Marry a Man (or Woman) That Brings You Flowers!

Yes, that's right, I said 'man or woman.' It's a discussion for another time, but get prepared you right wing conservatives! Now, on to my point. Marry someone that brings you flowers or your version there of. The beauty and delicacy of flowers always brings me happiness. Daddy knows how much I love them, so he makes it a point to give me flowers when I least expect it. Sometimes, a beautiful, elaborate arrangment is delivered to work as if to announce to me and my colleagues how much he cares. More commonly, however, he arrives home from a weekly trip to the local grocery store with a haphazard, yet equally romantic, bouquet in hand. Figure out your version of flowers and spend your life with the person that makes the things that you enjoy important to him or her!

Pack Intelligently

In this day of airline companies nickel and diming us for all that we are worth, we are now required to pay for checking bags. Believe it or not, this wasn't always the case. Airlines traditionally allowed us to place our luggage in the provided and barely used underbelly of the plane while we sat in the pressurized cabin along with a small carry on bag. So, in order for everyone to save a few pretty pennies, practically 90% of the plane that we board is carrying their barely-under- the-size-limit and grossly over-packed luggage on the plane. What does this mean to you? I can only imagine that it will get infinitely worse as the years press on. Therefore, my advice to you is always pack wisely! Your grandfather (A. W. Ramer) taught your mother well. I hope to pass this packing wisdom on to you. Lesson 1) You can re-wear items. Especially if you are traveling abroad. Who is going to know? And even if they do, who cares? They will likely never see you again. Besides, you should be enjoying the sites and not stressing over what to wear. You are where you are for the experience, not to make a fashion statement. Caveat - I wouldn't recommend re-wearing underwear unless you wash them, but pants, especially, can seriously be re-worn. Lesson 2) If possible, stick with one basic color. Black or brown. This will cut down on the number of pairs of shoes required for the trip. Buy 1 or 2 great pairs of shoes that can be worn with everything. This strategy can also cut down on clothes. For example, one pair of pants or one jacket can be worn with different shirts and accessories to create new looks. Lesson 3) Select clothes that are not bulky and then layer! Lesson 4) Use every square inch of that suitcase, baby!

Let the Sunshine In

Statistics state that just 20 minutes of sunshine can give you valuable amounts of Vitamin D. Great! Add that to my list of reasons to get outside at least once a day. Sunshine, fresh air and a healthy appreciation for the sights and sounds of life (if you listen for them) can and should put a pep in your step. No matter what the weather might be, there is always a reason to appreciate. Here are a few things that I enjoy to get you started. On the perfect spring day, which let's face it is probably the easiest day to enjoy, you can enjoy 60-70 degree weather, the sun on your face, the sound of birds chirping and, if you are lucky, the smell of fresh cut grass. Really can it get any better than that? Summer brings BBQ! Who doesn't love the smell of something, anything, cooking on the grill. It practically forces you to pick up some 'insert favorite grilled food here' at the market and head straight home to fire up your own grill. Fall promises a new crisp air that can only mean jeans, warm sweaters, jack-o-lanterns, the smell of fires in the hearth and the beautiful kaleidoscope created by the changing trees. Finally I challenge you to also enjoy a snowy winter day when the wet white snow clings to everything thing standing still. It can really create an awe inspiring landscape. Appreciate the nip to your nose and the perfect excuse not to rush into work! If nothing else, it will help you enjoy spring, summer and fall even more! At this time in my (and your) life, we are blessed to live in a place where we can enjoy all the seasons. If and when you venture outside the Mid-Atlantic region, learn to appreciate the benefits of the seasons that you are able to experience in your new home. And, for gosh sake, don't take after your mother. I have found very few reasons to enjoy winter!

The Beginning

In this blog, I'm dedicating my time and thoughts to my daughter. I am sure it's not the first blog of its kind. Nonetheless, it is a compilation of 'letters to my daughter(s).' As I sit and watch her, in her current state of innocence, I am overwhelmed with things that I want to remember to tell her when she is of the age to understand. Unfortunately, the birth of my first (and possibly only) daughter has left me somewhat lacking in brain cells. So, in order to help me remember, I'm 'blogging' it. Today's version of a diary if you will! It may not always be completely profound, but they will be my thoughts on what I want to pass on to her....or really all future generations. Caution, I will be honest in this blog. So, my opinionated side will likely rear its proverbial ugly head. You have been forewarned. So, proceed with caution!