35 Things for 35 Years

So, it’s my birthday.  I’m officially mid-thirties now!  Did you know after 35 years of age, you are considered “geriatric” for pregnancy.  You’re welcome.  Now I’m going to eat my cake.  Oh, but first, for my birthday I wanted to give you something.  It’s a list!  Of things! All the great things I’ve learned in my 35 years of living.  That’s a lot of living, let me tell you.  So here they are... enjoy!

1. Don’t panic.
2. Unless you and your friends are practicing driving your dad’s car in the church parking lot when you are supposed to be in Sunday School, and your friend’s mom comes out and catches you... then it’s okay to panic.
3. If you tell your brother, “close your eyes, and open your mouth,” and he does it, you really should not do something cruel like put a live caterpillar in his mouth.
4. Don’t laugh at someone who has a caterpillar stuck in his mouth. It’s not nice.
5. Don’t fall on the floor laughing when your mom puts hot chili on your brother’s mouth to burn the caterpillar off.
6. Go to your room and think about what you did.

(Photo courtesy Aaron Birdsall... that is not the original caterpillar, though... I mean... I don't know anything about that.)

7. Have roommates that wear the same size clothes as you. Instant wardrobe upgrade.
8. When wearing your roommate’s short skirt remember to get both legs outside the car before standing up.  Just sayin'.
9. When you are dating someone pay attention to the way they treat their friends, their family, and strangers. That is the way they will treat you, your family, and your friends.
10. A great smile does more for your looks than layers of mascara.
11. Self-confidence is sexy. When I was pregnant I felt like the most beautiful woman alive.
12. If you get a chance to travel, do it. Don't worry if you speak the language or have hotel reservations. Just go.  It will be worth it.  Don’t panic.
13. Learn how to change a flat tire and put oil in your car.
14. Learn to drive a stick shift. You never know when you will be in Europe where they don't really have automatics.

15. Everyone needs counseling. And everyone needs spiritual healing and deliverance. It's life. Get some help.
16. It’s always easier to see someone else’s shortcomings than my own.
17. If I have a problem with someone else, it is MY problem.
18. In the end all we have is our faith and our family. Nurture those things.
19. Communicate. Often. And without judgement.
20. The only person I can control is myself.
21. I get to choose my attitude. And I choose  joy.
22. Creativity inspires more creativity.  Just look at Pinterest.
23. Or... don't look at Pinterest... go make something you can put on Pinterest.
24. Credit cards are bad news. So are student loans.  
25. Credit card debt can be discharged in bankruptcy, but student loans are forever.
26. If you think you are leading, and you turn around and no one is following, you are really just out for a walk.

27. Listen first, speak later.
28. Three parts to communication: what you say, what you think you say, and what the other person hears.
29. Be your spouse's biggest fan.
30. Babies are the most confident creatures on the planet. Who else can look you in the eye, poop in your lap, and cry until you fix it?
31. I feel best physically when I drink lots of water, eat fruit and veggies, and stretch.
32. I feel best spiritually when I spend time with God every day.
33. I feel best mentally and emotionally when I get to be creative, and when my closest relationships are healthy.

34. Home is the place your heart can rest at the end of the day.
35. Life is full of crazy adventures, but it is the people we meet, and the relationships we build that are eternally significant.   

Happy New Year! Lisa