6. Be on time. You knew I was going to say that, didn't you?

7. Fix it and forget it. Sure, take time to look nice. Do your hair, fix your makeup. Feel confident about how you look. And then here's the key:  forget about it. Focus on other things than how you look from there on out.

8. Wear a robe as needed (via your honorary aunt Christie's hard-earned wisdom).

9. The left lane of the freeway is for passing. Or at least for going fairly lickety split, not moseying or going the same speed as the car next to you.

10. Always go to the funeral.  Here's why.

. . .

With the first of my children leaving home in the next few months, I'm writing occasional Liner Notes, bits of advice to my kids concerning my take on how to be a gracious, awesome grown-up-type person (both trivial bits and major advice). Why "liner notes"? Because, back in the day, I pored over the liner notes of my cds, curious to find the story behind the music. That's what I hope this will be: the story behind the music of growing up and setting off on your own. (Or at least a ready-made catalog of how you can avoid making my mistakes.)

. . .

photo via sapling press