Mom

In honor of Mother's Day, I'm gonna get a little sappy (for me) and write about some of the many things I've learned from my mom, who is super kickass amazing.

1. Have manners.
I truly think they're dying out. So many times I've witnessed people skip out on saying please, thank you, etc. I'm 25 years old, but my mom would still smack me with a hairbrush if she ever heard me be rude to someone...even by omission of please and thank you.

2. Be helpful.
I've noticed more and more lately at gatherings that don't involve my family - people don't help. People like to sit around and not busy themselves with the work that's going on. Food preparations, cleanup, helping someone lift something, things like that. From my mom, I've learned to get off my ass and lend a hand. The smallest task can help someone more than you know.

3. Less is more.
Beauty and worth doesn't come from how much makeup you cake on your face or how much money you spend on your clothes. It comes from what kind of person you are and how you treat other people. It's a simple thing, but one of my favorite lessons from Mom, and definitely one that a lot of people are missing out on.

4. Weird is a good thing.
My mom has the most warped, disgusting sense of humor ever. My friends often tell me that I'm a regular crosser of the "too gross" line, but I certainly get it honestly. My mom has a gift. She's got this fantastic way of making something that, if someone else were to describe it, wouldn't be so bad, but she gives you this stomach-churning description that makes you visualize whatever it is to the fullest extent.

5. Cry when you have to, but don't get bogged down in it.
She's been through a lot of tragic, horrible stuff, yet she keeps going and always handles herself with class, grace and fierce integrity. I wish I had half of her strength - which is always there, but, magically, never comes off as "hard" or unapproachable.

6. Think for yourself.
People are full of shit. Develop trust over time. Figuring something out for yourself is more rewarding. And, of course, the good ole' "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

7. Try new things. Learn new things.
Routines can be good, but deviating and doing something new can make for a much more exciting and educational time. Also, as smart as my mom is, she's definitely not a know-it-all type. She's always willing to learn something new.

8. Don't judge.
No matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, income level, whatever- all people deserve respect. Period.

9. Nothing like a little elbow grease.
Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.

10. Don't be a damsel in distress.
Make your own life. If you don't know how to do something, learn. Fight your own battles. Don't wait around for someone else to come to your rescue.

Love you, Mom.

I'll be back to my usual snarky self tomorrow. I promise.

Oh, and sorry about yesterday's absence. I was playing with (and trying very hard not to pinch) my newest nephew. He's an adorable, chunky little cutie pie...the urge to pinch was strong....but I didn't.

He did rip quite a bit of my hair out though, so perhaps a light pinch would have been ok.