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Liner Notes 40-46 : Things I apparently forgot to say
40. To determine when to flip pancakes, wait until the edges set and start to bubble. Cook them on medium to make sure that the middle gets done and the outsides don't burn*
41. Check the bottom of dishes to see if they're microwave safe. Otherwise, you might explode your roommate's bowl when you're cooking lunch for that boy you know.*
42. Sometimes awkward people will overstay their welcome or make you feel uncomfortable with their lack of boundary respect.* Not everyone reads social cues very well or wants to get the message. Be kind and compassionate while also finding a way to be firm and stand up for yourself and your discomfort. No, I'm sorry you can't come into our apartment right now. We're all studying/busy/have plans. Or we feel uncomfortable when you show up alone at all hours and expect to hang around our apartment...maybe next week we can all get together with a group.
43. Staying up really late will catch up with you eventually. Case in point, 3:30 a.m. is too late to stay out, weekend or no.* I'm pretty sure most people will back me up here.
44. Sometimes the hype about attending the football game makes the actual game a disappointing let down.* This applies to most over-blown hype. It's hard to live up to.
45. It's a good idea to double check where your classes are held to make sure you'll be at the right place the first day.* When you realize your mistake and read where the class really is, it's a good idea to note the right building so you don't rush into the wrong classroom a second time.*
46. When serving guests breakfast and you have only a couple of dishes, consider giving the guests the plates and serving from the pans, not the other way around.* :)
. . .
With the first of my children having left home this fall, I'm writing occasional Liner Notes, bits of advice to my kids concerning my take on how to be a gracious, awesome grown-up-type person (both trivial bits and major advice). Why "liner notes"? Because, back in the day, I pored over the liner notes of my cds, curious to find the story behind the music. That's what I hope this will be: the story behind the music of growing up and setting off on your own. (Or at least a ready-made catalog of how you can avoid making my mistakes.) Feel free to chime in! What would you add?
*actual events in the life of my freshman...small hiccups that will just provide fodder for good liner notes of her own someday. Lauren is having a fantastic time so far and seems to be making the most of every minute. I love hearing about her great new friendships and adventures and almost constant hostessing. We miss her but love knowing she's happy in her new setting.
Do you have any great freshman disaster stories?
. . .
Yes, my heart faces west at least several times a day.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Reader Comments (4)
love these. I am not looking forward to sending off another child next year. :(
These are my recommendations for addendum to your fantastic liner notes.
Pancakes: If they are thick and you are getting gooey centers even though the top and bottom look the way you want them to look, add a little water to the batter to thin them out. Thinner pancakes are also more easy to flip without making a mess.
Dishes: Avoid using metal utensils in non-stick pans, else the non-stick becomes un-stuck. :)
Late nights: Dorm curfews are meant to help students settling down. (Midnight every night or 1:30 on Fridays...This from the guy who only went to bed before midnight only once his Freshman year)
Early mornings: Only schedule a class for as early as you're willing to be awake, fed, showered, and ready for your day. (e.g. perhaps the 8am biology class I took was a bad idea)
I've got some disaster stories, but I'll have to think of which might be worthy of divulging. Don't want to shatter anyone's confidence in me!
@michelle, do you think it gets easier? Probably not. Send Stefan our direction since I sent Lauren yours :)
@Joe, perfect additions. I'm ready for the disaster stories when you are.
I have been loving her blog - it's so fun to see all that she's up to. What a beautiful, grown up girl. Hope she doesn't mind the old lady stalking her. :-)
My favorite is the table photo. Love that they are eating out of pans, yet serving on two plates. Sooo a kid thing to do. To not even notice the plates. Hilarious. Excellent notes.