100 things I learned from my parents

It's another list -- surprise!

This one is unique in that I didn't copy the prompt from anyone, although I hope people will copy me. I have loved watching as almost everyone who reads this blog and has a blog of his or her own has caved and done a "100 stream-of-consciousness things about me" post. Those lists fascinate me even when the authors are strangers. People are just inherently interesting, I think.

Anyway, here goes -- lessons from the Loyds:

1. You can snack all you want as long as you're snacking on fruit.
2. Develop an appreciation for delayed gratification.
3. Choose a career you're passionate about.
4. Drive your car into the ground.
5. Then take it to Eastwood Service Station to squeeze more life out of it.
6. Then replace it with a used car.
7. God is not a Republican (or a Democrat).
8. Kids prefer cardboard boxes over almost any toy you can buy them.
9. Give generously of your time, talents and money.
10. The newspaper's public records section makes for interesting reading.
11. Be kind to everyone.
12. Never borrow to buy a depreciating asset.
13. Always cook more food than you think you'll need.
14. Stray cats are hard to turn down, but don't adopt more than one at a time.
15. Every porch needs a swing (bonus: tin roof).
16. Don't let your gas tank get below a quarter full.
17. When someone confides in you, keep it confidential, period.
18. Keeping abreast of current events is important.
19. The Dove soap sold at Family Dollar might be cheaper than the Dove soap sold at Wal-Mart, but it also might be smaller.
20. If you love someone, tell them so very often.
21. The purpose of life, essentially, is to glorify God.
22. No one who matters cares how clean your house is.
23. That said, try to dust at least once a week.
24. Wood stoves and French doors are important in a home.
25. If you think your car has been stolen, check your neighbor's driveway before calling the police.
26. Cheer for the Tar Heels.
27. "Life's not fair" is infuriating but true.
28. Clip and mail articles or comic strips to the people they remind you of.
29. Support local farmer's markets and produce stands.
30. Coffee tastes better if you grind your own beans.
31. If you keep something long enough -- be it blue jeans or a blue bathtub -- it will probably become fashionable again.
32. Everyone needs a mix of old and new friends.
33. Your children probably will not recognize most of the sacrifices you make until long after you made them.
34. If you have a professional license, strongly consider paying the annual fee to keep it current even if you're pretty sure you'll never use it again.
35. Never kill a nonpoisonous snake.
36. Prayer works.
37. Wear lots of sunscreen and reapply often.
38. Stock up on candy the day after Halloween, Easter and Valentine's Day.
39. Wear only one brand of perfume so others will associate it with you.
40. You don't have to answer the phone every time it rings.
41. Wall-to-wall carpeting is overrated.
42. It's worth paying a little more for a good haircut.
43. It's possible to have a great relationship with your in-laws.
44. Take care of your body, but don't obsess over it.
45. If you have fine china, use it.
46. Excellent health insurance is priceless.
47. It never hurts to ask.
48. A fence is a good theft deterrent.
49. Keep a secret key somewhere on your property.
50. Before leaving on a trip, double-check that you've turned off the oven, iron and anything else that could burn down your house.
51. Be on time when you're meeting someone.
52. If your car isn't very valuable, liability coverage probably is all you need.
53. Use an answering machine instead of paying for voicemail every month.
54. Invest in a set of quality pots and pans and take good care of them, and they'll last a lifetime.
55. Be a friend to the friendless.
56. Always keep some cash on hand.
57. Never let a guest's (or your husband's) glass of sweet tea run dry.
58. Turn off the television and have a conversation.
59. Despite your best efforts, your kitchen will always have one junk drawer.
60. Recycle religiously.
61. Sleep with the windows open as weather permits.
62. Use alarm clocks with battery backup.
63. Never show up empty-handed.
64. You're never too old to go sledding.
65. Or to have a sledding accident that requires stitches.
66. Take a multivitamin every day.
67. If you are a woman of childbearing age, make sure your vitamin includes folic acid, even if you aren't planning to get pregnant.
68. Think hard before buying clothes that require dry cleaning.
69. Make friends with waitresses at restaurants you frequent.
70. Shop triple-coupon events.
71. Never threaten divorce.
72. Support public education.
73. Some of the best recipes come from the side of the box.
74. Don't drive more than 9 mph over the speed limit.
75. Almost no situation calls for yelling at someone.
76. Don't keep a scale in your house.
77. Littering is trashy.
78. Choose your battles.
79. When in doubt, it's better to be a little underdressed than a little overdressed.
80. Another coffee mug might not be the best gift for a teacher.
81. Playing the lottery is not a good use of money.
82. It's worth the effort to keep real flowers alive.
83. You can't have too many books.
84. Spend as much time as you can with your grandparents.
85. Think for yourself.
86. Know where your home's water turnoff is.
87. Don't trade quality of life for more money or prestige.
88. Linger over meals.
89. Exercise the right to vote.
90. Thanksgiving dinner should not be in a restaurant unless the main cook is recovering from a heart attack.
91. Choose a credit card for its rewards, and never carry a balance.
92. It's a good idea to wear shoes when riding a bike.
93. Golf is boring.
94. There is only one "r" in "sherbet."
95. Respect other cultures and traditions.
96. Most towns have at least one museum worth visiting.
97. It's hard to kill a cactus, but if you're determined, set it on top of a television for a week or so.
98. There is at least one person in America who has never used an ATM.
99. Practical jokes involving Exlax are not funny.
100. Your mother is your best friend after all.

The worst part about this list is that I know I'm leaving out some great stuff. That's true for any list, though, I guess.

I love you, Mom and Dad!

Update 9/27/07 - If you liked this list, you'll love Lauren's!