Lessons I've Learned

Mostly the hard way.

I seem to have a habit of looking back on my life when it's coming up on my birthday. In honor of that, I'll provide you with some of the nuggets of wisdom I've uncovered along the way. 

• Don't trust someone who uses songs to tell you how they feel.
• Exception: if he or she writes you a song. Unless they do that for everyone. Then they're just kind of a music whore. 
• Don't go to work when you're sick. Nobody wants your germs.
• Tell your parents you love them. Right now. Go do it!
• Never turn down free booze.
• This only applies when it's someone you trust. Keep your body a roofie-free zone!
• If you have to initiate conversation every time, the other person probably doesn't really want to talk to you.
• Read books and watch documentaries. Knowledge is power!
• Random compliments to/from strangers can totally make your/their day.
• LISTEN!
• It feels good when you're able to admit when you're wrong.
• Author's Note: Well, that's stupid. This whole thing is an Author's Note. Side Bar? Sure, Side Bar: nobody truly likes being wrong. But when you're able to push back your ego, fear, pride, whatever, and admit you're wrong...it's a beautiful thing.
• Nature is pretty amazing.
• The most versatile word in the English language? Fuck.
• It's really hard to learn a new language when you're old.
• Laughing is the best.
• Politics would be incredible if the whole thing wasn't so dirty and corrupt.
• Thank you notes mean a lot.
• It's good to laugh at yourself. A lot. 
• Sometimes the best thing to do is walk away.
• Classic clothes are way better than trendy ones. But, if you're me, you want them all.
• Don't go home with someone you meet at the bar.
• Fun fact: my parents met in an Officer's Club-a bar-and have been married for almost 40 years)
• It doesn't take any extra energy to be nice.
• Bonus Round: it feels good!
• It's good to forgive your exes...not necessarily to let them back into your life, though.
• Sometimes two people really are better as friends.
• It doesn't matter how much effort you put into a relationship if the other person doesn't match it. (That one goes for friendships, too).
• There's nothing better than feeling loved.
• It helps to dance while you're getting ready for work.
• It's okay to be sad, and it's okay to cry. Just not all the time.
• Sing in the car, even if people stare. They're just jealous of your awesomeness. ...you just have to keep telling yourself that.
• Sometimes the scariest things end up being the coolest. 
• They say not to compare yourself to others, but that's really hard! 
• Besides...who the hell are "they" and what are they on? I want some.
• Nobody knows everything. Everybody hates someone that things they do.
• People say a lot of things to make you feel better about a breakup. None of it works. 
• There are very, VERY few times when "Reply All" needs to be used.
• Some people are just douchebags, straight down to their core.
• Relationships are hard, and life is confusing. But the ride is kinda fun. 

So enjoy my *earth-shattering* tidbits of intelligence. Be nice, laugh at yourself and others, and enjoy your own little ride.