So here are a few collected bits, in no order, with no narrative.
Fill out the "for" blank on your checks. Write in your customer number, account number, transaction ID, whatever.
Check your bank statements OFTEN. More than monthly. The type of thing discussed in this article has happened twice to us over the years (mysterious charges showing up on our credit card statement). Catch them quick, report them, you'll get the money back and a new card issued.
We spend our days reacting and interacting with our surroundings. Don't always wait for the event, but look for indicators. Watch for brake lights 4 or 5 cars in front of you. Look in mirrors, look at shadows to see what's around the corner, who's coming. Be aware of blind corners, so you don't rush around one and make a pratfall of yourself. Forecast.
Buffet hack number 1; Chocolate Fountains; they're not just for pretzels. Look, if you have a full buffet, don't just go straight to the sweets. Have some roast, have some salmon. If there's cheese, have more of it. But when you do get to the sweet table, remember the chocolate corollary to the first law of culinary excellence; if it goes good with chocolate, it goes better with more chocolate. Those caramel pecan bars? Mmm, chocolate fountain drizzle on it is yummy. Bowl of M&Ms? Put some melted chocolate on it, and eat it with a spoon.
Park cool (front-end of the car facing out). It's safer to back in to a space than it is to back out (statistics, baby). And it's good for the quick getaway.
Synergies are efficient. Find a hobby that produces. A job that gives you food to take home.
Free, or inexpensive /= a good deal. Features you don't need can be a burden. Don't waste your time, money, or storage space on things you don't really want.
Buffet Hack number 2; I love eating at places I've never been before, and trying things that other people tell me are fabulous. I feel like I am living my life more fully, surfing the waves in front of their exeperiences. This is how I came to enjoy a Mango Lassi. My wife's sister recommended it to her, and then Jenni to me. Mmmm. There is an Indian Restaurant in Harford County with a Lunch Buffet. The Lassis are pricey, a few bucks each. But the buffet has a fruit salad which is chopped fruit in. . .mango lassi!. Sometimes, being uncouth is the price you pay for delicious. By carefully spooning out the fruit salad sauce into a bowl, I was able to refill my mango lassi drink.
Teach yourself to nap.
Know when to stop running after something. When I was taking the train, almost every morning, I saw people running to try and catch the train. But once it starts moving, it's too late.
Document everything you can. Take pictures the day you move in. Write in your journal. Scan documents, computer storage is cheap. Take a moment to sort and tag things so you can find them again. You won't regret having something tangible to go with your memories.
There are two kinds of fear, fear of harm, and fear of failing. Fear of harm is prudence. It can be the beginning of faith, the child that grows into wisdom. Fear of failing is pride. It is what makes us hide our talents, refuse to do something because it looks silly. It is the urge to refuse a course because it might be seen as cliche. Know the difference. Never ignore the first. Never heed the second.
Know all of your days that you are loved.
Be kind. I have often regretted being hasty or angry. I have never regretted being gracious.
3 comments:
You are wise, Obi-Juan! It was YOUR sister, Sara, that taught me about mango lassies in NYC. Delicious.
Some of your advice made me laugh. A lot of it makes sense. I particularly like what you said about fears. I never thought of fear of failure as being prideful. Interesting and true. So when you feel that kind of fear, what do you do? Try humility? Gonna think about that one.
Jane often reminds me to relax. It's easier to be gracious then! Love, Ken
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