rules to live by

I'm really not obsessed with babies. Yet, yesterday's post reminded me, I've often wanted to post about this really fantastic site, 1001 rules for my unborn son (the subtitle being, " Let's get some things straight before I get old and uncool"). Consciously or unconsciously, I relate to every one of them. It makes me think about how RK and I will pass on our "rules"--and how we're fairly particular about quite a few things--I like to think they're right along these lines (after many of the 'rules', they put a great quote, clip or photo that totally illuminates their point). Now that I'm teaching 1st graders full-time, it's awesome to debate where one's character comes from. How much of it is the parents? How much of it is environment? How would we do things differently? How did their kids turn out so great (what's your secret?!)?

We all change. Life just changes us, it's inevitable.
So, it seems like getting it all down now isn't a bad idea... It's not just good advice to pass on to the youth, it's good advice for everyone.

here's a few highlights:

no. 139 Keep hardback copies of your favorite books. Donate the rest to a local exchange.

no. 188 If you get yourself arrested, call me. You get one free pass.

no. 210 Always keep a good joke handy.

no. 220 Until you are a doctor, never answer your phone at the table. That goes for emails, texts, twitters, and tweets

no. 229 Write Letters. On paper.

no. 232 There is exactly one place where it is acceptable to wear gym clothes.


(i know i should stop now, but every one of them is so dang good!)

no. 234 Thank the bus driver.

no. 243 There is no need to tell anyone you are leaving the bar. It's called an Irish Goodbye. And it comes in handy.

no. 251 Salt and pepper should be passed together, even if the request was for only one.

no. 297 When selling tickets, take face value.


no. 303 Offer your dates the seat with the best view of the restaurant

no. 311 Don't date your bartender.


I enjoy so much going over and over them. And I like not knowing, exactly, if it's a man or a woman who's writing the rules. No information about the author at all. And no place to leave comments. Oh, that's so rad. So, thank you, whoever you are!