Graduation!

Dan graduated high school last night!  It was a lovely ceremony and we were happy to have it take place after this past year.  He will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University to study mechanical engineering.  
​He decided to take advantage of their summer session, so he will be flying the nest in July.  He also found out yesterday that he was accepted into the "Emerging Leaders Program," which is a group of 44 (out of a freshman class of 3,000+) who take a couple of extra classes together and work on a project throughout the year to benefit the community.  They will also live together in the dorm that he wanted!  It will be a great opportunity to meet people and give back as well.  I'm really excited for him.

Earlier that afternoon, I gave Dan some presents, which included the book, Oh, the Places You'll Go, by Dr. Seuss.  His copy was unique, however, as I had gathered notes from teachers and other significant people over the years.  There was also every school picture, from kindergarten through his senior picture and one in his cap and gown as well.  It was a fun project and I'm proud I kept it a secret over MANY years. The video is a clip of him seeing it for the first time.  I wrote up some "words of wisdom" that I included below.  Some is Dan-specific, but some applies to all!

Live as the Eagle Scout you are.  Be prepared.  Continue to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. 
Act so your future self will thank you. Make good choices.  Not only exercise and eat right, but take a few minutes at nighttime to make your next day go smoothly.  Always know where your keys are.
Humor your mother.  You make me laugh and put up with my projects and overthinking — both are appreciated! 
Streak!  Pick something and do it every day, week, month, or year.  Run, drum, practice piano, make your bed, donate to charity the first of the month, take a picture on your birthday with your tiger — whatever you choose.  Strive to streak, but give yourself a break if necessary.
​Travel.  There is so much world to explore!  Keep your passport current.
Eat the gelato!  Always eat the gelato.  And return to Florence some day and get another sandwich at All’antico Vinaio.  
Ski the moguls!  Challenge yourself whenever you can.  When the bumps get too easy, find a steeper slope.
Meet your neighbors.  It’s never too late. 

Appreciate the little things: the full tank of gas, fresh snow, a sunset, smiles we can see again on unmasked faces.  Recognizing these small things will build a contented life.
​Live within your means and you’ll always feel wealthy.  Continue to invest!
Know your worth!  Not just in how fabulous you are (you are, you know), but literally how much money you have.  Always pay off your credit cards so you never owe interest.
Donate.  Give your time, your talent, and your money.  Keep a box somewhere for unneeded items and when it’s full, give it away.
Take pictures — often and quickly.  Have photos to remind you of a particular event, but don’t let the picture taking become the event!  Some lousy pictures make great stories.  (The one of us in front of Notre Dame Cathedral!)
Write things down!  Keep a journal when you travel.  Keep a “master calendar” of whatever type works for you and use it.
Maintain a to-do list!  Checking items off instead of deleting them turns a to-do list (or book in my case) into a record of things you’ve accomplished.  
Create a personalized grocery list for the stores you use.  Plan meals before shopping.  (You’re better at this than I am!)

Remember the Shredder’s Code when committing to a race or other endeavor
Say yes. 
Do the training.
​Smile! Photographers are everywhere
Enjoy the freebies
Commit to finish.
Hold hands through the fire

and... 
Always know you are loved!