Likes. Links. Loves.

July 17, 2015

Cheers to the weekend! You know what I am looking forward to? I am looking forward to napping. I know, I am lame. If you saw my post earlier this week, you know we are transitioning Baby Lo to her crib. Therefore, Momma Bear is just not sleeping. Partly because of worry and partly because Baby Lo needs soothed back to sleep a bit. Is it bad of me to say that I am so looking forward to her morning nap which may produce an extra hour of shut eye for me? I can tell you think I am so very daring and interesting these days.

Here are this week’s top Links. Likes. Loves.

Do you suffer from F.S.O. – Freezing Summer Office? I know I do. In fact, the first thing I do is crank that baby of an office heater on when I enter for the day.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Oh, shiz nitch! If you have NOT heard about this sale you must live under a pile of clothes. Oh, I crack myself up! Every fashion Blogger and their mother, father, and second cousin are sharing their fabulous fashion finds. Go get you some.
Stop Making These 15 Body Language Mistakes – I am the Queen of the arm cross. Must. Break. Habit!
Weird Advice Pregnant Couples Get – BEST video I have seen in a long while. Been there and am still laughing. Heads over your head! My Mom once yelled at me for this when we were shopping and I reached up to pull a shirt down.
Sweet Baby Girl Sees Clearly For The First Time – Videos like this make me smile and feel so happy. It is incredible the good that does exist in this world and how small victories have huge impacts. It also makes me so incredibly grateful and thankful to God for all his blessings.
100 Years of Fashion in Under 2 Minutes – I was born for 1965… no wait, I am cool with 2015.
Should Women Really Be Rushing Back To Work After Giving Birth? This is a hot topic for me. I never truly appreciated Maternity Leave, nor have I been so disappointed in the system until I had to experience the benefits and the downfalls. We live in an amazing country, yet we are so behind in appreciating and valuing childbirth and the physical and emotional needs of baby and mother during the first year.
Six Person Sandless Beach Towel – Where the hell were you when I need you a few weeks ago? Reference to this.
When a Bride and Groom Share a Kiss and Lift Their Hands – I am not sure if this is real. Part of me thinks it is all a gimick. Regardless I do LOVE that Grandma just says, heck to it all and exits the church at around 1:32.
Back To School! If I was a teenager, I would be begging for these. Yes, I am a dork!

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Life’s Little and Big Transitions

July 14, 2015

Transition.
noun
1. movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change:

When I read that definition all I see is the word “change.” Up until lately I feel like I could easily be defined as a person who was adaptable to change. I tended to roll with the punches. That doesn’t mean I always had a smile on my face or didn’t put up a fight but I do believe while I may go through pout stages, I can quickly accept and move forward.

The thing is most young adults are actually okay, no, great with change. They have to be and they don’t even realize it. Within such a short period of time think about how much change a young adult goes through. There are so many transitions as one weaves their way through schooling, circles of friends or ever changing cliches, career paths, moving out of their parents home, falling in love, moving in with another, marriage and then boom, a baby!

That is where I am today. Looking back, the past 10 years have been full of change. It is now as we settle into adulthood, into norms, into routines that we become scared of change. Maybe it is because we have worked so very hard for what we have that we are afraid to “rock the boat,” as they say. That is also where I am today.

One thing Motherhood is teaching me is that change is inevitable because my baby is growing. This week I have been attempting to transition Baby Lo from our room to her own crib. I have made excuses for weeks as my husband pushed for us to begin a new routine months ago. Part of me wants her beside me for the pure comfort factor we have developed. Another part of me loves the fact that I am able to sleep, actually sleep and well, after so many months of not doing so, and this new set-up takes me back to newborn days when I awoke in a panic to make sure she was okay. Mostly though, I yearn for her closeness. Her being in that bedroom across the hallway is like a dreaded distance. She was not long ago inside me. Where I felt I could protect her. Soon after entering this beautiful yet scary world, she laid on my chest for those early weeks and we bonded. Placing her sweet self beside our bed every night never felt far, because she was an arms length away. But now things are different.

Now a walk stands between me and her. I watch her sleeping face on a monitor versus lifting my head to see hers. The anxiety of this transition may seem odd to most, including my husband who laughs and says, “What? Are you going to allow her to sleep in here until she is 12?”

