Mark will bring an attitude of service, empathy and respect to our Family Court.

1. Always wear a watch and carry a pen.
Phones lose power, malfunction, lose internet etc. Rarely does a pen break or run out of ink, same for a watch. A tip from my dad.

2. Never hate anyone or carry a grudge for any longer than a day.
It takes too much energy to hate. Better to forgive, make amends or do whatever else is necessary to get rid of the burden of hatred. Another tip from my dad.

3. Telling the truth is easier than keeping up with lies.
I seldom screw up the truth but I am forgetful with and confuse my lies. One should want to tell the truth all the time for moral reasons, but it’s also pragmatic.

4. Fill up your car (if gas engine) every Saturday whether it needs it or not.
Never find yourself on empty.

5. Know how to read a map.
See #1 regarding iPhone failure. Know which way is north. Hint – the sun sets in the west.

6. Know which way to turn a wrench.
Hint – usually it’s righty tighty lefty loosey. True with most tools and opening/closing mechanisms.

7. Put time, energy, and effort into friendships.
Make efforts to call, send birthday cards, have lunch dates, plan trips, etc. The more you put into a relationship, the more you will get out of it.

8. Go to bed early.
My father used to say that every hour of sleep before midnight is worth two after midnight.

9. Exercise regularly.
It is easier to maintain healthy habits as a young person than to rebuild or establish them as an older person.

10. Read up on how to save money strategically.
Start planning for retirement now. Consider a Roth IRA – google it. It is far easier to build healthy financial habits as a young person rather than later on.

11. Do not be a prima donna.
But if you are going to be a prima donna, have an incredibly high-level skill or talent about which to be a prima donna.
Otherwise, be damn likeable.

12. When faced with a dilemma, the harder choice (often the choice that you do not want to make) is usually the right choice.