In addition to emphasizing education, I think we should teach our children to be less callous.  In other words, we need to look out for each other instead of just ourselves.  Unfortunately, the current trend is toward deteriorating ethics.  For instance, companies disregard the well-being of society and sell products that have harmful side effects--or are simply unhealthy--just to make money; thus, we also have to teach our children to be informed consumers. 

Quit your job and start traveling...I think those impulses are collectively called a "fool" for a reason.  I also thought of Yorick and memento mori.  Hopefully, nobody will be holding my skull and making speeches any time soon.

Work hard but also make time to relax and experience new things. 

Physically?  I want to visit every country in the world.  Intellectually?  I want to always go beyond what I already know. 

When I experience a conflict with another person, it is usually because I have said something too honest or let my pride cloud my thinking.  Luckily my candor keeps me from having many internal struggles.  If I have an internal conflict, it most often stems from the guilt of losing a friendship over having done "the right thing." 

More content with myself just the way that I am

I always feel the most loved when I realize someone has actually listened to me.  For instance: if a person knows my favorite flavored water, notices when I don't have on the watch I always wear, etc.  I appreciate that attention to detail because it indicates that the person made an extra effort, went beyond what he/she needs to know and noticed something because he wanted to.

I follow my heart in my head:  in my daydreams, that is.  This question made me realize how rarely I actually follow my heart.  I guess I'm afraid of the inevitable risk and vulnerability involved. 

Rather than being triggered by a particular period in my life, I think my imagination is most vivid when set into motion by a strong emotion.  I'll envision scenarios that are absolutely fantastic, just a magnification of how strongly I feel about something.

My father recently asked me if I had been keeping up with my daily scripture reading.  I brushed the reference off but realized that I needed to start that practice again.  It always gives me a different perspective when I read each day's devotional in The Upper Room.  Although I hadn't thought of my readings lately, my father provided that spark and I realized how much I missed that daily inspiration. 

The routine of making my bed in the morning.   I can't leave the house until it's done.  Of course, I'm also faithful to my family and a strong moral code.

I feel the most accomplished when I can help someone else do something or simply improve his/her life.  Being able to do so makes me feel useful, like I'm truly contributing to the world.

I would ensure that ALL PEOPLE respect the elders of the world, especially doctors.  I hate it when physicians give up on diagnosis just because of a person's age, thinking that the person will die soon anyway.  More compassionate doctors are needed.

First, we would have to be conscious of other people's feelings rather than persisting in selfishness.  Walk down the street listening to people instead of your iPOD.  Simply be attentive to the needs of others.

I look for corroborating evidence and determine the feasibility of the situation/statement in my mind.  I take a highly rational approach, but occasionally I'll end up simply believing something is true without physical proof.

When someone apologizes to me, I actually feel a little uncomfortable.  Being faced by someone else's humility makes me want to just blow it off and immediately grant forgiveness, simply so we can move forward.  Unfortunately, I have a difficult time apologizing to certain people, especially when he/she replies aggressively.  For instance, the annoying angry statement "You should be sorry" is particularly hard to swallow.  Doesn't that person know that both parties are wounded? 

There are a lot of areas in which I am indifferent:  golf, video games, the lives of celebrities.  However, none of these directly impact MY life.  I don't know that any part of my own life incurs apathy, except perhaps when I am indifferent to other people mocking my eccentricity.  (I would be severely depressed if I could not withstand that.)  Thus, I think indifference can be a valuable quality, but I also believe that people should be careful about becoming apathetic regarding issues vital to their health or that of their children.  For example, if a child is twice the weight he should be, the parent needs to take steps to improve the child's health.  Shouldn't people care about quality of life?

I am more likely to step in and belittle someone who is verbally--rather than physically--abusing another person.  Of course, it depends on the age of the bully.  If a six-year-old were beating up another child, I'd definitely step in.  I'm just such a lightweight that if I witnessed an adult struggle I would be afraid for my own safety.  I'm more comfortable using wit instead of muscle.

I really can't figure out what separates me from others.  To me, I'm just normal.  If I could locate the root of my eccentricity, maybe I could mask it when I want to fit in.  At work one day, a particularly malicious co-worker told me that if I realized how weird I was I would probably jump off a bridge.  Luckily, it doesn't bother me that much.  However, on those rare occasions when I would like to feel a sense of belonging, I often get depressed because I can't assimilate into the mainstream crowd. 

My parents are always watching over me...mainly in an overprotective, annoying way.  They only want the best for me, I suppose.  Also, a few of my coworkers look after me.  I think it is nice to know that someone outside my family actually cares. 

As for me, I have looked after my younger sister since the day she was born.  I am fiercely protective of her, and I will continue to harbor an intense loathing for anyone who ever hurts her. 

Actually, I tend to overestimate people, thinking that they will rise to my high standards no matter what their situation.  Of course, I am almost always disappointed.  It is a source of constant frustration for me to realize that everyone will eventually do something to disappoint me.  I expect far too much from the world.

I use my super stylish reusable shopping bags, which I store in the trunk of my ultra low emissions, fuel efficient vehicle.  Watch out for that cloud of smug!

I like to give thoughtful gifts.  Basically, I'll do anything to avoid a verbal admission of how I feel.  Maybe I should work on that.

I love to celebrate either an annual holiday or a special occasion, whether it is for myself or someone else.  I think it's important to acknowledge successes, and I love giving gifts, especially if I know what a person really likes.  I'll probably be one of those people who still gets excited about my birthday even when I'm in a nursing home. 

Send your kids outside to look at my clouds and play in my trees.  I won't give them a seizure like some TV shows.

In innocence; in loyalty; in self-sacrifice

I don't think I've ever cried out of happiness, but I hope it will happen some day.

Toilet paper must roll from the top:  NEVER the bottom.  After showering, the towel must be wrapped around the body starting with the tag facing away from you in one of the bottom corners--preferably the right corner.  Yellow highlighters are the best and therefore are the only ones allowed in the house. 

In addition to my many obsessive standards, though, I like to surround myself with people who genuinely care about each other and the world in general.  Selfish, spiteful people will not be tolerated in my circle of friends.  I have yet to compromise my integrity in any situation, and I hope that day never comes.   Maybe I should go knock on wood now.

When folding pants, the left rear pocket should always be facing up.  Clothes should be organized by sleeve length and color.  The bed should be made prior to leaving the house or the world will descend into chaos. 

I badger people who have slipped into mediocrity despite their potential.  I am often hardest on the people in whom I have the most confidence. 

My approach really depends on the person.  Sometimes I push until people reach their breaking points, forcing them to become better.  For other, more delicate people, I try to be as encouraging and optimistic as possible, over-emphasizing even small accomplishments.  (I usually expect less from the latter.)