“Yes!” I jokingly state.

But now as I write this post I am watching her peacefully sleeping from her monitor. Checking on her often. And, when I don’t get what I want from the monitor screen I make my way to her crib and look in on her. I tell her “I love her,” and most likely look so sad as I feel sad and almost sorry for this step of independence I am giving her.

I realize though, this transition is going to be one of many in our lives. I look back on those youthful years I described above. Full of so much change. All I can think about is my bouncy, happy self. I think about the days and how I choreographed my move out of the only home I knew and how much excitement I had as I started a new chapter. The only emotion I remember is happiness. Which leads me to finally realize what my parents went through as they nodded and smiled and slowly let me go. It is the same thing I am feeling. A new panging kind of pain I am beginning to experience for my girl.

Change is inevitable, it is how I choose to react that impacts the most, and in this situation it seems like this Momma, is going to have to for the first time fight back the tears and put a smile on my face. Because looking into this monitor, baby girl is just fine.

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Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Basil Bites

July 12, 2015

This may be one of the world’s easiest appetizer recipes. An oldie, but a goodie in our home. Pre-baby dinner-in resulted in a highly orchestrated meal. We did it right let me tell you. Multiple appetizers, wine in glasses, music on and general bliss as we talked about our day, joked and cooked dinner together. It was truly an evening affair. Post-baby, goes a little like this: Feed baby dinner, which now-a-days ever since baby has learned the fabulous art of raspberries consists of blowing pretty much half of the food that enters her mouth back out on me; immediately dunk baby in bath to further the destruction of the baby food which is wedged up her nose holes and in her ears; dry and dress baby for bed, which turns into a wrestling match now that baby is rolling and hates clothing after a bath; feed baby bottle and rock baby to bed… who is hungry?

Pretty much any simple recipe I had pre-baby has made the cut… no, survived the new madness. Kind of like us!

Why I like this recipe? You get the salty from the prosciutto, the creaminess from the Mozzarella, the kick from the basil and the sweet from the balsamic and now a blogger who sounds like Giada De Laurentiis.

Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Basil Bites
Serves 2 – 4

1 – Package of Sliced Prosciutto
1 – Ball of Mozzarella
Fresh Basil Leaves
Balsamic Vinegar to taste

Slice the prosciutto slices into long strips and set aside. You will use the strips to wrap the ingredients and hold everything together. Slice the Mozzarella Ball into bite-sized strips. Assemble by gathering a Mozzarella slice and a piece of basil. Wrap the ingredients with the strip of prosciutto. Drizzle your favorite balsamic vinegar across the bites and voilà, there you have it! Enjoy!

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Links. Likes. Loves.

July 10, 2015

Photo taken in Savage Forest, Maryland

This week I curled up on the couch and fell asleep before 9:00 pm, and let me tell you it was glorious. Just glorious I say! Once Baby Lo was tucked in bed for the night I said “Goodnight dishes, see ya tomorrow basket full of a laundry, and, ha ha ha, yeah, I will pay you over the phone, bills,” and I curled myself up in a ball under a blanket and drifted into a beautiful sleep. I think my mind and body needed it and guess what? I did not miss a thing. Everything I said goodnight to waited for me in the morning. Here are this week’s top Links. Likes. Loves.

The Cognitive Benefits of Doodling – I think this article was made for me, since multiple times a week I hand co-worker’s drafts back with my edits and have to apologize for my drawings that accompany them.
50 Most Beautiful Places in Maryland – Even as a proud MD girl I did not know all these fine gems existed within our state. My travel bucket list just got longer.
The ROI of Social Media – I have been trying to explain this for years, but then Gary Vaynerchuk goes and says it all beautifully like this and I am all over here like, “Yeah, what he said!”
Princess Charlotte Christening: Official Photos Release – I have always had a found interest in the Royal Family. It started with Princess Diana. I even had a paper doll set, as a child, that I will always wonder if it was or would be worth money. Too bad no one knows where it is!
Knickers – They do exist – Because, I need a good laugh and these did the trick. No offense, but do people buy these? Do they wear these?
19-Year-Old Makes $100K on Etsy for School – When there is a will there is a way and when there is $100K in your bank account we all be like, “Holla!” You go girl!
Madwell Panama Hat – I want, no I need this hat!
Which Color of Nail Polish Best Matches This Shoe? Noooo!!!! Not again, please, not again. Left though!
15 Whimsical Photos That Bring Kids’ Imaginations To Life – The Mermaid!
This Shirt – Because Anthropolgie is having a Summer Tag Sale with an extra 20% off!

