Lessons Learned

I turned thirty earlier this month, and while I had a minor freak out about the idea of no longer being in my twenties, I have decided it isn’t so bad after all. I didn’t suddenly wake up feeling or looking any older. This birthday has made me think about things I’ve learned in my thirty years, so here they are, in no particular order:

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  People will never fail to shock and surprise you; sometimes in a positive way, sometimes in a negative way. People will not always be what you expect.


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  Some things are better left to the professionals; especially things that involve hair, electricity, or hot wax.


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  If you want to find out who your true friends are, move. They’re the ones who actually show up and help you move that hideously heavy piece of furniture, again and again.


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  If something sounds entirely too good to be true it probably is.


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  GPS devices aren’t always right. In fact, sometimes they are devious little liars. If everything, including the signs on the interstate, is telling you something different, ignore the GPS.


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  Moving is never a smooth process; trucks break down, people who’ve promised to help back out, droughts end, doors detach, hardware stores close for no apparent reason. Just mentally prepare yourself for a really rough few days, and know that all moves eventually end.


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  If you’re waiting for a delivery that’s taking too long, get in the shower. This is a surefire way to make them come.


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  If someone’s love, friendship, or approval is conditional you do not need it. In fact, you are probably better off without it.


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  Don’t spend money you don’t have on things you don’t need.


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  Listen when older couples who've been together for decades talk about their marriage and what makes it last. They clearly know what they're talking about; think about it, they might have over half a century's worth of experience.


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  Read ALL of the instructions before beginning any project, whether it's making a dessert or putting a fan together.


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  We all need to be part of something bigger and greater than ourselves. Find something you love and believe in, and volunteer in some way for that cause or belief. Regardless of how much or how little time you're able to spend, it will make you a happier person.


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  There’s a huge difference between baking soda and baking powder; there’s also a huge difference between flour and self-rising flour. It matters, very much, which one you use.


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  Great friends can sometimes come from unexpected places.