Lesson 7

When I was a Freshman in college, I tried my hand at stand up during open mic night at my dorm. What resulted was something so bad that the next year, a NEW Freshman asked if I was "that girl who bombed." I can honestly say I was glad that none of my friends were able to make it, and I wish I had been drunk... at least then I would have had an excuse. But, I did it. While I'd never do it again, I did at least attempt it once... and never want to speak of it again. Which brings me to lesson 7.

Learn to laugh AT yourself. Someday, you're going to do something so mortifying you'll never want to talk about it again. The only way your going to be able to look yourself in the mirror the next day if you learn to laugh at whatever dumb thing you did. If you learn to laugh at yourself, you'll be able to let others laugh too... just make sure you don't do it on tape. :)

Lesson 6

Yesterday, one of my cousins told me she wanted to buy a DVD for her son and couldn't because both her and her husband were out of jobs. I went ahead and bought it online, and told her to expect an early Christmas present for him from me. It was only $15 and she started to cry. It was a small thing, in fact, I had already pre-ordered my own copy a few months ago, and I didn't think twice about it. However, it was huge to her. Which brings me to lesson 6.

Always do what you can when you see someone is having a hard time. Whether it's helping a neighbor in with some groceries or buying a DVD for a family member. You don't have to spend money you don't have. Sometimes just an email letting them know you're willing to listen is all it takes. The world is full of "if it hadn't been for..." stories that prove small things count. Besides, one day you might be having a rough time and wouldn't you like it if someone did something nice for you?

Lesson 5

I hope by the time you've read this, I have gotten my scrapbooks caught up, but right now, I have 3 waiting for me to start or finish. At least one for you, one of my college graduation, and one for family vacations. I enjoy it. I like going into a scrapbook store and seeing all the stickers and paper, I like thinking to myself "I can get that same thing cheaper at XYZ store..." I enjoy my hobby. I find it relaxing to see that everything fits on a page, I like remembering all the memories from the photos as I paste them in, and let's be honest, I like showing off my work and hearing how I'm SOOOO creative. ;) (I'm your mom, I didn't say I was modest.) Which brings me to lesson 5...

Find a hobby you enjoy. Something you can leave for awhile if life starts getting too busy, but that you can pick right up where you left off when you stopped. Your Dad likes to race RC cars. I find that as interesting as he finds my scrapbooking. It doesn't have to be expensive, or high maintenance. Just make time to do something you enjoy. Something that someone isn't paying you for, something you can relax with. Hobbies shouldn't add more stress than they relieve, so don't get so wrapped up in it that other parts of your life suffer. But everyone should have a hobby even if it's not unique. If nothing else, it will help you meet new people. :)