7.27.2008

A Thing a Year - Part the Third

24. The human metabolic system is a finicky, annoying thing to deal with through the course of a lifetime. But, essential to life and all that crap.

25. Sometimes, I need to be reminded just how good I have it, and what a great number of blessings I have in my life. This also goes for most people I know.

26. Walking on a cold, snowy evening, where the blanket of snow falling is so thick that just about the only thing you hear is the snow crunching and squeaking underneath your feet: One of the best ways to sort through your thoughts.

27. Doing a job that you love has a way to make a work-week feel not at all like one.

28. It's easy to say that you wish thing thing or that thing hadn't happened in your life, or the life of a loved one. But, it should always be remembered that we are who we are because of the road we've traveled.

29. Everyone should write, even if they're not a writer and no one will ever read it. You will be amazed at what you learn about yourself through the process of writing.

30. Tattoos are a wonderful thing, but should be considered long and hard before acquiring them. 5 years was just about right for me.

31. You can't have enough pictures of your child or pets.

32. Getting back in shape at 24 was a much easier thing to do than at 34. "They" weren't kidding.

33. It's always good to take every opportunity to tell a loved one that you love them. Always.

34. A rudimentary education will take about 13 years and last you from Kindergarten through secondary school. A good education will encompass some years at a university as well. A *great* education is the one that seeks no end, and allows you to soak up new knowledge from every aspect of your life.

7.26.2008

A Thing a Year - Part the Second

13. Delayed gratification is a bitch. But, still probably for the best.

14. Drinking 1/2 an ounce of water for every pound you have, every day - no exceptions - leads to feeling better and actually losing weight. Weird.

15. Sports are a universal unifier, bringing together people despite economic and social boundries. This is a good thing.

16. It's tough to hate family, even if you want to. This is also, probably, a good thing.

17. Everyone should grow up knowing the joy of a New England snow day; a foot of new snow on the ground, bundled up to feel like the 'Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man', and off to play with friends for a day of uninterrupted sledding, snowball fights and football.

18. There are at least 2 different ways to give The Finger in the United States. While only 1 is the correct way (oh yeah, that's right, I said it, Zen Mike), both will land you in jail in Midland, TX.

19. It's best to avoid angering bouncers who have significant others in law enforcement.

20. Hockey is the best sport, ever, hands-down.

21. Some people think that high school was the worst years of their life, while others think that it was the best. Either way, it's still probably best to leave it in the past, to be re-hashed over copious amounts of alcohol, 5, 10 and 25 years down the road.

22. "A best friend is one soul sharing two bodies." I heard this anonymous quote years ago, and loved it immediately. Although it's kind of cheesy, it's really the closest description I can think of for someone who knows you so deeply without any reason why.

23. Pizza is the best food, ever, hands-down. I once told a friend of mine, "You'll know when I'm sick because it's the only time I'll ever turn down pizza." I was 18 at the time. It's still true 16 years later.

To be concluded...

7.25.2008

A Thing a Year - Part the First

A Thing A Year - 34 Life Lessons I've Learned:

1. Attitude is everything. When you're down in the dumps, life dumps on you more. When you stay positive and happy, you'll be amazed at what you can do with just scraps and a smile.

2. The first axiom is much easier believed than put into practice.

3. Money isn't everything. But, everything wants money.

4. A day spent without music is like a black and white film - what's going on might be great, but something seems to be missing...

5. A good writer is a great reader. A great writer...well, I need to go read...

6. Everyone should experience a summer night in a place where you can see the stars overhead and hear the crickets all around you.

7. Never be afraid to try new foods. You never know when you're going to find your favorite food.

8. Always take time in your day to do something you love. Even if it's just 5 minutes with a great book, or on the phone with your best friend/significant other. Those 5 minutes can make a long day bearable.

9. It's too easy to forget the joy of being a kid. Do things as an adult that take you back there...walk...ride your bike...skip...make random snow angels or stop to jump in a puddle.

10. There's no way to accurately convey to a non-parent what it's like to be a parent, because there's no way to describe how someone can make you feel worse about life than you ever have, while at the same time making you feel happier than you ever than you ever thought possible.

11. The only mark many of us will leave on this earth will be a negative one - we should all be striving to make positive changes in this world to contribute to it instead of constantly taking.

12. Dogs are the best friend a kid can ever have.

To be continued...