I might have the Plague.

I think I am dying. By the time you read this I may have actually sneezed my head off. I will either be dead by morning OR still be suffering from this “cold” I have. I am pretty sure it is the plague, but I am not a doctor so I can’t be sure. So If I am dead by morning here are somethings I want my kids to know, you should know this stuff too. There might be a test in Heaven and I want you prepared.

1. Every chance you get – Pay it Forward. Nice things happen to people all the time. When you are a recipient, don’t take it for granted. Be grateful and then do something nice for someone else. It works like the Rubber/glue effect. You know the one “I am rubber you are glue, what bounces off me  – sticks to you!” Unless you use Rubber Cement as glue, then the bouncing is endless.
2. Always look your best. When you look confident, you feel confident and people treat you automatically with respect. This will open doors for you.
3. Eat your fruit and vegetables. It makes you feel strong and healthy. It makes your hair shiny and keeps you regular. All good things.
4. If you don’t know the answer to something, don’t ask for the answer right away. Ponder it. Mull it over. Sometimes you need a new perspective, then when you figure out the answer, the feeling is better! It makes you smarter. However, there is no shame in asking for the answer  when you just don’t know.
5. Keep in touch with your family. Family doesn’t always mean blood relative. It can mean close dear friends who would do anything for you. I am lucky I have both. Call them and tell them you miss them or appreciate them or just want to spend time with them. It makes them happy to know you need them.
6. Take risks. Sometimes it is easier to stay safe and go with what you know. Sometimes it is a wonderful feeling to try and succeed at something new. I recommend it.
7. When you need o find a job, it is important to do what you are passionate about and what is ethical. But sometimes you need to feed your children and then it is important to do the best you can WITHOUT guilt.
8. Tell your kids you love them every day. EVERYDAY. It seems like a lot, but it’s not. More is better.
9. Read to your kids EVERYDAY until they become avid readers. It makes them smart, articulate, critical thinkers, and interesting. Being interesting is important. That is how you become a vibrant social contributor to society. It also helps you make friends that turn into family.
10. Expect life to be disappointing when it isn’t fabulous. Life is a balance of both. Disappointment is important because that is the time when you learn things.
11. Volunteer your time to a charity. Giving money to a charity is awesome. Sometimes you need to know what its like to give time. All charities need people to make things work. Find something you  believe in and give up your time.
12. Be nice to each other. In the end, you are all you have. The world needs more kindness.

Even if I am not dead in the morning, these are good things to know. I learned these lessons from my parents, grandparents, family, friends coworkers and strangers. Add to the list as you learn things too. Most importantly, always bring me an Extra Hot Skinny Vanilla Latte when I feel like I am dying. It always works miracles.