11 Things I Have Learned in 2011

This is the first new years eve that I will spend quietly at home with just my husband and our dogs. To quote the wisdom of Blink 182,  "I guess this is growing up." In years passed we have had friends over, gone to parties, I dont remember some of what I did for reasons I will not delve into here... However, I thought now is a great time to take a look at what I would take into 2012 and what I would leave behind.
So here is my list, take it or leave it:

11) Time goes by too quickly (just as Kim Kardashian) 
The people and things in our lives may be gone in a moment, time with family is over in an instant, friends come and go, the ones we love can deploy over night. Simply put, the world will keep moving even if we try to stand still. Maybe I will take more walks on the beach, for some reason change is always obvious to me there and semi - permanence is normal.

10) The good friends watch your dog.

A good friend will make sure your dog has food, you catch your plane, you have something to eat for lunch, your bad mood is not really that bad, the complaints you text them about your husband stay confidential. These friends are indispensable. These friends have the key to your house and the key to your heart. Sometimes they even make living away from family feel like one long vacation.

9) Justin Beiber's haircut does not look good on everyone but encouragement does. 
It is always easier to tear someone down than it is to build someone up. I have to tell myself this every day.

8) If you were meant to have her life you would. If you were meant to have her size jeans...
This lesson is similar to the lesson of the beebs. For some reason this year I have run into many people wishing and hoping for the life of someone else. I guess what I have learned from this is put up or shut up. I think there is a willy wonka song about that.

7) WWDD
What would Dory do? Just keep swimming. Sometimes I think that the answer to some of life's more difficult problems can be answered in any given Disney movie. Notice a trend here? There are only but so many people in your life that are willing to listen to you bitch (save your facebook newsfeed). Those people are the ones that are rooting for you so do them a favor and keep on keepin on! Keep swimming, keep trying, pick yourself up by the bootstraps son. You get it... we have become a nation of, "meehhh but I cant".  We were born from a nation of, "if we dont then who will?"

8) If you write something on a 3X5 card someone will read it.
It is hard to say what you feel. Say it. It is important to someone.

7) Keep things in perspective 

It is too hot in July, it is too cold in January, it rains, your feet hurt, your job sucks, you aren't appreciated, you don't get paid enough...
Walk a mile in someone else's shoes.
















6) Laugh when it is hardest 

Laughter is the cure to most things. Guaranteed or your money back.

5) Keep your promises 
Dont say it if you dont mean it. Dont promise it if you cant keep it. Its simple really. Apparently, its harder to do than it might seem.

4) Say thank you. (You dont have to be Sarah McLaughlin)
Thank a Veteran, Thank their spouse. Thank a friend.... say thank you! Two words.

3) You are not entitled 
Everything must be earned. Nothing is free. I guess this is where the 3X5 cards come back into play.

2) Grudges are hard to let go of... Sarah Michelle Gellar would agree. 
Im still working on this one. Get back to me next year.

1) 11?
Everything we learn in a year could not fit in to a top 11 or even a top 20. It is important that we stop and take a look around. Goodbyes are never easy, friends leave, friends stay, some family supports us and some could never understand but every day offers a new lesson.

Cheers to you 2012... May all of the deployments be safe and short.