Out of the blue, they catch a mermaid who begs to be set free in return for granting each of them a wish. Now one of the guys just doesn't believe it, and says, "Okay, if you can really grant wishes, then double my IQ."

The mermaid says, "Done."

Suddenly the guy starts reciting Shakespeare flawlessly and analyzing it with extreme insight.

The second guy is so amazed, he says to the mermaid, "Triple my IQ."

The mermaid says, "Done."

The guy starts to spout out all the mathematical solutions to problems that have been stumping all the scientists in various fields: physics, chemistry, etc.

The last guy is so enthralled with the changes that his friends that he says to the mermaid, "Quintuple my IQ."

The mermaid looks at him and says, "You know, I don't usually try to change people's minds when they make a wish, but I really wish that you would reconsider."

The guy says, "No, I want you to increase my IQ times five, and if you don't do it, I won't set you free."

"Please," says the mermaid, "You don't understand what you're asking, it will change your entire view on the universe. Won't you ask for something else....a million dollars, anything?"

But no matter what the mermaid said, the guy insisted on having his IQ increased by five times its usual power. So the mermaid sighed and said, "Done."

And he became a woman.

• Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight, and height.
• Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really need a grouch, there are probably family members that fill that need.
• Keep learning. Learn more about computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Just never let the brain be idle.
• Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young, that is all you can afford. When they are in college, that is all you can afford. When they are grown, and you are on retirement, that is all you can afford.
• Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked to your distinctive laughter.
• The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves.
• Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
• Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond
• what you can improve, get help.
• Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country, but not guilt.
• Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity.

Remember, life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.