The Gist

I just had a kid. This has made me think a lot recently about all of the things we learn as we go through life. Things like “leftie loosey, rightie tighty,” or that everyone should know how to drive a manual transmission and change a tire. That using room temperature butter is actually important when the recipe calls for it, or that you can remove water marks from a wood table with a standard-issue clothes iron. But also, that it’s important to stop and smell the roses, live audaciously and love fiercely.

The Big Ask

So hit me with that great life lesson your Aunt Matilda laid down at Grandpa’s 90th birthday party, that moment when you realized your Dad does know a thing or two. Tell me what makes for a safe driver, a fine host, a great house guest, the perfect date, or an excellent student. How about the day your boss took you aside and told you the secret to getting ahead, or when your professor gave you the mantra that got you through college. Your favorite saying, poignant moment, stain removal tip, or quote that changed your life. I want it all.

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Also, if forms like the one below give you the creeping fantods you can e-mail me directly at thea [at] nutgraf.net.