some things to ponder...

I'm going to leave you with some thoughts as I sit here and type this at 3:03 AM (yes, I know...why am I awake you ask? well, Cole woke up at 1:45 and here I sit...still awake, while the rest of my house is sound asleep- well, except for Sadie who is curled up on my feet under the kitchen desk. )..so here goes:

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Take into account the three R's:
* Respect for self.
* Respect for others
* Responsibilty for your actions.
4. Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you learn how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7 . When you realize that you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Do not bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to acheieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is the one where your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

- The Dalai Lama 2008


** I think 17 and 18 are my favorites...