Lessons Learned

Now presenting, in no particular order, the top ten things I've learned (thus far) from being a wife, a mother, a teacher, and dare I say it, an adult:

1. Men are more immature than women. They always will be. Deal with it. It makes life interesting.

2. Whether it be for better or for worse, resist the urge to compare your children to others. Everyone, thinks their child is a genius. It's fine to be proud and share their accomplishments, but there is a fine line between sharing and bragging. And bragging is uncouth and quite frankly, irritating. Likewise, don't worry if your neighbor's kid is doing multiplication problems at four years old while your trying to get your kid to stop picking his boogers. It happens. Be informed. Know what is and is not "normal". If you are concerned about something, then speak up. There's no shame in asking for help.

3. Work hard, but don't be a workaholic. If missing work bothers you more than leaving your sick child while you go to work, then you have a priority problem. We've all had to call on reinforcements from time-to-time, but I can tell you right now that while I love my job, I love my family more.

4. Taking number three into consideration, when at work, do your job and do it well. I have a friend at work that always says "focus on the task at hand". Such great advice.

5. You don't play until you pay . . . your bills that is. One of the biggest and best lessons I learned from my parents.

6. Credit cards are not the devil. They can actually be quite useful. Americans use them irresponsibly. It's not the credit card company's fault that people run up bills beyond imagination. Okay, enough on finances.

7. Don't procrastinate. You'll regret it later.

8. Take risks in life. One of the biggest and best lessons I learned from my husband.

9. Shut up!  This is my motto. "Shut up Courtney! Shut up Courtney! Shut up Courtney!" If only I listened better.

10. God first, spouse second, kids third, extended family fourth (if possible), everyone and everything else follows. When your priorities are right everything just seems easier.