What I learned in 2011

With only a couple more hours left in the year I have to say that a lot has happened this year, and when you start remembering all the people you've met and all the good things that have happened to you, you begin to feel good about all the things you have accomplished. This year started with a lot of uncertainty for my family and it ended with even more uncertainty, like the UB40 song "... the more I learn the less I know about before, the less I know the more I want to look around ..." Every event in my life opened up a lot of possibilities but at the same time closed doors to paths I could've followed. This year, there were several key moments that I remembered and I want to share with you what I learned from some of them.

I learned that with time, you start having a lot more in common with your parents, and that you will be surprised by the things that you like to share as time goes by.

I also learned that doing what you know is right is really hard, and that having to let go of people is very difficult to do, but it's necessary.

I learned that people will always disappoint you, all you can do is work hard so that you are not the one disappointing.

I learned that Netflix is amazing, and having a big screen tv improves your life drastically.

I learned that having money in the bank for emergencies is better than owning nice things.

I learned that it is a lot easier to go on vacation than I thought.

I learned that a really bad credit score can be brought up with discipline and a lot patience.

I was reminded that my latin friends will never arrive on time, but once they do, they will have a hard time leaving, and I love them for that.

I learned that you can reconnect with old friends if you make the effort to reconnect with them.

You can only do so much for someone, and then you have to realize when it's time to allow them to help themselves.

I learned that I can be ok with not always getting my way.

I learned this Christmas that I enjoy giving out presents more than receiving them, I think I'm getting old.

Your family will unknowingly cheer you up when you least expect it.

I will never say 'no' to a wedding.

I learned that 24 is an amazing show, and I can't believe I never watched it before.

I learned that I don't like the expression "giving back"; it kinda makes me feel like I took it from someone else or that what I have doesn't belong to me.

I learned that I can have really close friends even when we disagree on everything we talk about.

And you have to learn how to make choices that you can live with, even when others criticize you for making them.

And with this year coming to a close, I just want to wish everyone the best, love those around you, invest in yourself, and get ready because 2012 has amazing things coming to all of us. God Bless and don't eat my chicken.