So today, I am 42 years old. And that’s old enough to start inflicting “what I’ve learned” blog posts on all of you. So here goes. Here’s what I have to share with you after exactly 42 years on the planet – these are the fundamentals, as far as I’m concerned. Take what you like and leave the rest.
(And of course, let me know your own hard-earned rules for life.)
KAG’s Rules For Living
-Don’t be afraid to throw a lot of spaghetti at the wall.
-Bass players are for fun. Trombone (or clarinet) players are for life.
-Never eat pizza off the floor.
-Many – or maybe even most – worries and anxieties can be put to rest by asking yourself one simple question: “what’s the worst that could happen?”
-Your children really won’t sleep with you forever. Enjoy it now. Breathe in the smell of their hair. Pat their backs. Sing them to sleep. Repeat.
-The whole “birth experience” thing is kind of overrated.
-When you are 25 years old, and deciding what career to pursue, don’t leave income potential out of the equation. Money stress is a real bummer.
-Be nice.
-Endeavor to avoid inviting drama.
-Gutcheck before hitting “send.” Let your sister look at it, too.
-Never drink tequila, eat oreos and do live radio all at the same time.
-Lower your head modestly in passing and you will harvest bananas.
-Own your own stuff.
-Courage matters… a lot.
-Gossip is best confined to your sister and Dr Neighbor. That’s your gossip safe zone. Don’t venture outside the safe zone. Bad things happen there.
-If you get a do-over, don’t do the same thing over.
-They can’t eat you.
-Send thank you notes.
-If anyone ever refers to you as his “soulmate,” consider yourself warned.
-Go with the bagless, upright vaccuum.
-It’s just stuff.
-If a relationship takes work or struggle in the first six months, it isn’t going to work out.
-Finding the ongoing balance between necessary routine and Big Life is the key to everything. Seriously, that’s the whole thing.
-If you string lights up on your front porch, you will never be alone (unless you want to be).
-Wearing cute lingerie, even if no one sees it but you, makes a bad day better. Similarly, well-groomed eyebrows mask a multitude of other lapses.
-Feminism matters. Raise your daughters to stand up and speak out for their sisters.
-Children should be bored sometimes. It’s good for them.
-It’s all fun and games, ’til someone loses an eye.
12 Responses to “My birthday: what I’ve learned”
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I would add — Hug ‘em while you can. That applies to most folks you know.
Don’t get a Ph.D. in the humanities. Social science and sciences,maybe yes, but humanities, no.
You are so wise. And so right. Especially about courage … and about lights on the front porch.
mske sure you empty the bagless vac by yhe “full mark” ….spend your time with people who matter, understand some friends are just for fun- they aren’t the ones you lean on, some friends are friends for a season, some are “all-weather” golden friends. and I think you should explain the oreos, tequila & radio, that sounds like a good story! Love your writing Katie, and even more the good life shining thru your happiness!
* – MAKE SURE …..
hey, i played clarinet!
You’re so right about the eyebrows bit. I have dark thick eyebrows, which are wonderful if you have time to wax them or the time and skill needed to do them yourself. (I also have horrible vision so when I try to save money on the front it always ends poorly.) But, yes having my eyebrows done can make me feel 10x more attractive and put together than I had felt just half an hour earlier. So strange and yet so true.
Do unto others … It’s really true. It’s never wrong, always right and will serve you well throughout life.
I would also add, read The Sermon on the Mount once every few years. It’s good chicken soup for the heart and soul. Doesn’t matter what your religious views may be.
Trust your gut;
Don’t blame others;
Admit your mistakes as soon as you become aware of them;
Don’t have too many animals;
Don’t take your weight for granted;
Live below your means;
Take initiative;
Homeownership is overrated;
Pay attention to your significant other’s relationship with his/her family; and Maya Angelou’s excellent advice:
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
A few more, in aphorism form:
Don’t borrow trouble.
Bloom where you’re planted.
Happy Belated Birthday Katie!
I enjoyed your list of KAG’s rules for living. Being that I am Mr. Mom I agree totally, the upright bag less vacuum is the best. I always liked the Rainbow myself however if you forgot to empty it when you were done it became a toxic yuck pit.
I hope you are doing well and I am very glad we have become acquainted.
Sincerely
Rich
katie — loved this one. excellent work!
my old mantra was: i’d rather be single wishing i were married than married wishing i were single.
but in a span of 13 months i got married, became a stepdad, and welcomed triplets into the world, and suddenly that mantra was out dated. i then entered a mantra-less period that was more or less a blur. this period was marked by little sleep and lots of diapers. (for what it’s worth, executing the hat trick of back-to-back-to-back steaming dueces is a thankless task at best.) anyway, my new mantra came to me during one bleak november night when the economy made this small business owner toss and turn with angst as he wondered what fate might befall him:
if you let the love inside the hearts of those who care most about you serve as a compass to help you navigate life’s uncertain seas, not only will you never get lost, but you will also arrive exactly where you were always meant to be.
loved the post. keep them coming and i’ll continue to swing by! john