Straight from My Mags: 21 Big Lessons from Little Kids

While on the verge of major changes in my life/career, I could not seize some time to compose and post anything here. Tonight however I intend to come out from my own 'sabbatical' from blogging and start something new here. I'd like to call it, well at least for now, "Straight from My Mags". You see, I have been a magazine buyer/reader for many years now and I have always found valuable lessons, ideas and tips - and a lot of good reads to boot - in the magazines that I read every month. So just a while ago I thought, why not share/blog about some of the things that I get from these magazines and in the process - perhaps - be able to remember or learn from them more by 'recording' them here. From time to time, I might inject some of my thoughts regarding a particular magazine article as well. But for the most part of it, it is really just about 'throwing' something 'out there' which has probably inspired me; or shoved me to think; or made me laugh; captured my imagination; or simply moved me - because who knows, another soul might find that "something" inspiring, funny, and valuable too.

So to open up the show, err, this part/category of The Quackroom, here's something from the October 2007 Edition of MEN'S HEALTH Magazine - Philippines. I like this article because aside from presenting a lot of great and moving insights, it also brings back fond memories of my childhood that leave me chuckling; reminiscing - while being pleasantly warm inside.

21 Big Lessons from Little Kids
(In bold letters are the ones that hit me the most instantly)

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Even when there's not a prize in the bottom of the box.

2. Sometimes it's best to be completely blunt with people, as you used to be with relatives who wanted you to do something embarrassing or tedious for a cheap prize.

3. Asking questions is how you figure things out. Lots and lots of questions.

4. An older, wiser Gordie Lachance says in Stand By Me, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12." Lachance is right. The trick is to try to be the friend you were when you were 12: fun-loving and loyal, with no strings attached.

5. Playing is work. Approach your downtime with all the seriousness of a 5-year old with a secret treasure map.

6. Real guys don't dip their toes in the water. They jump right in.

7. Girls have cooties. Well, the ones you meet in certain bars do, anyway.

8. You hated it when a grown-up told you, "We'll see." It's still unacceptable. Don't say it yourself.

9. The only way to know how something works is to completely disassemble it. (This is still good advice when tackling a complex problem. Your plasma TV? Not so much.)

10. There's a reason they don't give credit cards to eight-year-olds. You're supposed to save up money before you buy a new toy.

11. Your body was designed for running around, shooting hoops, and jumping off diving boards and stuff. In the secret language of children, the word "fitness" doesn't exist. It's called "having fun".

12. Your world can be half-real and half-imaginary.

13. Homework blows. Bring work home with you and it'll ruin your night. And your marriage. And your family. And your life.

14. Too much of anything will give you a tummy ache. Like, say, Scotch.

15. If there's even the slightest doubt, hit the potty before you leave.

16. The coolest adults were the ones who took the time to listen to you. You still want to grow up to be a cool adult, right?

17. Treasure Island, Dracula: The best books are consumed after dark with a flashlight.

18. Use adrenaline as your drug of choice. You don't need a beer, pot, or cigarettes to have a good time.

19. Kissing a girl on the cheek is a big deal. Kissing her lips is an even bigger deal. Seeing her naked for the first time is a major, life-altering event.

20. Going after a target in the urinal makes the time whiz by.

21. Seeing the thunderstorm roll in is better than watching HDTV. And rain isn't something to curse, but to enjoy. Hurry up, before it clears.