As Luck Would Have It. I have realized over time that a certain law applies to me; some call it Murphy's law and some call it fate. Whatever it is, it has tripped me up on countless occasions.

Being Irish and a Notre Dame student, I must admit that I have many things to be grateful for, and I have been on the receiving end of "the luck of the Irish" many times.

However, there are some occasions when I haven't had much good luck. These are the times I learned some crucial lessons.

Always accept the first date to the prom or a dance because as luck would have it, the prospects may only get worse. Just believe me on this one. I didn't have a prom date until three days before. I got picky, but it did end up working out okay, it just caused me a lot of unneeded stress.

The one time you decide to pull the wool over your parent's eyes and sneak out late at night, always make sure the dog is outside. Otherwise, the dog will think you are an intruder and bark loudly. There is nothing worse than having your mom appear on the front lawn in her nightgown and slippers peering into the dark at you as you are about to make your getaway. It is also a little embarassing to call your friends and tell them you aren't coming because, um, you got caught.

Always hang up the phone when it takes two "hellos" for the automated response to kick in and someone on the other end to slaughter your name. Trust me, it's a credit card company and if you don't have their card they are going to convince you that you need it. If you do have their card, they'll convince you to sign up for information on their latest promotion and charge you $50 when you finally give in. Never give in!

If you get discounted airline tickets always expect to have a delayed or cancelled flight. There are no free rides. If you fly during the holidays expect to be stuck in an airport for a day. It happens; most of us have been there ... winter break of last year.

Always tell your parents what you want for Christmas at least by Thanksgiving; if you don't, you might get nine books under the tree. Believe me, it is easy to be excited after unwrapping two or three books, but when it gets to four or five, it gets really tough.

Never stand in a bathtub that has just been scrubbed with Ajax. It is slippery! As luck would have it, you'll slip and break or twist something. It shouldn't have to be a $13,000 lesson; save the money and learn it now.

Most importantly, always follow your gut response in any situation. Most likely, it is right. If it isn't right, most likely you won't have lost as much as you could have and are safer in the long run.

Most importantly, always follow your gut response to any situation, most likely it is right. If it wasn't right, most likely you haven't lost as much as you could have and are safer in the long run.

• Little lessons lead to luck o' Irish