A list.

Sometimes, when I can't sleep, I stare at the ceiling and make lists-- groceries, to do, unit plans, and other mundane things... this one sort of breaks the mold. It also got me thinking way too much and I stayed awake much longer than if I was deciding what to cook for dinner next week.

Things I have learned in my life, so far:

1. Learning from experiences is so much better (and so much harder) than regretting mistakes.
2. The best plan for life is to plan to be surprised.
3. Don't get a haircut at the barber shop. It is not worth the saved money.
4. I once wrote down a nice phrase from a hymn and stuck it up next to my bed. "I believe in Christ, so come what may." Little did I know that the come what may would be one of the most difficult and trying times of my life (so far). I had to learn to hold on tight to Christ during that come what may. Eventually, I was humbled and allowed myself to see His true perspective. It really helped me to see what I needed from it. It came, all in good time. At the right time (which for me was about a year and a half later).
5. Loosen up, don't look at life through the eyes of a perfectionist/graphic designer all the time... unless designing something.
6. Don't light up a covered gas grill that has been out for an undetermined amount of time. Doing so will result in an explosion and loss of arm hair, though it will be entertaining for all witnesses.
7. Taking the dogs to McDonalds to get cheeseburgers will make them think it is OK to sneak into the car if you accidentally leave the windows open when it's parked in the garage.
8. Maybe wearing sandals all the time wasn't such a good idea. Maybe that's still what I do.
9. Tricking your little brother into chewing a calcium pill is mean. Chewing one yourself because you felt guilty is stupid. But it makes everyone feel a little better.
10. It is hard to go a year without ice cream or red meat. It's also a total pain to get used to eating things like that again... if ya know what I mean...

What have you learned?

[RACHEL]

PS. be prepared for an inundation of photos and experiences as I will soon chronicle my trip to the East Coast!