Somethin' For the Ladies

...and there might be something here for you Fellas to take away as well. I'm all about equal opportunity :)

During my time blogging, I've rarely posted memes or lists...very little of what wasn't my own thoughts or feelings. However recently, while searching for an old friend's address, I came across an email that I've had for almost 10 years now. It's two lists, targeted towards women, but there are definitely a few things on the lists that aren't necessarily gender specific.

For those of you who may have received these lists before - hopefully they will be something you'll enjoy reading again. For those of you who have not - hopefully they will prove to be lists that you, too, will want to hold onto.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come.
2. Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want or need to.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you're content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you're actually going to have an old age and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
9. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
10. A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
11. Eight matching plates, wineglasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored.
12. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
13. A feeling of control over your destiny.
14. A skin care regime, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next.
6. How to have a good time at a party you'd never choose to attend.
7. How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you'll get it.
8. That you can't change the length of yur calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
9. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.
10. What you would and wouldn't do for love or money.
11. How to live alone, even if you don't like it.
12. Who you can trust, who you can't, and why you shouldn't take it personally.
13. Where to go - be it your best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the woods - when your soul needs soothing.
14. What you can and can't accomplish in a day, a month or a year.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

Amazingly enlightening, huh? Makes you think - do inventory - of your home, your life, your finances, your heart, your soul.

I'm totally feeling #15 of the second list. I honestly believe that I didn't really start living - didn't really get to know me and conduct an honest soul search - until 30. It was at the very beginning of my 30th year that I felt my life was falling apart - and at the every end of my 30th year that I felt it coming back together. An ending making way for a new beginning - a rebirth. I certainly have some very fond memories of life before 30 (my four years at Howard U. were the four of the greatest years of my life) - but I still feel like the BEST is yet to come!

So continue to live lovely lives Ladies - and whether they/it appears on the lists above or not...strive to HAVE the desires of your heart and to KNOW more today than you did yesterday.

GIRL POWER!