2011 - What I Think I've Learned

This an idea I borrowed from a friend last year, and it is time put together a list of what I think I have learned this year.  The list is not all inclusive and will be compiled over several sittings, so check back between now and the end of the year.

• It really sucks for kids when they are drug from pillar to post because the adults in their lives can't get the mess together.  (Thanks Susan for this one.)
• As I get older, the more comfort I take in routines.  Even having to get up just a half hour earlier can throw my whole day off kilter.
• That you can make a deal with your boss that can become null and void by factors beyond either persons control.
• Finding ways to encourage more kids to read is quite a challenge, but can pay huge dividends.
• The only way I can tolerate a college basketball game being called by Dick Vitale is to turn the sound off completely.
• That I am now at the age where buying a snow blower is more important than a flat screen TV.
• That American political parties are more concerned about being in power and "right" than doing what is necessary for the country.  "Right = Whatever the Leadership Tells them."
• Codicil to the previous comment, this blind loyalty to party over state is similar to what we have seen in one party nations.
• No matter how crazy and strange we think our families are, there is always someone whose family makes yours look normal.
• I am happy that I don't live in the America that is obsessed by superficiality.  Substance is always more interesting.
• I am so happy that Donald Trump is now talking running for President as an Independent.  He will provide us all with comic gold throughout 2012.
• The BCS is a racket. BCS Bowl games require each school to buy a set number of tickets at face value which guarantees them a tidy income stream. (In the case of the Sugar Bowl, Michigan and VT will provide a minimum of $5,250,000.)  These tickets are at a minimum price of $120.  While the Universities were asking their alums and booster to pay that price, tickets were available on StubHub at $51.  The cheapest tickets as of 12-27 could be gotten for $18.