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Surviving Beach Vacation With Children

July 5, 2015

Well we successfully completed our first family vacation. I was very hesitant about the whole experience. I know, hesitant over a vacation? Yes. The factors of a young baby (she just turned six months), traveling 10 hours to our destination, gangs of sharks hovering the Carolina Beaches (have you seen the news?), plus, did I mention we vacationed as a FAMILY? One House + Eight Adults + Seven Children (under the age of six… let me repeat, under the age of six) = One nervous Nancy of a Mommy!

However, with what would seem like the cards were stacked against us, our beach vacation actually went pretty swimmingly (pun, so very much intended!).

Strategically plan your travel time.
With a 10-hour drive upon us, Nathan and I had to come up with a game plan that worked best for our family. Our number one goal was to plan our travel time around Baby Lo’s sleep schedule; yet, we also had to consider not rolling into South Carolina too early for fear of hot, sweaty hours to kill before check-in.Keep in mind when packing what you may need access to. For a trip that long we knew we needed access to a cooler and Baby Lo’s diaper bag. Be sure to pack so you have easy access to any items you or the baby may need for the journey.
Call your hotel, rental, etc ahead of time and beg and plead for an early check-in.
It did not work in our case, but my point is there may be a great opportunity there, so don’t overlook. Apparently our Rental Company LOVES every cranky road warrior chomping at the bits to get into their rental at the same exact time, because that is exactly what happened.Because this may not work in your favor, pack a small arrival bag. Ours had a change of clothes for each of us and some toiletries. We were able to change and feel a bit refreshed for our nomad state while we waited patiently for our home. A nice cool restaurant for some grub and refreshments also gives you a nice boost!
Be proactive with baby gear and supplies.
If your vacation entails a roadtrip with lots of room for luggage and / or you know that if you forget something, it is not the end of the world because there are stores nearby, do not allow this to make you lax. We well thought out what we needed, what we could share or split among families and what we could bring from home. Exersaucer, Baby Swing, Bouncy Seats, High Chairs… yes, we took it all loaded down in a pick-up! Why, wouldn’t we? If I wasn’t us and watched us unload into our rental I would have thought these people were running a week long daycare to pay for their place.By the time we made it into our home, unloaded a truck load of stuff (true story!), we were all pretty tired. This proactive tip includes supplies and food and I was so glad I packed a box of wipes, diapers, a case of formula, etc, so I did not have to rush out to the market upon arrival. Instead, we were able to just chill! Also included… pack great beach fashion essentials. I will admit, Baby Lo’s fashion, materialistically, provided me with great entertainment. Beach hats, sunglasses and suits… she squealed as did I, both for different reasons.

Keep in mind the groceries tend to be more expensive in heavy vacation locations. You can save some money by buying supplies locally that you need and know will travel well.

Here, Baby Lo successful shows off her 1950’s inspired swimwear and one of the many baby contraptions we could not live without and threw in the back of our pick-up!
Different things will entertain you now.
Pre-baby we looked forward to looking up what live bands were playing at local hot spots, strategically planned which restaurants we would hit up for breakfast, lunch and dinner and packed our coolers and parked our butts on the beach for the long haul. Post-baby… HaHaHaHa.Hold, on, I am still laughing.

Kids have a way of putting things in perspective or maybe just exposing you to a whole new angle. Experiencing our baby dip her little toes in ocean waters for the very first time or sit her little bottom in the sand, made us giggle in joy, walking babies dressed in PJ’s in the wee hours or late evenings when the beach returned to a quiet state, was a great highlight and watching all the little cousins interact meant memories were being made.
Beach naps are the best!
This is so true for adults and babies! There is nothing like a nice afternoon nap with the sun on your face and the waves crashing in the background. Ah, take me back now. In this case, we strategically planned our beach time around Baby Lo’s nap schedule. We would get about 30-minutes of beach time entertaining Baby Lo, walk her along the crashing waves until she fell asleep and then let her nap, in the shade, under a 10×10 pop-up and on a nice clean towel. During her naps is when we could, together (this is the ONLY time during the entire week I saw my husband. Not because he was out having fun without me somewhere. Remember we were running a daycare.) get in some beach time and work on those sun kissed tans!Pack a “mini beach diaper bag.” Mine consisted of a change of clothes (usually a romper or something lightweight), swimmies, diapers, wipes, a lightweight receiving blanket, sunscreen, baby toys and if it was close to a feeding a bottle cooler with the necessities. If Baby Lo got wet I made sure to strip her down, and place in her a clean diaper before allowing her to nap. Also, baby powder is great at getting the sand off of baby!

