I totally stole borrowed this idea from Steph. At least I think it was Steph. Maybe it was Erin. I honestly cannot remember so whomever originated this idea, thank you. 

One thing I can always say about myself, even on my worst days, is that I’m confident in who I am. I know what I believe and what I stand for, and while I’m open to hearing all kinds of view points and being persuaded and encouraged to think about those differing opinions, I’m pretty unwavering in my fundamental beliefs.

I call those the Fourteen Commandments of Me (okay, fine, if I’m being honest, I just came up with that moniker but we’ll pretend like I’ve always used it). Some of these are also similar to a list I made for my birthday last year so if they seem familiar, that’s probably why.

Here they are:

1. I do not care what you do for a living or how much money you have or don’t have or how big or small your house is. If you’re a good, kind, and decent person, we’ll get along.
2. Puppies, beaches, books, and naps can fix most bad days.
3. People’s reproductive choices are none of my business. Have 10 kids, have zero kids. Not for me to judge. Same for marriage choices. Marry who you want. It does not affect me at all.
4. Your budget, your business. My budget, my business.
5. Use manners, proper grammar, and don’t be an asshole in traffic.
6. Support your friends and family in their endeavors. And remember that success is not a limited resource. (Unless they add you a Facebook group without your permission. Then it’s fine to walk away).
7. Always make time to read, for my family, and play with my dogs.
8. Go somewhere new every year.
9. Put your phone away when paying for a purchase, at the dinner table, and when you’re driving.
10. Embrace your flaws as well as your strengths.
11. There is always room for improvement.
12. Quality over quantity, especially when it comes to friends. Two caveats: pizza and chocolate. Lots of bad pizza or chocolate is still better than no pizza or chocolate.
13. Never feel guilty about anything that makes you happy.
14. Respect people’s beliefs and opinions, even if they’re different than yours. Don’t force what you believe on anyone else. Unless they want to vote for Donald Trump. Then by all means, try to convince them otherwise.

How about you guys? What are some of the rules you live by?

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*I figured that since a third grade writing assignment was the inspiration for this post, I’d title it like a third grader. Writer’s block tip: When stuck for an idea, use your child’s homework*

The Child recently had an assignment at school where she had to write a persuasive (or opinion. I can’t remember but probably opinion) essay on whether she prefers being a kid or whether she’d like to be an adult. Because she’s 9 she picked being a kid. Her main reasons? You don’t have to pay bills or run boring errands.

She has a valid point. That stuff sucks.

But, given the choice between being a kid or being an adult, I’m picking an adult. Every. Single. Time. Why? Simple.

As an adult, I get to do what I want, when I want. 

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Swearing with abandon.

Beer.

Eating cold leftover Chinese food for breakfast. Or pizza. Or ice cream. Or Doritos.

Doing things. Or not doing things. 

My money, my choices.

Wearing whatever I feel like (oh, and that school who’s trying to regulate what parents wear to AM dropoff? Fuck you).

Having zero tolerance for crappy people and not having to force myself to be around them.

Not giving a shit.

Having to go somewhere simply because someone tells me to.

Voting.

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A driver’s license that doesn’t require someone else to be in the car with me. Or time limits on restrictions on where I can go.

Making my own, independent decisions.

Books that don’t require a book report, analyzing symbolism, or general crappiness. Basically, reading for fun.

Being able to understand just how awesome it is to shirk every single responsibility you have in favor of a nap and a good binge watching session.

I realize that adulting is hard. It sucks at times. Responsibilities are no fun and getting up early to go to work can suck a fat one and watching my money go to bills and cleaning the house and cooking dinner get repetitive and exhausting.

But given the choice between doing all the crappy adult stuff and living life as a kid, I’m living as an adult.

We have beer here.

P.S. A whole bunch of adults contributed to this really great post with instructions on adulting. I’m one of them.

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