Life's Little Instructions: Volume II

Yes I meant to write Volume II and no I did not post Volume I.  Volume II is framed in my kitchen and I love it so I thought I would share with you...enjoy!

• Believe in love at first sight
• Volunteer
• Overpay babysitters
• Discipline with a gentle hand
• Don't laugh at anyone's dreams
• Never drive while holding a cup of hot coffee between your knees
• Never be the first to break a family tradition
• Don't judge people by their relatives
• Talk slow, think quick
• Plant zucchini only if you have lots of friends (does anyone get this? Because I don't!)
• Don't overlook life's small joys while searching for the big ones
• Every so often, invite the person in line behind you to go ahead of you
• Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully
• Steer clear of any place that has a "Ladies Welcome" sign in the window
• Always put something in the collection plate
• Do the right thing, regardless of what others think
• Never wash a car, mow a yard or select a Christmas tree after dark
• Don't confuse comfort with happiness
• Don't confuse wealth with success
• Be the first to forgive
• Check for toilet paper before sitting down
• Don't stop the parade to pick up a dime
• Be an original, if that means being a little eccentric, so be it
• Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values
• Never celebrate a birthday without a cake
• When you say "I love you", mean it
• When you say "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye
• Win without boasting
• Lose without excuses
• Read more books
• Watch less TV
• Every so often let your spirit of adventure triumph over good sense
• Lock your car
• Don't let weeds grow around your dreams
• Never sell your teddy bear, letter sweater or high school yearbooks at a garage sale
• Accept a breath mint if someone offers one
• Don't eat any meatloaf but your mom's
• Learn the rules, then break some
• Always try the house dressing
• Never swap your integrity for money, power or fame
• Never be ashamed of honest tears
• Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it
• When friends offer to help, let them
• Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon
• Go home for the holidays
• Don't get too big for your britches

Sure, some of these are cliche, and some are better than others, but I hope anyone who reads this can find one that works for them.  My favorite? Always try the house dressing (whether its a metaphor or not!)