Parent’s note: This is when you enjoy an adult drink, or two, or three. Actually just drink as must as you can until a child wakes up! 🙂

Bonus points if you can get multiple kids down at the same time!
If you can, invest in a pool.
Seven kids under six, oh, and did I mention one pregnant sister-in-law too? The weather forecast – heat wave! Of course the weather would be hot during our week and we were under a heat advisory most days. Thank goodness we had a place with a pool. I am almost certain every kid from our imaginative six year old down to the 4 1/2 month old (yes, Baby Lo, wasn’t even the youngest one), enjoyed our pool. We spent many of hours splashing, floating, having water battles, tossing kids into the air to come down and make a splash and even quietly floating the babies around. It was wonderful!Don’t forget to pack your baby monitor! Because our pool was directly off our deck, one of us could enjoy the water or porch with the monitor while Baby Lo took a nap. Also, for the bigger kids, don’t forget to pack the pool toys!
Don’t assume you cannot do things because you have kids.
I think sometimes parents think they cannot do things they use to do or enjoy because they have kids. Now I am speaking as a parents of one, but even Nathan and I plenty of times turn things down or immediately think, “Not going to happen!” just because we have a child. Give them the benefit of doubt sometimes. It does work and if it doesn’t what is the worse thing that can happen? Your child has a meltdown and you have to pack it up and go home. Not the first time, and won’t be the last.We, holding our breathes, broke away from the group for a dinner date and Baby Lo could not have been any better. Just prepare well with binkies, toys, bottle, diapers, etc, or whatever it takes to make baby happy!
Remember who this vacation is for.
Many people will say, “It is all about the kids on vacation!” While, I agree, keep in mind that it is also for you. Every single person deserves what vacation is meant for… relaxation and an escape from the everyday stresses. While our crazy house was not 100% relaxing, it was still a week away from the office and a week away from emails and office calls. It was an escape. More importantly, it was a great memory for us and our children. We deserved this week. It may have been a little chaotic here and there but it was 100% worth it. I mean just look at all the smiling faces.

I know the feeling Kid, the drive home from vacation is the worse!

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3-6 Month Baby Must Haves

July 1, 2015

It happened. Just like that I turned my head and my sweet little swaddled baby has now graduated to a squirmy infant. Still sweet, though. Actually the thought of swaddling her now cracks me up as I think of my little Houdini grunting and breaking free from any restrictions. She is officially curious. I adore her and this stage.This morning I could not help but smile as I watched her for a few minutes moving her little fingers in front of her face, in pure amazement of her own hand and the movements she was creating. Her face was in awe as this small motion filled her with a sense of wonder.

When Baby Lo hit the three month mark, I celebrated with This Post. As baby grows, I have learned that so does her and my needs. That is why I want to share with my fellow parent and pregnant friends and followers some of the items that made our life convenient.

Baby Must Haves

1 – Braun Forehead Thermometer and while we are at it, a Digital Rectal Thermometer – Baby Lo had her first real fever and it scared me. Shook me up. The first fever does that to first time parents. I am what some like to refer to as a “worry wart.” So, I am sure it is really no surprise to close friends and family that this would be a top must have and ironically #1 on my list. Poor Baby Lo though, not only was she running a low grade fever, but she probably felt like groceries as I scanned her forehead so often through the night.

2 – Sophie the Giraffe – I registered for Sophie because EVERYONE registers for Sophie. You could say, I joined the Baby Stroller bandwagon. Although, I now can say, I underestimated the power of Sophie. She is a life saver, no, actually a pain saver, as those nasty teeth rear their heads and cause your sweet little baby to turn into a whining, not quite their self creature.Yes, creature. Sophie seems to do the trick though. This is a teething toy I definitely recommend! Come join the Baby Stroller Bandwagon with me.

