1. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all: Yes, I know a lot of your moms said this, but my mom really meant it. Maybe that's why I can bite my toungue when talking about my last job. There were A LOT of nice things with my job... but... not everything was great and those things... I just shouldn't talk about.
2. Be nice to everyone, because you never know who you are talking to: When I was younger I always thought that my mom was crazy talking to every woman she met in line waiting for the bathroom... the joke was she went into the bathroom and made a new best friend. But as I'm learning more and more about the need for networking I find myself at least being open to returning conversation with strangers... after all I could start talking to someone who could change my life forever.
3. How to be in love: I am a VERY lucky 20-something as my parents are not only still married, but still in love. I have two amazing role models when it comes to knowing what love is supposed to be... some give and take, some compromise, always making sure it's all cleared up before bed, going the extra mile just because... all those little things. I guess I used to take it for granted that they loved each other still, but then a few years ago I was at a friend's wedding that my parents were also at... another bridesmaid sitting next to me leaned over and said "look at your parents (dancing to a slow song, looking at each other just so)... I hope I find someone I love that much and still love them that much after all those years." That's when it hit me that their love was something special... and that's the love I hope I still have when I'm 50+ too!
4. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach: This may not work for every guy... but I know it helps me. My mom taught me how to cook great food, and how putting love in that food translates. I have always liked cooking.... but having someone I love to cook for makes me love cooking. I especially love making things I know he loves (and of course I don't cook anything I don't love too)... and waiting for that moment when he looks and me and says "it's delicious thank you sweetie."... It's not much but now I understand why my mom always worked so hard to cook dinner for us.
5. Treat others how you want to be treated: I may not follow this to a T... ok I've changed it quite a bit. I do treat others how I want to be treated... but this also helped give me the strength to cut people out of my life who don't treat me well. I've transitioned this to... "if you don't want to be around me don't... and if I don't want to be around you.... good bye." It may sound mean, but I used to be so focused on wanting EVERYONE to like me that I would stress myself out and depress myself. Once I realized that I just need SOME people to like me my life changed.
6. How to take care of someone when they are sick: I hate being sick... it's horrible... but my mom, a licensed RN, is an amazing nurse. She would make your favorite "sick" food which for me is lime jello with pears, gingerale, and cinnamon toast. My mom would make me take a nap, make me take it easy... when I was 10 this was annoying... but a few weeks ago I was sick... and what did I do... I took it easy and took naps... who knew she was so smart! Then when Shaun got sick I was able to take care of him... making him things he loves and making sure he took it easy.
7. How to drive: Yes, my mom taught me how to drive... she has WAY more patience then my dad and is better at staying calm when telling me I'm getting too close to the other car. And yes, my mom still helps me drive sometimes when we are in rush hour traffic and she thinks I'm going to crash... but I know it's just because she cares. But it's more than just learning how to drive... by teaching me this she taught me how to leave. I'm sure reading this she is wishing she never taught me now and I would stay in Ohio forever... but the freedom that comes with driving is the same feeling you get when you move out of the house and for me soon out of the state. I think my mom should be proud... how many people can teach their children the feeling of freedom?
8. Exercise is FUN.... when you have someone to do it with: I am by no means "in shape."... never have been. But that didn't stop my mom from getting me to try... I did basketball, dance classes, tennis... whatever it took my mom was 100% behind me. I am not athletic and didn't always play, but she was there... every game cheering me on and that made it worth it. Now, she still cheers me on... many mornings we call each other up, lace up our tennis shoes and go walking around the block while we talk on the phone. It's a great chance to talk about whatever while getting in a little exercise. We know it's not going to get us to drop 40 pounds or anything... but it gets us up and out of the house... and it's great.
9. How to budget: This has saved me on several occasions. I'm not going to say that I am amazing with money, because if I was I would be a millionaire! But, I'm not broke, I don't have credit card debt, I still own my house (knock on wood for the past few things there). Yes... I am tight with money, but who wouldn't be on unemployment... but I can budget. My mom used to have to budget for a family of 6! Thanks to her I know how to go shopping and I am able to pay the bills and still do some stuff I like. Heck without my parents teaching me about putting money in savings and what not I wouldn't have had the credit score to be able to buy a home at 23... without a co-signer. That's right... my parents are great with money.
10. Last but surely not least: How to be a mom: Ok, so I'm only a mom of 2 cats and a bunny, and unlike children I can leave them for 2 days and just put out food and clean litter and they are good. But I like to think I am a good cat mom... and when/if the time comes I'll be a good mom. I do NOT have as much patience as my mom... sometimes looking back at fights with my brother I feel I should nominate her for sainthood... but I feel my mom did such a great job that I will be able to do so as well.
I know it sounds simple... all little things... but it's those little things that will stick with you for life and it's those little things that all add up to make one amazing woman.... a mom. I love you mom!!!
thank you sweetie! It's nice to be appreciated. And now I can stop saying, "Are you listening to me"!!! Love you, Mom
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