Neil S. Guide to Life

Remember the time I told you I was going to Florida to thaw out after DC's mammoth snow storms? Well, my flight got canceled. So I am not in Florida (but I did threaten to wear a bathing suit to all my weekend events and pretend I am frolicking on the beach).

I was supposed to be vacationing with friends Beth K. and Neil S. to celebrate Neil's birthday. So, if we can't be sunning ourselves next to the pool, the next best way to celebrate Neil's birth is with a Neil S. Guide to Life (similar to the Peter G. Guide to Life I created for Father's Day) here on W&CP.

If you haven't read the Peter G. Guide to Life, I suggest you do. It is one of my favorite posts but I am slightly concerned that we will be in a "you can never go home again" type of situation with this post (read: can a second guide to life be as good as the first one?). If anyone can inspire an excellent blog post, though, it is Neil S. So, here we go...

Social Media
The Neil S. Guide to Life encourages the use of social media in a tasteful way.

• When channeling Neil, consider selecting a few topics that are close to your heart and post related articles with links to your public profiles.
• When major world events happen, a video should be created featuring interviews with those around you.
• In an effort to stay on top of upcoming social media trends, one should occasionally visit the Google Lab and read related articles in major publications (including your roommate's thesis about Facebook).
• Purchase the URL corresponding to your name so you can control your online presence and properly manage your personal brand.
• For examples of best practices, visit Neil's Twitter feed, Facebook profile, and blog (Striving for Successful Days).

Technology
According to Neil's mom, when Neil was a little boy, his "favorite Fisher Price toy was a crude, even by late 80's standards, computer which he pronounced omputer." Today, technology still plays a significant role in the Neil S. way of life.

• If there is an opportunity to simplify something in your life using technology, the Neil S. way of life says "go for it!"
• When in doubt, buy Apple products. Subscribe to Apple eNews to stay up to date on trends.
• Because one should buy few, but high quality and dependable technology items, it is acceptable to purchase a new item as soon as it is released (after it has been well researched, of course). This is especially true for the new iPhone with upgraded storage capabilities.
• If you are in a situation where the purchase of a large technology item (HD video camera, for example) is not possible, consider taking one out on a loan from the library at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Dress
Practicality, comfort, and durability are important factors in Neil S. costuming choices.

• For most professional situations, a khaki pant and button down shirt are good staples.
• The Land's End line of "no iron" products are a standard go to for busy days filled with classes, teaching, meals with friends, and other activities.
• Land's End is also the go-to source for outerwear. When transitioning from one climate to another, one should fully embrace the need for warm clothing and purchase several coats and jackets on the shop's website.
• When getting dressed in the morning, channel the Neil S. way of life and remember this mantra: the socks should match the pants; the belt should match the shoes. This means that when wearing a khaki pant, one should wear a khaki colored sock. If a brown shoe is selected, a brown belt is a must.

Vernacular
The hallmark of the Neil S. vernacular is positivity. In most cases, a cheerful approach to life influences the word choice and tone one should use.

• If you're looking to channel the Neil S. way of life, wish someone a "successful day" as opposed to a "good day." This is also an applicable closing when recording outgoing voicemail messages.
• Whenever possible, use the word "whatnots" as opposed to "other things" or "et cetera" The word "whatnots" can also be used to describe several small appetizers.
• While in situations when plans are being made or logistics are being discussed, consider saying "yofi" in place of "sounds good" or "works for me!" The literal translation of this Hebrew expression is great or fantastic and is a nod to Neil's interest in Judaism and Jewish culture.

Cuisine
Products from California and other delicious whatnots are central themes in the Neil S. Guide to Life: Kitchen Edition.

• One should attempt to support the California economy while enjoying produce grown in the the Golden State. This is especially true of avocados.
• When in California, several local delicacies should be heavily featured on all menus including the date shake and El Pollo Loco.
• Efficiency and variety are important themes when selecting a grocery store in Neil world. Thus, Costco and Trader Joe's are two favorites. (Don't forget to try the TJ's brand almond butter and whipped honey spread.)
• Dessert for Neil S. is simple: Costco apple pie or frozen yogurt (from Toppings or Mr. Yogato). When possible, one should fully engage in all forms of shtick around a frozen yogurt store and steer clear of Costco carrot cake.
• Lunches should be packed with the proper gear. An insulated lunch bag (with "Mr. S." written on it in sharpie marker), Campus Entrepreneurs water bottle, and sandwich sized Tupperware are critical for proper food preservation and transportation.
• The proper item for a quick after school pick me up (or sideline snack) is an "orange smile."

Important TopicsThe Neil S. way of life encourages varied interests and a full and in depth purist of social justice.

• Consider subscribing to the NASA e-mail alerts to stay on top of all things happening in the world of space exploration.
• One should devote his or her life to the bettering the world. Neil S. has personally endorsed Teach for America as a primary way to expose education inequality and help to close the achievement gap, but many forms of world repair are acceptable in the Neil S. Guide to Life. No matter the cause you choose, strategically purchase branded items (such as a baby onesie) to not only support the organization you care about, but educate others about it too.
• Embrace institutions of higher education (Neil's love of UCSD's John Muir College is obvious in any conversation) and become active in their alumni communities. Purchase and don branded paraphernalia in a moderate way.
• In addition to the above pursuits, Neil's time is also spent conserving precious environmental resources (take Neil's lead and carry a reusable bag with you, change your light bulbs to compact florescent bulbs).

So, Neil fans, there you have it. There is so much more to our lively friend from the Left coast...so I hope you'll leave other Neil S. Guide to Life tips in the comments section of this post.

Happy 26th Neil! I'm honored to be your friend.