3 – Brica Day & Night Light Musical Auto Mirror – This may seem minor in the grand ole scheme of things but let me tell you when your child looses it as you are driving home and proceeds to cry so hard for their dropped binkie that they hold their breath, forcing you to abruptly pull over for fear they are not breathing because again, you are a “worry wart,” you will wish you had a mirror. I quickly installed ours and learned it has been so helpful when checking on the baby while driving. Plus, our little miss loves seeing her reflection, so she is much happier on car rides.

4 – Graco DuoDiner LX High Chair – When baby hits the four month mark, most pediatricians will give you the “go” on starting solids. We waited a little longer with Baby Lo, but regardless a high chair is necessary for this next step. I love this Graco version. I truly had no idea just how great it would be when I nervously registered for one, and am so glad this one caught eye. One perk is that this high chair grows with baby and is super easy to clean, which let me warn you, is an absolute must for feedings.

5 – Gerber Graduates Rest Easy Spoons – You have a high chair, now you just need the spoons. Once you move to rice cereal and solids, well, it is quite obvious why you need spoons. I am a fan of this kind because of the built in rest. Baby Lo is a fan of holding and throwing spoons onto the floor from her high chair and I am the sucker who picks the spoon back up and plays this game.

6 – Pacifier Wipes – I am a “worry wart.” Do we have that established yet? With that, add in “germaphobe.” At six months your baby starts to learn cause and effect. Congratulations! This means lots of toys and binkies will be thrown, no chucked, across the room and sometimes land on the floor of a public space. Yuck! These wipes are so helpful for crazy Mommas like me who don’t want to go hunt down the nearest bathroom, yet are not crazy enough like Mommas of two, three or more children who “clean off” the binkie by sticking it in their own mouth before handing it back. I am just being real!

7 – Oball Bounce-O-Bunch Activity Center – Now is the time when baby wants to touch everything and explore their surroundings. An Exersaucer or Activity Center allows for baby to see the world from a new angle, hone in on new skills and allows Momma and DaDa some time to tackle things around the home with free hands.

8 – Baby Bibs – One word… teething! When teething arrives so does the drool. It is water works city and you need to protect your Saint Bernard, I mean, baby! A bib will help minimize chapped skin or rashes that can come from drool. Plus, once you start feeding your baby solids you will quickly learn that more food will make it on your baby’s shirt than in you baby’s mouth, so a bib will protect those pretty little clothes.

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Happy First Father’s Day

June 21, 2015

I have an amazing Dad myself. I have told you before. To me he just gets better with time, because as our memories grow, so does my appreciation and love. Although, today, I want to also celebrate my husband, because today is his first Father’s Day. I tell him he is a great Dad, and maybe he knows. One look at our Baby Lo as she grins at him and we all can see her love for her Daddy. While she can’t quite tell him how she feels, if she could, I think it would go like this.

I came into this world like a flurry. I am pretty sure you and Mom were scared, because so was I. All of a sudden the only world I ever knew changed. We had never set eyes on each other before, but I heard your voice so much that when I entered the world and saw those bright shining lights, scary equipment and strangers with masks mumbling, I screamed, no I wailed, until they handed me to you.

I could hear Momma and your voices and I scanned a room full of people looking for you. Wanting to meet you both. When you came to my side while the nurses weighed and cleaned me up, I immediately felt okay. You were the first one I locked eyes with.

Since Momma could not hold me, you were the first one in this world to do so. Others in the hospital room passed me around until the nurses placed me in your arms, it was you who truly, lovingly held me, because I was your own. Soon, you took me to Mom and I could finally place faces to the voices I heard for so many months. You and Momma. I was home.

Thank you, Daddy. You were the first one by my side before I even could comprehend that I needed someone. When they took me from Mom to the nursery, you followed and waited patiently and carefully alongside me. You took me to the window, so proud, and held me up to meet my family, our family. And, when we finally got the okay to go you took me back to really get to meet my Momma and so willingly handed me off for her to cuddle and love, even though I know you equally wanted me in your arms.

