Latin School of Chicago

Latin Magazine Winter 2020

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9. Refrain from the tendency of those who live alone to ignore holidays and special occasions. Buy the kind of special treats I'd enjoy if I were invited to a posh party, put on a favorite but comfortable outfit and jewelry I still love too much to give away, and watch movies I've saved for those occasions. 10. And don't save favorite treats for special days. As Jacques Torres said, "Life is short; eat dessert first." 11. Refuse any recommended procedures ending with "opsy" or "oscopy." 12. Don't complain about things nobody else can do anything about. If something is leaking, broken, making an annoying noise or not working properly, find someone who actually has the ability to fix it. But keep in mind that some minor things are not calamities, and we just have to put up with them. 13. Remember that there's no shame in asking for what you want, but that doesn't mean others will always comply. Understand that sometimes their failure to respond has nothing to do with me, just with their busy lives. 14. Put things into perspective. Of course I can't do what I used to do. That isn't a tragedy; it's the price we pay for not dying young. 15. Caution my loved ones not to put me on life support unless there's a good chance I can recover sufficiently to enjoy a meal and conversation with friends. Remember when Joan Rivers said she no longer wanted to remain alive unless she could still stand on a stage and be funny? 16. Avoid people who make simple things difficult, and difficult things impossible. 17. Don't forget to appreciate connections I have with former students and friends, including one who sends me birthday gifts every year; a high school friend, just a year younger than I am, who still bicycles everywhere; and a writing colleague who bought a goat for a boy in Kenya to honor me on my 80th birthday. As I follow my "Kick the Bucket" list, I want to remember to keep saying "Yes." "Tell me more." "Come in."

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