10 Things I’d like my friends to do for me.

1.) Google their own name.

You may be surprised that your phone number and name are out there in Google. You may realize that the first link for your name is a website that shows you waterskiing while drunk. Just play it careful - you can do things to protect your identity and you should. At the same time, we are all living 100% in the clear and everything we do is reflective of who we really are on the net.

2.) Do something artistic.

This is hard, and I admit it's something I have a hard time keeping up, but I would really love it if all the people I cared about took the time to do something artistic. I'm not saying "be a great painter" or "master hurdy-gurdy music" - just something small and interesting and artistic. Like coloring, needlecrafts, writing a poem, learning to tie silk ribbons, whatever.

3.) Drink more water.

You're probably dehydrated right now. Get yourself a glass of water. You'll feel better.

4.) Do something with your significant other* that is fun and has nothing to do with bills, children, chores, or money.

This is vital. Lack of this is what makes couples feel like just room-mates in their own house. Make it a date and keep the date. You can do this even if you have newborn babies - you should do this especially if you have newborn babies.

5.) Try something new.

A new food, a new way home, a new book, a new article of clothing, something new. Try it, please.

6.) Teach someone what you know.

You can show your nephew how to make biscuits or videotape yourself laying down tile. Show us what you know, the inside game of the things you do.

7.) Tell me what's up with you - the good and the bad.

Many times I think that journals and the like show the "press release" version of people's lives. Kind of like holiday newsletters: it seems that all the kids are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the women are above average.
I know, I've been that way myself, and it's a struggle to find a balance between seeming like you're whining continuously and actually publishing the truth. Hey, if I'm your friend, I want to know about you, warts and all. I can handle the truth!

8.) Practice listening first to understand.

This is hard for me to do, too. Listening first with the objective of understanding means you have to slow down, take your time, pay attention. It means hearing the whole of the statement rather than just the first 20 seconds of it. It requires an attention span that some people just don't have, but I'm encouraging you to try. It helps. It makes everything better.

9.) Call me on my fails, praise me for my wins.

Yeah, if I screw up and hurt you, I want to know. Yes. I also want to know when I do something that pleases you or tickles you or makes you grin.

10.) Write a list like this for me.

Please? I want to know more about you. Even if I know you really well, I feel like life is a journey and I'm damn glad you're along for the ride with me.

* If you don't have a significant other, make sure you're taking good care of yourself for me, OK?

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  By Nycteris, July 15, 2009 @ 11:31 pm

  In honor of your list I'm going to go get a drink of water right now!

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  By Daniel M. Perez, The Gamer Traveler, July 15, 2009 @ 11:41 pm

  #1- I'm pretty good there. Most links are for my stuff, and there's nothing I already know is public (though I did find my review of 10 Days in Europe on the Out of the Box Games website!). The images are ok as well.

  #2- I think I got that covered with various things I do.

  #3- Working on it actually. Will get some after I finish this.

  #4- Every month at least one day we do that, usually more. We're good on that aspect.

  #5- Going into Nursing; that's as new as it gets with me! http://dmperez.com/2009/07/12/a-new-professional-goal-nursing/

  #6- Been teaching my cousin about 80s hair metal.

  #7- I think you know what's up with me at the moment.

  #8- Always working on that.

  #9- Sure thing.

  #10- This works?

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  By SambearPoet, July 16, 2009 @ 4:52 am

  Awesome, Daniel, thanks!!!!! (And re: Nursing, heck yeah, you go!)

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  By SambearPoet, July 16, 2009 @ 4:53 am

  I'm glad! I thank you, and your kidneys thank you

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  By Nycteris, July 16, 2009 @ 8:39 am

  And after I said that, I totally forgot to drink the water. Doing so now, whoops!

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  By leon dale, July 17, 2009 @ 11:29 pm

  wow, great post.
  I'll add what I can of your list to long term memory!
  maybe make a vid on some skill or insight to teach.....

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