Just before my 31st birthday, with 2 of my favorite girls.

I turned 31 this week, much to my dismay. On some of my past birthdays, I’ve look at myself and say, “Damn, you look pretty good for (insert age here).” Not this year. California and the stress that has come with it has aged me. But I don’t think that is all negative. The time I have had for self reflection, both positive and negative, have made me a more complete person. Whether that has made me a better or worse person, I will let you decide, but onto the point of this post. I have learned so much in my time, and I thought I would share some of the most important points with you.

1. Always live life by the Golden Rule. I don’t think much explanation is needed here.

2. Ask for forgiveness when you don’t have time to ask for permission.

3. Scrap number 2, because you are going to worry yourself sick about getting in trouble. Just ask for permission instead.

4. Cherish the small moments. For me, even just my fiance kissing me on the forehead can make all the difference in my day.

5. Never, EVER pass up an opportunity to pee. (I have to thank my dad for this one.)

6. Live life for yourself, because frankly, no one else cares. Your memories have to be for you.

7. Dessert, mostly cupcakes, is sometimes the answer.

8. A hot shower is ALWAYS the answer. Note: do not try to combine numbers 7 and 8. Icing is too precious.

9. Home is where your mom is.

10. The best way to start your day is with a funny YouTube video.

11. Always take a sweatshirt.

12. The good stuff (donuts, gummy bears, jelly beans, etc.) always makes your stomach hurt. Eat it anyway.

13. Every person you meet is meant to bring you something that you didn’t have before. There is a reason for it all.

14. Sometimes you just have to skip.

15. Galloping works too.

16. Snuggling is the best thing ever created. Pets, people, pillows, whatever.

17. When you need to be reminded that you are a sane human, just turn on the Real Housewives of Anywhere or the Bad Girls Club.

18. If you are with me, and I am unpleasant, feed me. Chances are it will get better

19. Going to Target and just walking around is an acceptable form of social interaction.

20. Can’t think of what to fix for Breakfast, Lunch, Snack or Dinner? The answer is always Breakfast food.

21. The best thing about music is that you can always find a song to support your mood.

22. Three words: EDDIE WOULD GO.

23. Like attracts like.

24. Your parents were always right.

25. It is much easier to get mad and scream in your car when other drivers on the road are stupid than accept their bad driving as “just something you have to deal with.”

26. There are very few priceless things in life that are physical objects.

27. Time heals all wounds. Scars may remain, but the pain will fade.

28. The best way to reset your mind is by doing something that makes you feel like a kid again.

29. The best feeling in the world is putting on a new pair of socks.

30. A morning without caffeine is not a great morning

31. Life will throw so many things at you. Take each one in stride, and enjoy the roller coaster ride that awaits you.