Top Ten!

In honor of Father's Day, I decided I'd share the Top 10 things my Daddy has taught me over the years.  Some he taught me because he has told me over and over (and over).  Some I've learned by watching and looking up to him.  Either way, hopefully this will be a good list and one day Barrett and I can instill these in Champs!  Or hey - maybe Champs will actually read my blog when he's older.

Thank you Daddy for your wisdom, encouragement, support and love.  You are a special one!!

Here we go, top 10, in no particular order!

1 - Keep your Faith first.  There will be times in your life that this is the only thing that will get you through.  Plus, God in your heart makes you feel full and happy.  Find time everyday to pray, meditate and be with God.

2 - After faith is family.  There is nothing like your family.  They are with you through thick and thin and love you unconditionally. The way my Mom and Dad love each other inspires me with my own marriage.  They will have been married 35 years this year (and dated for 15 yrs before that) and their love is as strong as ever.

3 - Never be afraid of asking too many questions.  Asking questions is how you learn!

4 - When you meet someone, give them a firm handshake (yes, ladies too!), look them in the eye and repeat their name b/c it will help you remember it.

5 - Everyone has a story and something interesting to share.  Get to know people - as many as you can.  People are incredibly intriguing and you truly can never tell a book by it's cover.

6 - When you go to a restaurant, be sure you are happy with your table.  If not, tell the hostess you'd like to move.  Though it may seem annoying, if you ask nicely, a good table (window seat, booth, etc) makes for a much better meal experience!

7 - There really is something in these hills.   There are few places in the world like Clemson, SC and Clemson University.  I am proud to have graduated from the same University where my Granddaddy, Dad, husband and brother graduated.  It's a special place and my dad was the first to share it with me!

8 - Be careful what you put into your body.  The less ingredients on a label, the better!

9 - God created an exquisite world for us to live in.  Take time to look around and appreciate it.
Whether you're on vacation in a new place or on your way home from work, there is beauty all around.

10-  Don't be afraid to take a risk.  Some of those risks will end up being the best decisions you'll ever make.  And if they aren't.....what's the worst that can really happen if it's bad.

And one more as a bonus: - Be true to yourself.  My Daddy has told me this since I was a little girl.  Whenever there is adversity, peer pressure, tough decisions to make....Be true to yourself and you'll do the right thing!