What I want you to know

So this gal, Leslie Welch, posted on facebook 20 things she wanted her middle school and/or high school student to know.  (thank you to my friend KL for reposting on her fb page!) 

I thought for the most part – these were some pretty good “things” to pass along to my kids.  So I’m boot-legging her list and adding some of my own thoughts, twisted as they may be. 

1. Yes, your freshman year counts towards your GPA for college entrance. Screw it up and you’ll work for crap wages your whole life.  Telling me the teacher is horrible, or everyone’s grades are crap don’t lessen the fact that YOUR grades should NOT be crap. You’ve seen my high school transcript – IT REALLY DOES FOLLOW YOU EVERYWHERE!

2. No means NO. In every possible circumstance.  THAT has always been a rule in our house.  I don’t have to give you a reason, I won’t give you a reason, and even if I did, you know what the reason is.  BECAUSE I SAID SO!  And that goes for other people that tell you NO! 

3. Join every sport, every club, every after school activity, no matter what the cost. It’s cheaper than bail.   You still need more than just what is taught inside the cinderblocks of the classroom.   the old adage of being  “well rounded” really is true.  Plus, you never know when and where you’ll meet a new best friend. 

4. Repeat after me: I am never in that much of a hurry… ”I am never in that much of a hurry.”  Say that every time you get behind the wheel. It will save your life and that of your best friend in the seat next to you.   Remember,  I don’t speed.  I’ve never had a ticket so YES I can tell you to NOT do it.  And when in doubt, reference number 2.  

5. Don’t smoke pot. It ruins your short term memory. (Did I already say that?) Don’t eat POT brownies.  It’s the same thing.  Stupid really doesn’t look good on anyone.  And yes, it is a drug.  yes, it is dangerous.  And everyone is doing it – that excuse has never worked with me. 

6. Don’t ever get a credit card. Ever. You earn it or you live without it.  Actually working for and saving up for something will make you value it even more. 

7. If I yell at you, it’s because I love you. And also, because you pissed me off. To avoid the latter, stop being an idiot.   LISTEN to me, stop saying “BUT MOM”, and I might stop yelling.

8. Make a vivid picture inside your head of every great moment of your childhood. You’ll need those to get through adulthood.  Remember what our family says “we’re making a memory” (thanks Aunt Artie).  Well it’s true. 

9. Make snow angels as often as possible.  Play in the rain (not thunderstorms).  Splash at the beach….put your toes in the sand.  Run!  Play!

10. Stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.   Stand behind those you believe in.  You have a voice – use it when others can’t!

11. Be always benevolent. Yes, that’s a word. Look it up.   ( I just love that one)

12. Call me for a ride even if you are so drunk you barely know my number. I’ll probably will be mad for a while BUT I’ll respect you for calling and I won’t kill you. Driving or riding with someone who is drinking, will.

13. Remember the LEMMINGS.  Be a leader, not a follower. Unless you are doing stupid things, then follow the kid with the highest GPA.  

14. Love your siblings, even when you don’t like them. Some day you will be trying to get them to take care of me in my old age. If they are mad at you, you are stuck with me.  Remember I want the hairs on my chin plucked and if ya’ll leave me with whiskers like a cat, I’ll come back to haunt each of you.  You know it’s true, I am just that evil.

15. I’ve been there, done that on more things than you can imagine. And if I didn’t do it, HollyBeth did!  And she told me about it.  I’m not stupid and I know what you are doing. I will bust you’re a**!  I was once you (times ten).  

16. Work hard at everything you do. Anything worth doing is worth doing your best at.   Be proud and take ownership in those things. 

17. There is no such thing as safe sex.  Your little brother, remember him, yeah, he’s here because birth control pills really are only 99.9% effective. 

18. When I tell you to clean your room, do not point at my messy room and raise your eyebrows. I’m trying to raise you to be better than me. And don’t talk to your Ninni and Poppa about what my room looked like as a child.  My mom, your Ninni, wrapped all my stuff up in a bed sheet and set it outside for me. 

19. Learn to type; to budget; and to pray. All are equally important. Say Thank you, yes ma’am and yes sir.  Sit up straight and shake hands when you are greeting someone.  SMILE.  (and brush your teeth)

20. Never be sedentary. Some day soon you will no longer be able to move like that. Enjoy it.  Embrace your youth and the energy that it brings.  You’ll be taking afternoon naps soon enough.