You took me on my first car ride, as we left the hospital a few days later to head to our home. I am sure you were nervous as you drove just two people in that car days before. You were patient, gentle, kind and loving as together as a family of three we learned and defined our new world. From my first Christmas, to my first bath, from my first snowstorm to my first laugh.

As your first born, you have become a pro as you learned to feed me, change me, bathe me and put me to sleep. It has been six months since the day I first laid eyes on you and I have not stopped. If my first words, “Da Da” are not enough, it is pretty obvious that I am your girl. Just like the morning when I was born and I searched through strangers to find the face to the voice to whom I belong, to this day, when I hear your voice in a crowded room, I stop and look for you.

Today is your first Father’s Day and I just want to thank you for all the firsts you have given me. You are a caring Daddy and I am a lucky little girl. Since, I can’t really tell you how I feel, please know that my morning smiles and late night snuggles will have to do until the day I can finally say, “I love you,” for the first time.

Happy Father’s Day! Love your, Baby Lo.

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Southwest Scrambled Eggs

June 20, 2015

Have I told you before? Yes, I know I told you before. Nathan, does most of the breakfast cooking in our home. (Actually lately, he has just been doing the cooking in general).

Breakfast has always been his specialty. What it really is though is timing, and let me tell you has this mastered. Just as he is plating the eggs, he removes the breakfast meat from the stove, pours us cups of Orange Juice or refills our coffee and the I hear a DING! and the toast is popping up from the toaster. Master, I say.

Although, while I will give full credit most mornings. I am taking the credit for these.

SOUTHWEST SCRAMBLED EGGS:

1 Tbsp of Light Butter
6 Large Eggs
1 – Can of Black Beans
Splash of Milk
Red Onion – Diced
Yellow Pepper- Diced
Red Pepper – Diced
2 Slices of Monterey Jack Cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Salsa to taste

Heat 1 Tbsp of Light Butter in skillet on medium high. Add the diced Red Onion,Yellow Pepper and Red Pepper to the skillet and cook until soft. In a separate bowl beat eggs, add a splash of Milk and season with pepper. Add eggs to pan. Let the eggs cook for a minute before you begin to push around mixture. Once the eggs begin to fluff up, add in the two Monterey Jack Cheese Sliced broken a part. Flip the eggs, melting the cheese. Salt and pepper the eggs to taste. While you are cooking the eggs, heat the black beans on the stove.

Plate the eggs and serve the black beans along the side.

Add a spoonful of eggs and black beans to your plate, top with salsa to taste and serve alongside your favorite breakfast meat. Notice my picture below has no toast? Yeah, I am not the master of timing!

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Wednesday Wisdom

June 17, 2015

Without getting into too much detail I must say the past three weeks have been like a giant tornado. I feel like I am grasping for items, while trying to stay grounded as the wind comes swirling around me. There have been so many ups and downs and so many tense, stressful, sleepless nights. I have contemplated my purpose, contemplated my worth and contemplated how to do it all and keep everything a priority. Basically, I am complaining right now and basically I am spent. Life is so unpredictable. I know this. While, I whine about the chaos and sadness that has been a part of my life, I am reminded just how lucky and blessed I am. I know that my crazy, chaos would be welcomed by someone who has it far worse. When I get super down on myself I look around me. I have a roof over my head, food in the refrigerator, a great support system, a loving husband and sweet, healthy, baby girl. I am grateful. For these things, life is good. No, life is great.

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Dear Graduate…

May 26, 2015

Dear Graduate…

Congratulations. You have reached a milestone in your life. This is a big accomplishment. Celebrate, smile and be proud. You are one step closer to your goals. One step closer to your dreams. One step closer into what was once the future but is now becoming the present. And with that, please keep that in mind. Life is… a present.

I remember my high school graduation and college too. I felt so eager and so ready to tackle the world. I was naive and green as they say. I wish I knew then what I know now. Although, I think everyone says that as life goes on. I am sure in ten more years I will look back now and shake my head at today’s me.

I, just like you, made mistakes and continue to make mistakes daily. I am no martyr. I am just a human who has a few more years under my belt. Life has a way of opening your eyes as you get older especially once you leave the comforts of your classroom, say goodbye to friends, walk away from sports, drive away from your home and embark on your own path in life. Today you begin focusing on defining who you are as a person and where you will go.

