In some cases, the answer is an unequivocal “YES!”

But that’s not the only lesson 2008 has taught (or in some cases, re-taught) me.

A few other areas of study:

-          Don’t get into a pissing contest with the mentally ill.

-          Always trust your gut.

-          Trust, but verify.

I am happy to report that I have proof I have matured at some point in the last 18 years.  I recently ran across a similar list dated 1990 which includes such pearls as, Never attempt to stick your head out of the car window without first rolling it down.  What a crying shame that I do not remember the event that lead up to my penning this.

 

It turns out I’ve also come to know myself better, not just in the last 18 years, but in the last 12 months.  I’m beginning to suspect this is a lifelong process, and not an academy that will graduate me someday.

 

I’ve learned that I truly misplaced something with my unexpected retirement in 2004.  Not lost, just misplaced.  I have a need to be good at something again.  It need not (and better not) be the same thing.  But it must be something.  When my youngest offspring starts kindergarten in the fall, I will begin a course of study at a yet-to-be-determined University.  This is resolution number 1.  Except it’s more than a resolution.  It is so.

 

And I’ll leave you with my only other, intentionally vague resolution for 2009:  I will do more of the good things I did in 2008 and less of the bad.

 

Happy New Year, folks.