Not really words of wisdom, but a way of viewing things.
I went to the ER because of really horrible pains in the side of my stomach. It turned out to be a kidney infection. (I also found out I only have one kidney because my kidneys are fused together!) They did several ultrasounds, blood tests, and urine tests. When I gave them my insurance card, they said it no longer worked. So it turns out I had been having my whole visit uninsured. Which is funny because I actually called the hospital before going to make sure they took my insurance.
Then several weeks later the hospital bills starting coming in. I opened one. $3,000 or so. And then at the bottom: "Bill 1 of 3."
I started crying. I can't believe I live in such a country where my choices are to spend thousands on care or die from an infection. My father came home from work and cheerily opened the door, asking me what's up. I told him I just got one of the hospital bills as he sat down next to me. I told him the price.
He laughed and said "That's it?" Now, we're a low class family. We immigrated from Kazakhstan. A savings account is non-existent. We have a lot of debt.
He shrugged off the medical bills and said all that was important was that I was healthy and he was grateful for that. The money we would figure out later.
That type of attitude struck a chord me. Life isn't about money, why do we make it so? I'm lucky to have the family I have.
And in case anyone is wondering, everything turned out okay with the hospital bills. Later on, I managed to get reinstated on my insurance and because I was under 20, my coverage started on the 1st of the month I was reinstated, so my hospital visit on the 5th or so was covered. I got really lucky.
My mum would always tell me this when I wanted to talk to my dad about something. Thing is, I often still didn't get her support when I told her I wanted to fight a battle. God, I sound like a Pokemon Trainer
My grandmother always said "play to have fun". It was always fun playing cards, board games, etc. with her. Also this was my parents attitude too.
Nothing ruins a game of any kind, more than a sore loser.
Tailor the conversation to the audience. Some people like the details of my programming job, or whatever nuances of a new desktop computer I'm troubleshooting, or how I've tweaked my workout routine. Some people would much hear that I'm a programmer , I like exercise, and then hear about what TV shows I watch or what activities I enjoy at a very basic level. While I might like the nitty-gritty details of what people do, I was informed as a teenager that everyone is different in what they like in conversation, and to pay attention to how their listening and make sure I'm not talking jargon or delving too deep if they're not wanting that.
I still sometimes drone on though, and my conversations end up like this.
"When you give someone something to sign, give them the pen uncapped or ejected!" said by my slightly disgruntled father when I gave him a capped pen to sign a filed trip form.
Unlike that conversation, my dad is normally a relaxed guy, really he's taught me that you should do whatever you want to do even if someone else says otherwise... otherwise you'll regret stuff later.
Not my parents, my old maths tutor. He said, " Get angry, be sad, be happy and be frightened... But never worry. If something is going to happen, then why worry, its going to happen. If something isn't going to happen, why worry?" Smart guy. I never did too well at maths though.
My grandfather once told me over coffee that it didn't matter what I did with my life, all I needed to do was strive to be the best at it. Even if I was a brick layer, the best brick layer would never be out of work. I've always remembered that every morning when I start my day.
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That it takes a long time to build up trust, but it only takes once to lose it. I have taken it to heart and it has helped me greatly in life.
So true. You can only learn the hard way.
Not really words of wisdom, but a way of viewing things.
I went to the ER because of really horrible pains in the side of my stomach. It turned out to be a kidney infection. (I also found out I only have one kidney because my kidneys are fused together!) They did several ultrasounds, blood tests, and urine tests. When I gave them my insurance card, they said it no longer worked. So it turns out I had been having my whole visit uninsured. Which is funny because I actually called the hospital before going to make sure they took my insurance.
Then several weeks later the hospital bills starting coming in. I opened one. $3,000 or so. And then at the bottom: "Bill 1 of 3."
I started crying. I can't believe I live in such a country where my choices are to spend thousands on care or die from an infection. My father came home from work and cheerily opened the door, asking me what's up. I told him I just got one of the hospital bills as he sat down next to me. I told him the price.
He laughed and said "That's it?" Now, we're a low class family. We immigrated from Kazakhstan. A savings account is non-existent. We have a lot of debt.
He shrugged off the medical bills and said all that was important was that I was healthy and he was grateful for that. The money we would figure out later.
That type of attitude struck a chord me. Life isn't about money, why do we make it so? I'm lucky to have the family I have.
And in case anyone is wondering, everything turned out okay with the hospital bills. Later on, I managed to get reinstated on my insurance and because I was under 20, my coverage started on the 1st of the month I was reinstated, so my hospital visit on the 5th or so was covered. I got really lucky.
"Son, masturbation is like procrastination: It's only fun until you realize you're screwing yourself"
Love you too, dad.
Love it
My dad always said that a joke is only funny if everyone involved is laughing.
One time when I was a kid, my dad tried to hand me something, and I spaced out and got distracted and dropped it. Dad told me,
"You have to complete your actions."
It's something I still have trouble with to this
Good advice, but I'm more concerned that you are dropping things as soon as you get distracted.
"Ass, gas or grass; nobody gets a free ride."
I must be having a brain fart or something because I can't figure out what this part means.
Ass (sex), gas (money, or gasoline), or grass (weed)
"Christ, son, wear a condom."
Never quite put it that way.
Close enough! :P
That you have to pick and choose your battles.
My mum would always tell me this when I wanted to talk to my dad about something. Thing is, I often still didn't get her support when I told her I wanted to fight a battle. God, I sound like a Pokemon Trainer
My grandmother always said "play to have fun". It was always fun playing cards, board games, etc. with her. Also this was my parents attitude too. Nothing ruins a game of any kind, more than a sore loser.
Tailor the conversation to the audience. Some people like the details of my programming job, or whatever nuances of a new desktop computer I'm troubleshooting, or how I've tweaked my workout routine. Some people would much hear that I'm a programmer , I like exercise, and then hear about what TV shows I watch or what activities I enjoy at a very basic level. While I might like the nitty-gritty details of what people do, I was informed as a teenager that everyone is different in what they like in conversation, and to pay attention to how their listening and make sure I'm not talking jargon or delving too deep if they're not wanting that.
I still sometimes drone on though, and my conversations end up like this.
"Life is unfair, get use to it" First time I was like 5, it really sinked in when I was 17/18. It took some time but I have accepted it.
And now I see that a lot of people were never told that and it prevent them from moving on.
"When you give someone something to sign, give them the pen uncapped or ejected!" said by my slightly disgruntled father when I gave him a capped pen to sign a filed trip form.
Unlike that conversation, my dad is normally a relaxed guy, really he's taught me that you should do whatever you want to do even if someone else says otherwise... otherwise you'll regret stuff later.
Think twice, speak once.
From my mom:
From my dad:
Treat others as you would want to be treated.
Not my parents, my old maths tutor. He said, " Get angry, be sad, be happy and be frightened... But never worry. If something is going to happen, then why worry, its going to happen. If something isn't going to happen, why worry?" Smart guy. I never did too well at maths though.
My grandfather once told me over coffee that it didn't matter what I did with my life, all I needed to do was strive to be the best at it. Even if I was a brick layer, the best brick layer would never be out of work. I've always remembered that every morning when I start my day.