Next Wednesday, your humble writer of this column will be 64 years old. A 1969 graduate of South Tama. A St. Joseph’s in Chelsea of the 8th grade in 1965. All wisdom, knowledge and understanding are now mine. Or should be! To all my fellow ’69 classmates–Are we really this old????? Well, wake up and smell whatever it is you smell ‘cuz we ARE THAT OLD. Here are some things I’ve picked up along the way.

Some days you are the pigeon while other days you are most definitely the statue. Deal with it.

Remember a pat on the back is only a short distance from a kick in the butt.

If it wasn’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.

Go ahead, sing in the shower. Who cares what you sound like?

Life is very simple; Just treat others the way you would like to be treated. Capeche!

Compliment at least 2 people every day. “Hi Karen, thanks for your nice e-mails from time to time.”

Wave at kids in the school buses.

Life is not Burger King. You don’t always get to have it your way.

Stop whining, complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. Right now! Stop it!

Don’t worry about what other people think. Heck, many of them don’t do it very often.

When you ask if your jeans make your butt look fat–honey, it ain’t the jeans!!!

Life can be tough and heart-breaking at times so when you get the chance to dance–dance as if no one’s watching. Enjoy the good moments.

The most destructive force in the world–GOSSIP!

A lot of things in your life will change, but we start with family and end with family. Love your family. Forgive them too.

Everyone seems normal until you get to know them better.

Be the first to start a conversation. A compliment is a great conversation starter. “My, you don’t look as fat as you used to,” is not a good starter.

If you get dissed, insulted or screamed at–wait 24 hours before retaliating.

Everyone’s on this journey called life–Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Their journey may be particularly difficult right now.

And finally, life is not fair. Get used to it.

These are a few things I’ve learned over the years. Don’t follow very many of them but I shall–next year. What are some of your rules? Let me know at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640.