Before Eighteen

Liz, from Los Angelista's guide to the Pursuit of Happiness blog, tagged me with the "Before Eighteen" meme -achievements children should have before they reach eighteen. This is actually the fastest I've ever gotten to a meme. And here it is...

1. Post these rules before presenting your list.
2. List 6 actions or achievements you think every person should accomplish before turning 18.
3. There are no conditions on what can be included on the list.
4. At the end of your blog, choose 6 people to get tagged and list their names.
5. People who are tagged write their own blog entry with their 6 suggestions.
6. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged.

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(1) Have a well established DIARY. I think it is very helpful to anyone to have a diary and keep tabs at things they think about, how they feel about whatevers, and more importantly, their victories -what they overcame -even at a young age; what or who they fought against and how their fears played out and how they fought anyway- even if they lost. All these things help to build the person and will be there to rebuff whatever lie some adult is trying to cram down their throat.

(2) Get educated. Musical chords, game playing, history, how things work, science, math, whatever and as much as possible. Even if you don't retain a darn thing! Just the flexing of the muscles is great preparation for college, work, whatever else.

(3) Do acts of kindness. I sorta stole this one from Liz. But I believe it. Doing acts of kindness such as volunteering, babysitting, help clean a home, visiting other sick (non-contageous children) at hospitals, nursing home or something can bring out compassion in a person, but it also creates the community we all crave for.

(4) Have fun!
Clean, happy, good old fashion fun. Only too soon will many realize the cruelty of the world.

(5) Get a library card.

That is the ticket to the world!!! If you could get a plane ticket, power to ya.

(6) Learn a skill. Whether its crocheting, playing an instrument, soccer, chess, whatever. Having something you know you are good at can do wonders for one's self esteem. Especially on rainy days.

*Whew!* done! Now the harder part. Picking 6 bloggers to carry the meme torch. Problem is most of the blogs I read seem very serious minded (that or very Jewish topic oriented) and so I don't know if they'd be up to a meme. But anyway here goes...

Symphony at Essential Presence.
Grata at the Village
Iman from Everythings Grey (recently discovered your blog and have lots to catch up)
Mes Deux Cents from Mes Deux Cents
Tami from What Tami Said

There is a slot for one more...any bids?

UPDATE: The last slot goes to Ilio at his Zamni (friends) blog.