14, 15, 16, 21



End of August by Robert Frost is one of my favorite poems.


20



I really want to see Totfino, BC. There’s no one I’d rather see it with than you. xoxo


20



ABC's of video game addiction: Autonomy, Belonging, Control. Try to find ways to developing these things in areas outside of gaming. Games are great, but not at the expense of everything else.


1Infant-13



Yes, you’re beautiful. But that’s not ALL you are. And it isn’t all that’s expected of you. Surely you could “get by” on your looks. Is that what you want for yourself?


10, 15



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



There is nothing “basic” about basic human dignity. Never treat a person as though they are put on this earth for your amusement. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity because we’re all human beings. No matter their age, looks, status, even past wrongdoing, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.


14



Always wear an undershirt with a dress shirt.


15



Keep a pair of nail clippers in the car - much better lighting outside. Clipping tiny fingernails is terrifying!


Infant-1



Let’s look for examples of bravery.


8



Make a pound of ground beef go further by adding chopped cabbage or mushrooms.


19



• you can't make anyone love you • not every relationship is meant to last forever • sometimes two good people can make one bad relationship.


16-20



Quoting Glennon Doyle: “Things can feel hard and sad and still be exactly right, all at the same time.” She’s referring to her divorce but the sentiment applies to all kinds of tough choices that we all make. Very few choices feel 100% right.


17



Your job is to help your kids find themselves, not to implant an agenda of your own.


1, 5, 10, 15, 20



Don’t offer them advice until you ask questions: What does a good outcome here look like for you? How much energy are you willing to put into this? Do you feel like you’re being asked to sacrifice a part of who you are if you do this? Is the fear you’re feeling maybe just that initial reaction we all get when something is new and unfamiliar? Stuff like that. Mostly they just need help understanding themselves and encouragement to stay true to themselves.


4, 7, 12, 15, 18, 21



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



Watch local news.


5, 10, 14, 21



“Don’t chase your dreams


14, 17, 20, 21



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


21