1. No matter where life takes you, and no matter how happy and successful you are there, you will always miss "home." I'm talking to you, Des Moines.
2. Even though college wasn't all that long ago, and you aren't nearly as busy and stressed out now as you were when you were there, your ability to consume the amounts of alcohol you did in a week in college goes away once you step off the stage with your diploma in hand. And you will spend the rest of your life (I assume) wondering how the hell you ever did it.
3. The baristas at Starbucks are the most genuinely friendly people in the customer service industry. Just you TRY to be grumpy when they've memorized your drink order and work schedule and always use your name when they wish you a Happy Wednesday.
4. Sometimes, you should just eat pizza.
5. Your girlfriends are the best people in the world.
6. Sometimes, the only person you want is your Mommy. And she's the greatest.
7. You will never beat your boyfriend at Mario. Especially when it's really more "his" generation's game.
8. If you have big brothers, they'll never stop protecting you. Or teasing you.
9. Being an Auntie is wonderful.
10. You cannot control your feelings. Embrace the bad days. Hug 'em hard.
11. You CAN control your reactions. Think before you speak. Or act.
12. Shit happens. We almost always come out stronger on the other end.
13. It takes more strength to forgive than to resent.
14. Sometimes you will have no money. Negative money. Zilch...........................................it sucks....................................that's all I got for that one.
15. Sometimes you have the best audition in the world, and the director doesn't even look up from their table. Chances are, the next one will.
16. The Beatles are always right.
17. Your dad is always the greatest guy in the whole wide world.
18. Sometimes you don't work out, eat too much, and gain a few pounds. The only thing you can do is smile, and then do the opposite of those things. Beating yourself up is not an effective diet and exercise program.
19. Relationships are hard. Love is incredible.
20. Your political convictions are strong. Those with opposite views have convictions that are just as strong. The liberal ones are usually correct.*
21. There is no bad mood a viewing of Titanic, Pride and Prejudice, Love Actually, Anchorman or You've Got Mail can't correct. (different movies for different moods, you see)
22. If you've been to London, you will ALWAYS think about when you will go back.
23. We are never done learning. Every day, person, experience is an education. And you don't have to take loans out for the school of life! But one of your lessons will include budgeting around your student loan debt....
24. The world is scary. War, terrorism, natural disasters, global warming, diseases, Republicans*, lions and tigers and bears OH MY. Chances are, you won't be the one to cure cancer, end all destruction, and figure out a way to halt global warming in its tracks. "All you need is love," and, as I mentioned in #16, the Beatles are always right. Random acts of kindness and love can make all the difference. And you should start by loving yourself.
*Blanket statements about political parties are usually a bad idea, but, come on. They're trying to redefine rape, keep people who are in love from getting married, and fire justices for UPHOLDING the Constitution. Forgive me for being a little bitter. I'm gonna love you extra hard and hope you learn how to do the same for YOUR neighbors, Glenn Beck and friends.
Thanks for indulging me, whoever you are. Here's to the year of 24!!
