I want you to remember that for the first three years of your life I couldn’t take a poop without you on my lap. So there will be no shirking hugs from Mom now that you’re a teenager. xoxo


14



Purchase book "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold to prep him for kindergarten.


5



Go on a tour of the Kennedy Center. Free guided tours through Friends of the Kennedy Center.


10



Check out the Wolf Trap Children's summer theater.


4-11



Before you quit your job - or leave your spouse, etc. consider that you may be suffering from anxiety or depression. We sometimes attribute outside things (or people) as the cause of feeling desperate for change. But sometimes it’s just that our brains are fogged with anxiety or depression. Help is life- changing.


21



We don’t always get what we want. Sometimes we have to wait. Sometimes we go without it. Sometimes when we DO get what we wanted it looks different than how we imagined it would. AND IT’S OK. We’re ok. The world keeps turning! That’s a huge lesson and a valuable one. Practice “pushing the snooze button” on wants. Enlist their help. “I understand you want ____. Would this be something you could snooze or do without?”


5, 10, 20



Difficult conversations are…difficult. If you have to deliver bad news, don’t beat around the bush but prepare them for what’s coming rather than just blurting it out. “I have some news that’s going to be difficult to hear…” Or “Is this a good time to talk?” Those are just a couple examples, but many more are available. Look it up or ask people who routinely have to give bad news.


20



Be discerning about your sources of information. Some red flags: Too good to be true. Get rich quick. Chosen race. Any race or group blamed for societal problems. Fear of change. Threats of real or metaphysical harm (I.e. $@!#%) or bribes with reward.


12, 14, 16. 18, 21



What problem do you want to solve in the world?


1Infant-14



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Paying extra for organic isn’t always worth it but I ALWAYS buy organic apples. They taste better and don’t have the pesticides, etc.


18



“Bullies are scared people hiding inside scary people.” -Michelle Obama


8-12



There will be some losses or changes that completely shake you to the core. But remember that some bad experiences are like pooping your pants - Totally horrible but also kind of a relief.


19



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


20



Educate About Risks of Driving


12-15



Listen to records, a whole album at a time. 2 or 3 in a row. Bring friends, eat, drink, hangout, be goofy, dance, etc.


14-18



Sometimes hookups don’t go well. The vibe is off for whatever reason. Stop. It’s okay to say “actually, let’s just call it a night.” Trust your gut. Be kind but never apologize for saying no-thanks.


15, 20



Questions 1. How did you fail today? 2. What did you learn? 3. What do you love about yourself? 4. Name something you’re grateful for. 5. How are you in service to others? 6. Did you feel God’s presence today? 7. Are you happy in your heart? 8. What is something that scares you? 9. What do you need to feel safe and supported? 10. What’s something you like doing that makes your heart happy?


7, 8, 9, 15



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



1

Mackinac Island trip


10



Golf lessons. Grampa loved golf, if he were here he would have taught you himself.


9



Don’t let someone have to tell you twice that they don’t want you. Nothing good comes from hanging on after that.


15, 21



Open a Bank Account


8-12



If you’re easily offended you are easily manipulated. So take a breath and turn off your ego.


14, 19, 21



Watch movie Sky Walk (2019) it’s about a school paper.


14, 18



Summer concerts at Wolftrap- get good seats so they can really get a sense of the experience.


13-16



Sesame Street has great resources on teaching finances to little ones.


4-5



The most attractive man in the world is one who brings peace.


21



If you don’t have the words, borrow them. Send a song or a poem. As long as the sentiment is yours, the vowels and consonants don’t need to be.


13, 16. 21



Book “8 Candles and a Tree” about celebrating interfaith holidays.


7