adventures of mascarah.

1. Wait fifteen seconds before you say any fighting words. My old woman, she and I agreed to this a long time back and I can’t even tell you how many fights this has prevented. In fifteen seconds, your entire perspective can change and a calmness can wash over you. Trust me, those fifteen second pauses can save a marriage.

2. Holding a grudge is a waste of bloody time. You spend so much of your life with some chip on your shoulder, being angry just because you feel you deserve to be. Don’t do this - it only makes you more miserable. Learn to forgive early and whole heartedly and your life will be so much better.

3. It’s never too late to steer your ship down a new path. Many people think that once you start down some route you’re stuck, but the best things in life happen when you’re willing to turn the ship around and embark on a whole new adventure. Don’t be afraid of the unknown, be afraid of the routine boredom of the known. A life with no surprises ain’t a life at all.

4. Make sure you kiss the ones you love. Now I’m on and on with this sappy mess, but I’ll tell you - it’s been a good life if you spend more time kissing than fighting, more time laughing than talking. Try to laugh and kiss as much as you can muster.

5. Very few things in life are absolutes. But here’s one for ya: Sex is either good or bad. This you can be sure of. Sure it is better if you really like the person (or they have a nice body), but whether you love them or don’t know them - the sex is either good or bad. Period. No amount of love can make for good love makin’ if the love makin’ ain’t good to begin with.

Slainte!

[Lessons by my new Scottish Friend, Daniel, age 72, met in a pub at 2:10 AM]