LifeLessons, 2009 ed.

LifeLessons is a series I write once a year and sometimes more. I realized that I am late this year; I've provided last year's link in case you'd like to get caught up.

http://theblondephilosophy.blogspot.com/search/label/LifeLessons

(I still consider the 2008 edition my best yet, but shoot I had to learn a lot to write it!)

1. Names are very important to most people. Learn someone's name, correct spelling and all, and you are a step closer to having a friend.
2. Don't take out your cell phone to text, check email, or make a call if you are on a date or out with a friend who is important to you. It can wait. Trust me. However,
3. If said person takes out his/her phone and texts/checks email/makes a call, then it is perfectly appropriate for me to do the same until said person puts the device away.
4. Find out what someone is good at, and compliment them on it.
5. When you wake up in the middle of the night, appreciate the quiet and pray for anyone who comes to mind.
6. Lay out everything for the morning: Shoes+nylons+underthings+d

ress/suit+jewelry+handbag.
7. Keep makeup in the car and THE lipstick within reach at all times.
8. Be gracious.
9. Be grateful. And make time to be grateful. It's not something you can rush.
10. Notice when someone does something for you, thank them for it. In a tangible way, if possible (ie. note, email, text)
11. After a date, I really like a follow up text message or phone call.
12. It takes one person to have a crush, but two to have a true relationship.
13. Shoes make quite a statement. Be careful what you do with them.
14. Curly hair makes a statement, too. I'm just not sure what that is yet.
15. A simple "thank you" is sufficient acknowledgement to a sincere compliment.
16. Yes, a second application of sunscreen is probably advisable.
17. Never be too busy for what is eternal. Remember that some people are alive today because they missed death due to an "inconvenience."
18. Spend some time reflecting on people you spend time with. Then increase time with those who make you want to be your best, and decrease time with people who don't have this effect.
19. On that note, that doesn't mean you stop loving them. It means that sometimes we're just a seed in someone's life and not the gardener. Spread the responsibility.
20. Thinking about someone? Call them. Minutes on cell phones are cheap these days.
21. A paper card will never, ever be replaced by email.
22. Be your family's cheerleader and your friends' biggest fan.
23. It doesn't matter that the rest of the world has gone digital and I still use film. Maybe I like it better. :)
24. Listen first, ask questions next, then speak your part.
25. If it's raining and I must choose between an umbrella and my coffee, I'm going to get wet. Just saying.
26. Your true friends are the ones who love you for who you are but who make you think of how you can be better.
27. Tip well if your server really really tried.
28. Emailing myself when I think of things to do has been a pretty effective way to stay on top of it all, and thank GOODNESS I have a Gmail account to keep it all together!
29. Stop stuffing down suspicions so deeply that you no longer feel them.
30. Smiles are contagious... spread them :)