I've had the little book, with its glossy plaid cover, ever since it was released in 1991. I was 21 years old and already a fan of well-crafted, powerful words. So it was no surprise I picked up Life's Little Instruction Book: 511 suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life. And it's no surprise I have kept it with me for all these years, allowing it a lifetime membership on my bookshelf, where I can swiftly pluck it from its spot when I need a little inspiration.

Now in a worn, faded, and tattered state, this book is still one of my favorites. Its words are timeless, its messages are meaningful -- even more so now that I am 36 years ago. Now a college graduate, a one-time working professional, a wife, a mom, a writer, and a breast cancer survivor, the reflections printed in this book speak to me more clearly than ever before.

Here are seven of my current favorites from Life's Little Instruction Book -- written by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. for his college-bound son at a time when he had no idea the road map he provided for his child would come to serve so many others.

• Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it's just a daisy in a jelly glass.

• Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

• Choose work that is in harmony with your values.

• Don't be intimidated by doctors and nurses. Even when you're in the hospital, it's still your body.

• Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

• Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.

• Keep it simple.
  

I am wandering through the BC Cancer Foundation website to post on the upcoming Weekend to End Breast Cancer and I noticed The Underwear Affair annual fundraiser. Is it just me that has taken notice, but do some organizations just know how to make fundraising more fun than other organizations? You can ask people to donate money, but so many charities are asking for donations, and while each is a good cause, there is a certain burn-out factor and charity fatigue that can set in when people are constantly solicited for money. Why not offer an event that is unique and fun to participate in and age-related -- like The Underwear Affair, or a service in exchange for a donation like the college kids do in Odd Jobs Humanitarians?

The Underwear Affair was launched this year, and in the first year they raised over $500,000 for below the waist cancers -- that according to the organizers of this event state -- are the embarrassing to talk about cancers -- prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, and uterine cancers. The Underwear Affair hosted a 10K Run/5K Walk, followed by live bands, DJs and a dance, pole dance lessons and the bedtime EXPOsed afterparty. A contest was held for the best underwear costumes at the party, drawings for two new Vespas and a trip for two to Honolulu, Hawaii.

What do you wear to The Underwear Affair 10K Run/5K Walk and EXPOsed afterparty? Well, you can wear whatever makes you comfortable -- which might be exercise clothing. But you are encouraged to have fun, and the event planners suggest anything from trashy lingerie to your favorite well-worn plaid robe. That's the point. The encouragement of fun in raising money for cancer research into cancers below the waist and using frivolity to destigmatize cancers that embarrass some people. Hats off to The Underwear Affair!