26 lessons learned in 26 years:
1. If the jeans fit perfectly in the store, they won't fit after you wash them twice.
2. The taste of wine and beer will grow on you.
3. Write thank you notes.
4. Don't curate other people's tastes.
5. Be unrelenting in your desires.
6. Most of the ideas in Martha Stewart Living are too difficult or too expensive to be worthwhile.
7. Sometimes you have to eat nails for breakfast.
8. Don't talk about politics at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
9. When on vacation, don't eat at chain restaurants that are located in your hometown.
10. Ironing is not a high priority.
11. People who talk non-stop about their million great ideas rarely implement any of them.
12. Don't take your best serving platter to a potluck. Or your best pillows to a hotel.
13. Friends don't have to be only in your age group. My favorite friends range from 18 to 80.
14. People just want to be heard. Listen. Or pretend to listen anyway.
15. You can survive without a television or a cell phone. Seriously.
16. It can all get worse. It can all get better.
17. Sometimes the minority is right.
18. There is no catching up on the laundry. Ever.
19. School loans are totally worth it.
20. Buy your expensive items at Costco. They will take anything back.
21. Embrace worthy traditions.
22. Eat dinner at the table with your family.
23. Wear your seatbelt.
24. Feed your cat.
25. Marry someone who can edit your posts.
26. All you need is love. And some Coldstone ice cream on occasion.
I love the link for number 17, at first I thought it was going to be for the 2004 election results, but this was way better.
Posted by: Benji | February 07, 2007 at 06:38 PM
Happy Birthday! Great list!
Posted by: shannon | February 07, 2007 at 06:58 PM
I love you Janet!!! I tried calling on your birthday and your answering machine was full....just goes to show you are well loved.
Posted by: Lauren Manning | February 07, 2007 at 11:12 PM
I think those 26 Things are quite excellent. :)
Posted by: Zandria | February 08, 2007 at 09:10 AM
By the way, i thought you were 27...
Posted by: Benji | February 08, 2007 at 05:37 PM
Yes, that is true. I am 27! I was thinking that I was just starting my 27th year, which would mean only 26 years of lessons, but I guess I just finished year 27. So maybe I need a 27th item?
27. Older does not necessarily mean wiser!
Posted by: Janet | February 08, 2007 at 10:31 PM
Great list! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Alison | February 09, 2007 at 07:57 AM
A fabulous list for a fabulous gal. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: janet | February 09, 2007 at 08:09 AM
4. 10. 16. My favs. Good list.
Posted by: ally bean | February 09, 2007 at 02:59 PM
What happened to the 9th and 10th. I need a fix.
Posted by: red2easy | February 09, 2007 at 04:35 PM
I think these are wonderful! Good advice, and a big hello from a stranger. :)
Posted by: alyndabear | February 09, 2007 at 09:23 PM
Happy belated birthday Janet.
Malia
Posted by: Malia | February 18, 2007 at 09:05 AM