35 Things

35 Things I've Learned in the Past 35 Years

1. Do not take loved ones for granted.

2. Do not be afraid to stand up for yourself or what you believe in even if it means making someone else mad.

3. Marriage is hard work, but definitely worth it.

4. I don't have to be everyone's friend. I used to feel guilty about this but not anymore.

5. "No" is a complete sentence.

6. I'm not the center of anyone's universe. As much as I would like it, the world does not revolve around me.

7. KFC commercials are really bad to see when you're sick in bed with the stomach flu.

8. Never, ever assume a woman is pregnant.

9. Trust your first instinct. This is true for situations you find yourself in and for people you meet.

10. The saying, "Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you're in the clear" doesn't take the actual amount of alcohol you're consuming into account.

11. "Kid-safe" does not mean "kid-proof".

12. When the 3 year old runs into the room, sees you're busy, and then runs away with a smile on her face, it's always a good idea to follow her.

13. Never trust a repair guy to completely close a gate.

14. Truly good friends are hard to find but easy to keep.

15. Facebook can be the devil.

16. One of the hardest things to do in life is to stand up to your parents when you disagree with them.

17. When someone walks into an ER and says, "I think I'm going to puke", believe them.

18. "Clean your room" is a phrase that can be interpreted more than one way.

19. Six year olds don't just need clear instructions to do something. They need maps, diagrams, pictures, and a running commentary.

20. A "thank you" given at just the right moment can truly make someone's day.

21. When you're planning on being somewhere you're not supposed to be, don't leave the cookies at home. (for Amy A. ;) )

22. Just because you're related to someone does not mean you have to like them.

23. A good friend isn't afraid to stand up for you or to you.

24. The most beautiful person in the room can also be the most insecure.

25. Watermelons that bubble at the stem should be thrown away in the outside trash can.

26. Traveling with your children can be a pain, but it gives them experiences and an education that cannot be copied in school.

27. The best things in life are most often the simplest.

28. A stressful day is quickly erased with a beer and a chat on the front porch (or driveway) with friends on a warm summer night.

29. There is no such thing as a bad malbec.

30. Grand Marnier creme brulee is easily the best dessert in the entire world.

31. There is no one "right" way to parent.

32. Women too often put each other down instead of lift each other up.

33. There are some people in the world who will not, cannot allow themselves to just be happy.

34. You're never to old to watch cartoons or eat Fun Dip.

35. Ice cream can make tears disappear, mean words be forgotten, and cuts and scrapes feel better instantly. Putting sprinkles on top makes you the best parent ever. :)