I have Life's Little Instruction Book and firmly believe that it contains some great points. There are a couple that stick out to me... all of the time. 
- Own a house with a fireplace. In the last 15 years, every house I have owned has had a fireplace. I think I could count the number of fires I had in them on one hand... but I don't think a house is complete without one.
- Own a convertible. Triumphs and Jeeps. I'm out of Triumphs, but I will always have a Jeep. I understand why one should own a convertible, too. There is no way for the bad attitude to be contained. It just dissipates. It's even better with the doors off.
- Over-tip breakfast waitresses. They deserve it. I used to work a counter, and it is rough. Add to that the little old ladies (and gentlemen) that leave a quarter after sitting there for an hour... give a nice tip.
- Call your Mother. I lost my Dad to cancer in 1997... I talk to my Mother at least once a week. We don't always get along, but she is the only Mother I have, and I think she did better than the best she could trying to raise me. I was a handful.
So, why did we go through all of this?
I want to add my own little piece of advice. Do something crazy. Please note, I didn't say to do something stupid. (before doing anything crazy, please consult your doctor, lawyer, accountant and spouse... kinda makes crazy tough, huh?).
So, back to the insanity...
Let me give you a few examples of the crazy things I've done that have made my life worth living.
- Raced a sportscar. I ran SCCA Solo for several years. It was great. Anyone can do it... ok, almost anyone.
- Rolled a Jeep... ok, flopped it a few times. But, I drove up some trails that I would have thought impossible.
- Ran a marathon... ok, mostly walked... and didn't actually finish, but I could have. I will go back and do that one again.
Why? (I just looked up and noticed that I wrote the three Rs... Racing, Rolling and Running) Because it is those things that make the best stories. I mean really... which conversation will stop you in your tracks while wandering through the office party? "I took the family to DisneyWorld this summer" or "So there we were, the Jeep upside-down at the bottom of the ravine."
But, even better, it helps you push your own boundaries. I know that I can do things I thought were impossible. I know that applying some self-discipline will bring me to the goal I set. Some of those goals will be related to business, some to finances, others will be family. But, the ones that free me are the ones that are only related to goofing off... and goofing off in an over the top sort of way. But, when we step past our comfort zone, that is where we learn about ourselves. The growth we get from that learning is what makes us more able to do our jobs. (I keep telling myself that)
>>When I get the SO talked into the film scanner, I will be posting a much cooler variety of car stuff...<<
Unless otherwise noted, all content of this blog is the property of Lane Bailey, ©2012 Lane Bailey.
I'd love to hear from you...
Dan - The stupid/crazy thing is to make my lawyer happy... ok, I didn't ask him, but i think it'll make him happier than he would be otherwise.
Joshua - Get another one... right now.
I love it - I have a running list of 100 things I want to do before I die, when I cross one off, I replace it with something else. Amazing what you will do if you write it down.
Carpe Diem,
Chris Pollinger
Lane:
Great post. Makes me want to go off road.
Debbie - Boring people live in my comfort zone. Eating new foods has led me to some great finds... and some things that I can brag about while avoiding for the rest of my life.
Lazarus - Come on by. We'll take you out and get you doing things that will have you shaking... first with fear and then with excitement.
Ntsike - I never got the appeal of those... but my Mom never got the appeal of my Jeep, either. Heck, it was all worth it to see her as we drove down the highway without doors... next to LARGE trucks... and drop offs...
Chris - It's amazing what I've just fallen into. Sometimes I wish my blog wasn't so real estate focused... I've had a lot of fun.
Bill - Come on up. I'll find you a ride.
I talk to my parent's everyday! My dad is my best friend.
OK, the convertible...I learned to drive a stick drive a T7. Boy that wasn't easy, but I certainly learned the meaning of short clutch.
I own a Jeep, not convertible, but I love it!
And to add to the things to do list....Bridge Jump at least once in your life! I loved it!
Duane - I love that I get to spend lunches with my son.
Rodney - Maybe we have two chances... some people think...
Just an FYI... there is a big push to do away with wood burning fireplaces and wood-stoves. The rumor is that there is funding from federal levels for regions enacting certain Clean Air regulations. Disallowing fireplaces is one of the options being explored here. I imagine being pushed by people who didn't lose power for 5 days straight last winter. Or 2 days the winter before. Or in the ice storm. Etc.