In case you didn't know, I'm really into the show "NCIS" (by the way, it's the Washington D.C. one, not the LA version). I didn't used to be really interested in all of those crime investigation shows that they have now days. But I love the characters! And one of the main characters, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has a famous list of rules. This website list all of them that we've heard so far and explains some of the inconsistencies. Just ignore all of the annoying advertisements.
Well, I have my own list of rules. Some may sound similar to Gibbs', some are completely different. Some are more metaphorical, and some are more literal. Some are funny, and some are rather cynical. Some apply to everyone, and some only apply to a few or just me. They all apply more to my life and interests. A lot of them have to do with my writing.
Rule #1: Never go anywhere without a book.
Rule #2: A good eraser is just as important as a good pencil.
Rule #3: If you get a good idea, write it down NOW. No matter how good an idea it is, if you wait, you WILL forget it.
Rule #4: It has to get worse before it gets better.
Rule #5: Don’t feel good? Drink some water. It’ll cure almost anything.
Rule #6: Always be an over-achiever.
Rule #7: Never go anywhere without a backup book.
Rule #8: If you wake me up early…you’re dead. If you interrupt me while I’m reading…you’re gonna wish you were dead.
Rule #9: Sometimes hope and faith are all we have...but it's all we need.
Rule #10: Don't over-think things.
Rule #11: Never smoke (anything).
Rule #12: If it seems too good to be true, proceed with caution because it most likely is (exception: God).
Rule #13: Save the good part till last.
.
Rule #14: Never go out with a guy that you would never consider marrying. Dating is not a game.
Rule #15: Have a list in your head of things to look forward to. It helps you get through tough days.
Rule #16: Sometimes the greatest thing you can do for someone is to just listen.
Rule #17: Every moment of your childhood is more precious than all the gems in the world. Take mental pictures and remember every little detail because you’ll never be able to rewind.
Rule #18: Make set rules and limitations for yourself and follow them. Otherwise you’ll never know when to draw the line.
Rule #19: A hand written letter will always be taken more seriously than an email or text, because it's more personal and you took the time. (Note: This is for personal messages. I wouldn't recommend it for job-related stuff.)
Rule #20: A shelf without books is like a heart without beats.
Rule #21: When life sucks you can always count on two things. 1) God loves you. 2) And now you have inspiration for all the sad parts in the books you're writing.
Rule #22: Never take two trips with the groceries if you can only take one.
Rule #23: You should always choose "morally right" over "politically correct".
Rule #24: Drinking is not a sin. Getting drunk is.
Rule #25: Be weird. It's fun.
Rule #26: Learn from other people's mistakes. Or...if you can't, then make sure other people learn from yours.
Rule #27: A few close friends is always better than being popular in a large crowd.
Rule #28: Perfectionism and procrastination don't mix.
Rule #29: Breathe air. Drink water.
Rule #30: Never give up hope.
Rule #31: When in doubt, make a list...or two.
Rule #32: When people ask dumb questions on purpose always give sarcastic answers in return.
Rule #33: 10:00 pm - 3:59 am is Night Time. 4:00 am - 7:59 am is Early Morning. 8:00 am - 11:59 am is Morning. 12:00 pm - 4:59 pm is Afternoon. 5:00 pm - 9:59 pm is Evening.
Rule #34: The volume must always be on an even number (an exception is double numbers...ex: 33 or 55), and preferably a multiple of 5 or (even better) a multiple of 10.
Rule #35: "If there is a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." (quote by Toni Morrison)
(I'm sure I'll add to this list as time goes on. However, I haven't made a post in almost five months, so I REALLY need to post this one!)
