Mimi

Sassy, little and loud, this is a woman who stands out. I am lucky to have her in my life and am lucky to have inheritied parts of her (I will let you decide which ones).

Mimi is the nickname of my grandmother, Anna Margaret Jones. She prefers not to be called a grandma, as "that is for old people," and she is only 90 years young.

She is someone who almost always keeps a positive attitude while being forward moving and positive thinking.

Her favorite expression is "That is stupid and dumb;" or the alternatives, "They are stupid and dumb," or the worst, "You are being stupid and dumb." These can be at times uplifting (when you break up with a boyfriend) or horrifying (when you have given her a gift you thought was nice).

Top 8 Things I Have Learned from Mimi

1. Always be honest. Mean what you say and don't beat around the bush.

2. Keep the people closest whom you like the most. Why waste time with the others? I hope I have my same friends 60 years from now when I am Mimi's age (she has the same friends from the first grade).

3. Give as much as you can. You can't take your money with you when you are gone so give it now. See where there is a need, big or small, and get in there and help. Whether its a donation of time, food, money, whatever you can give, give!

4. Family and friends are the most important things in life.

5. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. God already knows and He is the only one who cares so get on with it!

6. Cookies are done, people are finished (translation - use correct grammar).

7. Know table manners. You can then sit with anyone and look like you know what you are doing. (If all else fails, start from the outside and move in).

8. Have more than one child. Its good for them.