Rules to live by

Dear JJ,

Ever since I started to write this blog it has been a lot about love, mine for you and your mother. I wanted you to know how much I love you. Thoughts that go through my head.
But someone wrote a list of rules out for their son, and after reading through it- well, I modified a few of them and decided if you wanted any bit of wisdom - or advice - here it is.

Now I have to work on your birthday

Love,

Dad

1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.
- stand up
2. Don’t enter a pool by the stairs.
- we always cannonball

3. The man at the BBQ Grill is the closest thing to a king.
4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
5. Request the late check-out.
6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.
8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.
9. Play with passion or don’t play at all…
10. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye.
11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
12. If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.
13. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.
14. You marry the girl, you marry her family.
15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.
16. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
17. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.
18. Never turn down a breath mint.
19. A sport coat is worth 1000 words.
20. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.
21. Thank a veteran. Then make it up to him.
--Grandpa Simpson - always the example
22. Eat lunch with the new kid.
-- someday you may be that new kid
23. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.
24. Ask your mum to play. She won’t let you win.
--do you even have to question this one?
25. Manners maketh the man.
26. Give credit. Take the blame.
27. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied.
28. Write down your dreams.
29. Take time to snuggle your pets, they love you so much and are always happy to see you.
--Lucky, the best dog - but there will be other dogs. Never forget they will wait all day for you and are going to be happier than anyone else who waits for you
30. Be confident and humble at the same time.
31. If ever in doubt, remember whose son you are and REFUSE to just be ordinary!
32. In all things lead by example not explanation.
33. Vulnerability is ok and isnt anything to be ashamed about.
34. It’s not weak to speak.