Little Questions

When do those younger than you stop being annoying little kids and start being potential friends?

Where is the line drawn between relying on someone and having control over them?

Some Advice

• Don't take more than you need.
  
• Everything you do (good and bad) has consequences.
  
• Try to read more and then think about what you've read.
  
• If you're not sure about something (actually, anything), go for a 20 minute walk.
  
• Give someone a hug.
  
• Try to be tidy.
  
• Put things back.
  
• The truth is a lot easier to remember.
  
• Leave everywhere in as-good- or better-shape when you go.
  
• Don't wait for someone else to make you happy, you need to do it yourself.
  
• If you're feeling sorry for yourself, help someone else who is in worse circumstances than you are and you'll find things are better for you, too.
  
• Now is the time.
  
• As your amount of 'stuff' increases, so does the amount of time necessary to take care of and maintain that stuff. Keep that in mind before getting more stuff.
  
• if you can do better, then do it, or shut up.

Sorry, but I've had that building up inside of me for some time now. Better out than in, you know.

Things to Learn

There are some things everyone should know. I've got some of these things already, have plans to work on some and have a few lessons on the go. Here's my list.

• how to dance really well
  
• how to swim
  
• how to graciously accept a complement
  
• how to teach an animal a trick
  
• how to be still for more than an hour
  
• what you want to be doing when you are seventy-five years old
  
• how to make some form of music
  
• what your comfort food is
  
• how much sleep you need
  
• how to count to ten, say please, thank you and how much in the language of each country you visit
  
• how to make at least one fantastic three-course meal
  
• how to dress for extremely cold weather
  
• basic first aid skills
  

Seventeen

It's been a big year for Banana. She's just turned seventeen and I'd say some significant learning took place in this past year. I won't go into great detail, but suffice to say that I'm pleased with the outcome of the many lessons that have occurred. It feels like I've aged ten years for this past one, but not all of that is her fault. :-)

She has an exciting year coming up for a number of reasons. I have confidence that she'll make mostly good decisions, and she'll see the messages that result from the incorrect choices.

I have faith in you, kiddo.