Never stop learning. Be eager to learn and absorb. No one ever said, “That is it! I am done learning all I need to know.”
Manners go a long way. I repeat, a long way. Being polite does not make you a suck-up. It makes you likeable.
There is a reason why they say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Seize the moment!
Networking. Success in life is all about meeting people and knowing someone at the right place and time.
Luck… it does exist too.
Do not Reply All. Learn email etiquette.
With that said, email is not the same as texting. Practice using proper grammar and complete sentences. It is appreciated. Proofread!
Don’t assume everyone is your best friend and don’t assume everyone is your enemy.
Actually, just don’t assume.
Young men, always open the door. Chivalry does not have to be dead.
The left lane is for passing. Please, drive in the right lane. Don’t hold people up.
Yes, the world is yours but it is also everyone else’s. Entitlement gets you no where. I repeat, no where.
Selfishness is the root of most of the world’s problems. Consider others when you consider yourself.
Invest in yourself. Put a little back for a 401 K. Be diligent on saving. Even if it is $10 a month. You will be mad and annoyed with your first few paychecks, but you will learn to get by without it and then one day you will thank yourself.
Life does not revolve around your smart phone. Put it down every now and then. Look around you. Take life in through your senses versus your fingertips.
Treat yourself. Every now and then, indulge. Buy a cup of overpriced coffee, a pair of expensive shoes, a new watch or a new piece of wardrobe.
Believe in yourself. Think about those you believe in. I bet they all know their self worth.
Respect yourself. Love yourself. You have to first do those things before anyone else will.
Speaking of love. When you finally find the “one,” treat them well. Respect them and say ‘I love you’ every day.
Put yourself out there. You may get hurt but no one ever found happiness without first being vulnerable.
Every now and then do something that scares you. You cannot get over fear without first exposing yourself to the fear itself.
It is easy for life to get you down. When that happens look towards the small things in life. The big things will overwhelm you, but the small things are what make people smile and feel grateful.
Speaking of that, be grateful and say ‘thank you’ often. A hand written thank you is a lost art. Pick it back up.
Pray.
Learn to cook. Even if it is just scrambled eggs and grilled cheese. Pride can grow standing behind a frying pan.
Be a decent human being in life. Vanity will fade. Measure a person by their heart.
Wear sunscreen. Every person who has every had beautiful skin in their 70’s and over, all accredit sunscreen and water.
By the way, drink lots of water.
Thank service members. You can have any political stance you desire, but thank a service member and support them. Understand that the reason you can voice your opinions in life is because of them.
Don’t judge. We are a society that loves to judge. We love to beat the man or woman when they are down. Reach out a hand instead. Know there are two sides to every story in life.
Look people in the eye. It makes you confident and trustworthy.
Speaking of trust. You must earn it in life.
Give back. Even when you don’t have enough for yourself, someone always has far less. It will make you feel good.
Always, always dance. Especially at Weddings. Don’t be that boring bystander.
The blame game gets you no where in life. Be accountable.
Take chances. Those who succeed… took a chance.
Learn from your mistakes. Don’t dwell. Move on.
Life is not about money! Don’t expect to make a lot of money once you are done school. Expect to work hard and earn a living. That is how the world is supposed to work.
Speaking of money. Save for something big. Once you finally have earned enough to buy it, I promise it will mean so much more.
Things were harder for your parents growing up and even harder for your grandparents. Respect them and their views.
Make your bed! My goodness, if it is the only thing you do in a day. You will feel accomplished and after a long day when you are ready to crash. It feels so much better to pull back the sheet than to climb into a crumbled mess.
Find your passion. Life doesn’t have to be a boring ride. Love what you do.
At the same time, some of life’s best lessons come from pushing through something you don’t love to do. It will reveal that passion. Work hard. The reward is so much sweeter.
The word “can’t”… well, it should not exist.
Call your Mom and Dad. Visit your grandparents. As you get older you will appreciate them more and realize the sacrifices they made to get you where you are standing today.
Be authentic! People want to get to know you. The real you.
Laugh at yourself. If you can accomplish this then you are already miles past others in life.
Smile. Even when you don’t want to, just smile.

Congratulations graduate. Your adventure begins and the world is yours!

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