2008 Lessons Learned

In consulting you always track "lessons learned" during each project in order to note all of the stupid mistakes you have made, the good things you have done and just plain "ah-has." Bored during my six hour flight last night, I decided I should do the same for my life. Here are my lessons learned for the first half of 2008 -

• Figuring out who you are and what you want might cost you everything but is priceless.
• The place where you got married will always make you emotional – especially when you are divorced.
• Public transportation can get you pretty much anywhere – your feet can get you the rest of the way.
• Your hair falls out and turns grey at 25 when you work in consulting.
• Never assume significant events in your life are significant to others – you might just be a name on the list.
• It is really embarrassing to gain weight during a weight loss challenge.
• When you are not sure what is wrong with you – cry.
• Pennsylvania is one my least favorite places on earth.
• I do not want to live in a Wilshire high rise, even if I could afford it.
• I cannot drink like I used to.
• Running is the most boring activity I have ever been addicted to.
• My wife may be my ex but she is still my best friend.
• New York is a great place to visit but I will never live there.
• After a while being tired feels normal.
• Clearly I am not cut out for Botox.
• Allowing a bartender to serve you free drinks all night is probably never a good idea.
• Our Country is not ready for a woman president but may be ready for a black man.
• Orange County is where all the republicans hang out in California.
• Sacramento is like paradise when you are arriving from Harrisburg.
• I accomplish less when I am bored than any other time of my life.
• My dog is happier with my parents but cannot run more than 19 minutes.
• I am really bad at steering canoes.
• When you are a Bonham it is socially acceptable to tackle your daughter or niece when playing ultimate Frisbee (even if you are on the same team).
• I can and will be delayed any time I fly.
• My job gives me a lot of exciting opportunities but makes me miss out on my life.
• Sutter Health is a disaster of a company and I do not feel guilty about the Blackberry.
• Being drunk at 9am is okay when you are dressed as Tweedle “Double” Dee and walking the streets of San Francisco.
• When you lose your friend in the train station just get on the next train.
• I might like latinas but I do not like Latina Night at the Biz.
• Drinking beer on the river may be one of the most enjoyable activities ever.
• I miss Tucson.
• I will not get into whatever business school I want but I will get over it.
• “I don’t eat mammals” sounds funny to some people.
• I am fascinated by my family and its history.
• Being “divorced” by your cousin seems like a joke at first but it makes you really angry after a while.
• They pour out the 4th espresso shot when you order a grande americano but sometimes they give it to you for free (and contrary to popular belief you do not have to sleep with the Barista).
• Lesbians intimidate me.
• I really can eat ice cream until the cows come home.
• Family reunions are best when they are high on the cheese factor.
• Despite my best efforts, I will live in Los Angeles.
• You hate your job a lot when you are only a few weeks away from quitting.
• I will not get last place in a 5K.
• Going to a Broadway show by yourself is better because nobody makes fun of you when you cry.
• Some people never change – some people will never be the same.
• Live music makes you wish you were in love.
• You should listen when a good friend tells you to get over it.
• There is scandal lurking around every corner.