What 2011 Taught Me

Perhaps I've said this a lot lately, but I'm awfully glad this year is almost over. I am ready for a new start. What has been interesting about this year is a good deal of the lessons I learned were from events that did not directly happen to me. The theme of 2011, for me, would definitely be, "Learn from the mistakes of others". Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of mistakes too. So, yet again, here is my list for what 2011 taught me. In no particular order...

*A friend you've known since birth will de-friend you (on facebook), but that dude you hardly know from work/school will comment on your every post.

*Some girls really believe they will shrivel up and die if they don't have a boyfriend at all times.

*Monks make good jelly... that is, they are quite skilled at preparing it.

*It is not wise to wear flip flops on a steep, rocky, dirt-covered hill.

*It takes 6-9 months for a toe nail to grow back.

*It is both interesting and rewarding to help students from other countries with their English homework.

*It is VERY important to keep your mind healthy.

*The one who "hearts" more, hurts more.

*When four, 20-something men share an apartment, it can get REALLY MESSY AND GROSS!!!

*"Logan's Run" is one messed-up movie!!!

*It really, really, really is NOT a good idea to date your co-worker. No, you're not different. It won't be okay. Just don't do it.

*Making cards is fun!

*The Intro to Film class I took was incredibly interesting. It almost makes me wish I would've gone into film instead of English.

*Teaching is terrifying!

*Math really is hard. I thought I just didn't like it because I was a dumb teenager when I last took it. Wrong, it is hard!

*When you whisper in a movie theater that is mostly empty, you might as well be yelling. It's a little something called acoustics.

*You shouldn't read a REALLY personal essay in front of your class.

*You probably shouldn't write a REALLY personal essay for an assignment.

*Someone rambling drunken nonsense on TV = Pure hilarity! Someone rambling drunken nonsense in real life = Frightening...terrifying...worrying...not sure what to do...etc.

*No one writes thank you notes anymore, especially for wedding gifts. That's terrible!

*Saying, "Hey man, thanks for the gift" on your facebook wall IS NOT THE SAME AS A THANK YOU CARD!!!

*I am NEVER planning a, "Let's get together outside of work" activity EVER AGAIN!!!

*People don't understand the concept of R.S.V.P!

*Girls will buy really, really expensive swim suits not for swimming, but so they can look good at the beach. That's fine in and of itself, but I'm talking about girls in UTAH!

*A lot of messed up stuff happened due to that freak wind storm we had a month ago.

*Apparently, it is kosher to let a shopping cart ram into the back of some one's car and just take off without so much as an apology.

And finally...

*I need to learn better to "Live in the moment". I miss a lot just by...well, being me and worrying too much.


I hope I can take these lessons and use them well so that 2012 will be a good year!

By the way, the world will NOT be ending tomorrow. I'm sure of it. :)