4 Things, 5 Things ... Advice from Mom

"A Fav Pic, 1988, Mom and me"


During my isolation with the coronovirus pandemic, I have like many of us, been sifting through mounds of papers we have a habit of keeping. Bills, newspaper articles, old cards ... you name it, I got it! I came across an old weathered newspaper article that my mother had sent me back in the late 90s. She was always sending me nuggets of wisdom and lists to help get me though life. 

I find it particularly meaningful that I rediscovered this article the day before the 11th anniversary of her passing away. It was as if she were exclaiming from the great beyond, "Don't forget about your Jewish mother! I am still here to give you advice!" And how could I? Not a day goes by that my thoughts do not turn to her in some way or form. 

Therefore, this blog is dedicated to the memory of my mom, Abby. Her wisdom and guidance is still making its way into my life as I approach my 50th birthday. 

A couple of the items are a little out dated but most still remain true. The was definitely written before the age of the ubiquitous cellphone. Below is the original article as it was written for the Gannett News Service:


4 Things You Should Try at Least Once
 by Diedre Oliver

In bookstores across the county, it's a pretty safe bet that you can find mass mounts of self-help books, how-to manuals and guidebooks to fit any and every occasion. 

It's also pretty safe to say that inquiring minds might not find answers to though-provoking statements such as: 

* Five things you should never do while driving
* Four things people don't do anymore
* Four things people should try at least once

Here are a few helpful tips and tidbits to answer these and many more essential life questions. 

Four items you should never leave in your car
* Your keys.
* Mail that broadcasts your personal life to a would-be thief.
* Your dog, with the windows rolled up on a hot summer day. 
* Your extra set of keys.

Four things people don't do anymore
* Open a door for a woman or pull out her chair.
* Respond to an RSVP.
* Let their car alarms stay on continuously. 
* Buy merchandise from telephone solicitors. 

Five items you should have in your car
* A road atlas or street map.
* Ample change.
* Proof of insurance. 
* Tissue.
* Eyes drops and breath freshener. 

Four things people should try at least once
* Aromatherapy.
* Reading a good book at a coffee shop. 
* Going to a movie alone. 
* Keeping a journal. 

Three things you should never go out smelling like
* Anything mentholated.
* The 10 packs of cigarettes you smoked in your car. 
* The fish you cooked for dinner. 

Ten things everyone should know how to do
* Drive a car. 
* Keep a secret. 
* Take a compliment. 
* Fill out income tax forms. 
* CPR. 
* Relax!
* Change a tire. 
* Cook dinner from scratch. 
* Say "Thank you."
* Repay a favor. 

Five comments no one will thank you for making
* I used to date him, too. 
* You've been replaced, but you're welcome to stay on in a lower position. 
* Gee, you look tired. 
* You've been selected to work a double shift. 
* That really isn't your color. 

Five things you should never do while driving
* Go to sleep.
* Read a novel.
* Change clothes (besides a coat or jacket).
* Attempt to apply eye make-up.
* Twist your head around to talk to the person in the back seat.

Five comments people will thank you for making
* There's something in your teeth.
* There's a long strand of toilet tissue dragging from your shoe.
* Your coat belt is caught in the car door. 
* Your house keys were left in your front door. 
* You gave me too much money. 


***Blogger's Note:  
EVERYONE STAY SAFE DURING THIS PANDEMIC! 






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Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 10, 2020 at 2:23 PM

    thank you grasshopper for this post... many great thoughts... JR

    ReplyDelete

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