Words of Wisdom to My Son as He Goes off to College...

Take time to enjoy the good years, but remember the lean years, too,  so you stay grounded.

Don’t let academics get in the way of your education.

'Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.' Robert Heinlein (1907 - 1988).

Don’t sit back and watch life go by, get out there and experience it.

Participate in sports for the rest of your life, individual sports are nice, but team sports are better.  Men look up to athletes, and as they get older they will live their lives vicariously through the men that STAY athletes - it will open up friendships and doors that otherwise would not be there.

When you discover that you’re riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.

Do what you must do, then split!

Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.

Find a cause and champion it…but don’t let it consume your life.

When in charge, lead…from the front; set the example.

Lead, follow, or get the heck out of the way.

Stay away from poisonous people.

Nothing that most people say or do will ever amount to a hill of beans in this world; be someone who does.

Life is always fun when you are on a Roller Coaster.

There is no better feeling than a job well done.

Learn how to enjoy a cigar from time to time, it will open up doors.

You don’t have to actually be good at golf to be a good golfer; be a good golfer and you will be asked to play – a lot.  More open doors.

Find your balance between work and play for yourself…don’t try to keep up with everyone, or let anyone hold you back.

Don’t believe what you see on TV, ask questions and verify the answers…then form your own opinions.

There is no grand conspiracy within the government, no matter what Jack Bauer, or anyone else for that matter, might think.  Even if there were, you would go crazy worrying all time if you let it consume you.

Always plan for contingencies, your backpack may be heavier, but you will always be prepared.  The ability to contingency plan is one of the best skills that you can ever possess.