29 Things I’ve learned from Living with my 92 year-old Grandmother.

1. Don’t ever underestimate the power of folding your clothes properly, ironing everything and spending a few extra dollars to have your clothing tailored to fit you well.
2. When receiving a present, always think about who you can re-gift it to – not because you are cheap, but because you’re fortunate and never need it more than someone else out there (but it is okay to keep the really good ones…).
3. Always wear lipstick.
4. Don’t ever forget that when you are young, you should enjoy it. This means sleeping when you can, and operating on a lack of sleep when it means another time to enjoy your youth. Friends are forever, but don’t live forever. Never feel the need to defend yourself for enjoying your life. One day, your butt will be stuck sitting down and you’ll wish it was still boogying.
5. Control over the thermostat can be quite a contentious issue.
6. Mean girls exist no matter your age. Don’t be naïve.
7. (already a mantra, but reinforced) Talk to anyone and everyone, whenever and wherever you can. Don’t worry if whoever you’re with is embarrassed or uncomfortable because of it. This is how friendships begin, spirits are lifted, gaps are bridged and stories are started.
8. When in doubt, more hairspray.
9. When you think you’ve used enough hairspray, add another layer.
10. QVC actually sells some decent items.
11. You can survive without wi-fi. Cherish being disconnected with those you love, but expect Steve Harvey’s voice to be playing in the background.
12. Always write thank you notes in a timely manner.
13. Oftentimes people who say they are hard of hearing can hear a whole lot more than you would think.
14. Spending time with those who raised you is the most valuable gift you can give. You may not receive a thank you note or even a thank you for all the chores you’ll do, errands you’ll run and favors you’ll give as a result, but then again, do you think four year-old you ever thanked them for everything they did? You have the power to change someone’s day just because you put aside time to spend with them. You can provide love to someone when those feelings may sometimes feel like a distant memory to them.
15. If you can, write down your stories. Live a life that you are proud to put on paper, or, at the very least, would be an entertaining read.
16. It’s A-Okay if you forget what day it is.
17. You’re never too young to use eye-cream. The cheap stuff is just as good.
18. Why would you ever buy Q-tips or paper plates anywhere else besides the dollar store?
19. Speak your mind. Air your grievances. If you’re wrong, well, you’re wrong. You’ll figure that part out when it comes to it.
20. If you are invited to an event and believe someone else should have also been included, don’t be scared to ask the host to extend an invitation.
21. Keep track of what you make mental note of and what you’ve actually communicated out loud. You can avoid a lot of confusion.
22. Always keep something in the home to serve unexpected guests. It may seem old-fashioned, but it’s never a bad idea.
23. Check your receipts before you leave a cashier.
24. You can never have too much closet space, too many shoes, or enough extra toilet paper.
25. Get up and get dressed every day. It’s perfectly fine if “getting dressed” just means changing into a fresh pair of pajamas.
26. There will always be challenges in your life that are beyond your control.
27. Forgive yourself for past mistakes.
28. Apparently, don’t date a Scorpio. Ever. She means it.
29. One day, my grandmother WILL win the lotto.