Things I Learned In 2013: A Running List ...



With New Year's Eve a week away I'm beginning to create a short list of things I'd like to work on in 2014. (I'm big into lists, resolutions, etc.)

But before I do that, I thought it would be good for me to acknowledge things I did improve upon or learn in 2013. (This way I'm not just beating myself up with a list of "2.2 Million Ways to Improve in 2014," I'm actually recognizing that 2013 was a good year for me--and that I did learn a lot.)



Things I Learned in 2013

--There's a direct correlation between the tightness of my jeans and my ability to eat a GIANT SIZE Symphony bar(s).

--Playing, watching, and experiencing Survivor Caramoan was HARD, but HARD in a good way. I am truly grateful for the experience.

--Nothing beats being with extended family/friends.

--We love the Temple. Being there with Elder Meehan was such a good feeling.

--Every home should have a piano.


--Dave and I make a really good team.

--Our local library rocks.

--Our kids are 100 million times more creative than I was at their age. And it's awesome.

--There are a lot of world issues that overwhelm me. And it's hard to know the best way to live with this feeling that my life is so much more fair than other people's.

--I can't do everything. (Well, at least all at the same time.)

--Technology is incredible (especially Skype).

--I like the snow. And I love snow-shoveling.

--Learning to bake bread may be one of the most valuable life-skills I've learned.

--Wearing sunscreen is a good thing.

--So many people are generous with their time, their words, and their resources.

--No matter what, I will forever be tied to Cochran. Survivor made us life-long friends.

--Too much social media = fewer REAL-LIFE interactions.


--I love music so much--the louder, the better.

--I love taking photos.

--Our son's willingness to serve a mission has changed our lives in so many positive ways.


--My BFF Janae is the strongest person I know.

--Whittney C., Christine, Shannon H., Jeni B., Kindra, Kim N., Janae, Neola, and Liz B. are my soul sisters. I may not see them all the time, but I will always feel their influence in my life.


--Indian Curry brings families together.

--There's no use crying over lost teeth. Sure, they help ya eat, but outside of that ... forget about it.


--You can never be too generous, but you can definitely tax your system. Balancing your needs vs. other people's needs is a difficult thing sometimes.

--Survivor fans are so kind, so generous, and so loyal.

--Being on BYU's campus feels like being in the mountains. There's a "feeling" there.

--I think I might be hyper-active. I rarely like to sit down. Like ever.


--Teenagers don't need smartphones ... unless you're looking to invite extra complication into your life. [TRUST ME on this one.]

--Sharing an apple with your guinea pig may make for the best morning meditation ever.

--Fish tacos, rice, and beans are not on the "Eating Light Menu."

--You can't let the size of your jeans dictate your joy.

--Everyone you meet knows something you don't know. And everyone you meet has something in common with you. Focusing on the similarities is important.

--Not all doctors are created equal. In 2013 we were blessed with the best care we've ever received. Ever.

--Meehan teenagers lose their retainers 2 times per child, per year.

--Pain is temporary; quitting lasts forever.


--You can eat 4 fruit leathers from Costco and still want 4 more.

--Pitch Perfect was our kids' Go-To Movie for 2013. (That and about 5 zombie movies.)





To be continued ...

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