Liner notes 11-15

  

11. Save the day with laughter. Another great grandma Brockbank classic, her mothering motto can apply to so many situations. And your laugh is particularly contagious...

12. Everyone feels shy/awkward/insecure sometimes, especially in new situations. Introduce yourself, smile, shake hands, make eye contact. 

13. Offer to help with the dishes. You'll be amazed at the effect on roommates and (eventually) potential in-laws.

14. It's not all about you. To find yourself, lose yourself.

15. Any sentence that begins "no offense but..." or "I hope this doesn't offend anyone..." probably will. Be thoughtful about whether you need to say it at all.

. . .

With the first of my children leaving home in the next few months, 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?

Liner Notes 6-10

 

6. Be on time. You knew I was going to say that, didn't you?

7. Fix it and forget it. Sure, take time to look nice. Do your hair, fix your makeup. Feel confident about how you look. And then here's the key:  forget about it. Focus on other things than how you look from there on out.

8. Wear a robe as needed (via your honorary aunt Christie's hard-earned wisdom).

9. The left lane of the freeway is for passing. Or at least for going fairly lickety split, not moseying or going the same speed as the car next to you.

10. Always go to the funeral.  Here's why.

. . .

With the first of my children leaving home in the next few months, 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.)

. . .

photo via sapling press

Liner Notes 2-5

 

2.  Never get your hair cut in the midst of an emotional crisis or on the day of a big event.  Haircuts, like guns & new hiking boots, need at least a 5-day waiting/breaking-in period. 'Nuf said.

3. If you're going to do it anyway, you might as well skip over the complaining and just do it cheerfully. This is closely related to your great-great grandmother's saying that has trickled down through the ages: be pretty if you are, be witty if you can, but be cheerful if it kills you.

4. Don't expect mind reading.  As much as it would be lovely for boyfriends, husbands (though I expect you'll have just one), friends, roommates, and work colleagues to have the capacity to read your mind, life is happier when you express your expectations (or even lower them!).  A well-placed "what-I'd-really-love-for-my-birthday" is much better than a disappointment-drowned day, complete with baffled and well-meaning loved ones. Speak up, my dear.

. . .

With the first of my children leaving home in the next few months, 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 with your own in the comments, please! 

Photo: sisters in the kitchen (via Duke University Collection, 1980 by William Gedney)

Liner notes to growing up: 1

Exactly three months from today Lauren starts college. I just did a little heart skipping gasp there as I wrote that. Do you know what you do when you have three months left to impart what little wisdom about the world you've acquired? You panic a little. You wonder if you've done enough. 

Recently I realized that Miss L actually reads this blog now and then (hi Laurengirl!) and so I thought I'd direct a few entries (maybe weekly on Wednesdays?) to my kids concerning my take on how to be a gracious, awesome grown-up (both trivial bits and major advice). 

I'm calling this 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. 

 1. Thank you notes really are essential.  Don't cash the check, use the gift, or read the book until you've written a note, a real envelope-and-paper, stamped, delivered note. (Also send one the day after being invited to dinner or a party.) It doesn't have to be long. It can just say "thank you so much." But thank you notes are non-negotiable: it lets the giver know you got it, that you appreciate it, and it increases the chances that you'll be invited back or given something again. Trust me on this one.

. . .

Feel free to chime in with your endorsement of whatever you agree with...you know how kids are more likely to believe something when it comes from a non-parental authority! 

p.s. Inspired by 1001 rules for my unborn son and other awesome such sites.