I sent Nae a list of life lessons someone had put together for their kids. And she responded:

Here are a few additions that i hope my children remember long into their lives:  Some of these ideas aren't original or mine....but I have adopted them and they're mine now.

1.  Keep your credit good....it's like a GPA...you work hard to get the score high, but one or two bad grades can really impact it and it takes twice as long to get it restored.

2.  Life is short.....knit.   (fill in the blank)....do what you love to do.

3.  Eat more chocolate.  (see above explanation).

4.  Always end a conversation with a loved one with "i love You."  We've all heard sad stories where people never got the chance to let their loved ones know how they feel.  Live your life so that if the world would end today....that person would never doubt your love for them.

5.  Follow your passion....if you pursue what you really love to do...you will be able to make a living at it.  Just look at Misti (LOL)...or for that matter....me.

6.  Make sure that your occupation aligns with your value system.

7.  Never date someone who would not make a good father (mother).  If you never date them.....you'll never marry them or have a child with them.

8.  Make sure that your choice of life partners aligns with your value system...  Marriage is hard enough.  The more you have in common, the less you have to adjust to each other.

9.  You know that you are with the right  partner, when you like them more and respect them the longer that you know them.

8.  Don't smoke....if you do???  Quit.  ' Nuff said.

9. Know that how you raise your children will  reflect  how they raise your grandchildren.  So....be kind to your grandchildren (even if they aren't yet born).....by being good parents.

10.  Never,  swear at or disrespect your mate.  Once you cross that boundary, it gets easier the next time and before you know it....it becomes a habit.  While I'm on that subject....never threaten to leave or end the relationship just because you are angry.  For the same reasons....

11.  Conversely....there are no trophies for remaining in a relationship if you are truly miserable. (See # 2)....I strongly believe that one should work hard to save their relationship, but if it is unhealthy....and your efforts can't bring about a different result?  Get out.  If your partner harms you?  the same applies.

12.  Oxygen mask moments.....take care of yourself first.

13.  Ask to see the license, registration and auto insurance information of your daughter's date.  Advise him that you panic easily and imagine the worst and you need the proper information to give to the police in the event that they are late.  Believe me, he will ensure that your daughter is home on time.

14.  Music is the universal language.  Sing in the car...belt out your favorite tune in the  shower....or hum to the music in the store....in spite of your children telling you that it embarrasses them.

15.  Drive safely.  There are no trophies for "making it through the light" and no winners in the morgue.

16.  Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

17.  Be the light that you want to see in the world.

18.  Listen to the voice in your heart, it is rarely wrong....the universe talks to us.....pay attention.  Your gut instincts are there for a reason.

19.  Don't be afraid to be a trend setter.  If you like it?  Wear it with confidence.

20.  Shop at sales racks, but have one nice outfit in your closet.

21.  Pamper yourself once in awhile.  Get your hair done, manicure/pedicure, massage etc.  It does wonders to restore your inner peace.

22.  Be firm with your children, but not rigid.  Lighten up a little.  Remember that they will become adults and you will laugh at this some day.

23.  On that note...remember.....you never know when you are making a memory.

24.  When  you feel your efforts fall on deaf ears and  nothing you do matters.....remind yourself that every day you are planting seeds.....you never know which ones will take root.

25.  Ask yourself.....will this matter one year from now???  One month from now???  One week from now??  etc.