I Washed My Dishes #MFRWAuthor

And you say…so what?

I came across this 2014 commencement speech in the last year. Here’s a short clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgzLzbd-zT4

And also the longer one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgzLzbd-zT4

1. Make your bed

2. Find people to paddle with you

3. Measure the size of heart, not flippers

4. Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward

5. Don’t be afraid of the circuses

6. Sometimes you have to slide down obstacles head first

7. Don’t back down from the sharks

8. You must be your very best in the darkest moments

9. Start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud. Hope for everyone

10. Don’t ever, ever ring the bell

It’s my annual stress over the Saluki National time, which can on occasion be a circus. In the last four years I’ve added the stress by managing the event. At times I have wild delusions of how I can avoid going. It’s not the actual travel, it’s sourcing and acquiring for the event, ensuring the ‘lukis staying home are well cared for, packing up clothing for me, food for me, food for the dogs going with me, food for the dogs staying home. And getting the house in good enough order my house sitter isn’t appalled. Sometimes I almost get to the point of just not going.

Don’t ever EVER ring the bell.

I needed that today. Thank you Admiral for reminding me. I’ll be jumping into the sharks, paddling with my friends, singing up a storm and being our very best. I’m not much for making my bed but my dishes are washed and put away. I can see my counters! If nothing else I will have a clean kitchen. And some of the floors And…this is amazing.

And even more, THANK YOU and all those who made it through SEAL training for not ringing the bell, for working together, and for your service.

Leaving this behind for a few days