What Have I Learned This Past Year - 2000
December 31, 2000

Every year I try to write about the events that have changed my life. Anything from daily trivial insights to significant events. Here we go again.

I have learned that even if you can shove a whole McDonalds cheeseburger in your mouth doesn't mean you should. I have learned about little Cuban boys tha wash upon our shore. I have learned how to say goodbye. I have learned that there is a lot of interesting people at college and you should learn to like them. I have learned how to graduate. I have learned how to be a freshman again. I have learned how to vote properly. I have learned how to say goodbye to great friends. I have learned why my father is not going to get 'father of the year' award. I have truly learned what finals and midterms mean. I have learned how to set tables for a wedding and work until 3:30 in the morning, those shifts puts makes your bed look so nice.

I have learned that a basketball team that is destined to go to state and is predicted to win it all may lose to Larry and the rest of his Eastmont hooligans in a bitter game where their tall center scores a slam dunk on us to add insult to bitter injury…. Yeah I'm over it. I have learned who was on the bottom of the crack house. I have learned that speaking in front of 700 people really builds your confidence. I have learned to let go of my past and look forward to the future. I have learned to avoid singing wheelchair ladies that try to run you over… Yes that really happened.

I have learned what the term 'poor college student' really means. I have learned the best part of coming home again from college is not family or home cooked meals but quilted toilet paper and water pressure in the shower. I have learned to stay away from crazy bus drivers. I have learned to love life to the fullest and treat everyday as a fresh start to succeed. I have learned how to smile when facing grim situations, it could always be worse. And here is some two-cent advice from me… Smile. Enjoy the moment. Don't let what people think of you hold you back from being yourself. People who mind don't matter, people who matter don't mind. Don't shy away from something because you are scared. Laugh. If you want to eat that extra cookie but are afraid you will get fat go ahead and eat it, you will die someday one way or another. Inspire people; there are not enough heroes.

Go see movies, go bowling, go ice skating, flirt with that cute girl, buy something for yourself, donate to a food shelter, go golfing, find a hobby… Just do something that fulfills you. If you don't go to bed every night thinking, "I am the luckiest person on the face of the earth" then you are truly not living your life to the fullest. Have a wonderful New Year!