Some Difficuly, Corny, Silly and Real Lessons I Learned in 2009

1. Watch out for cars! They don't see very well and have big, big teeth.

2. Pain management is a good thing, even if it comes in the form of bracing cups of tea and chocolate chip cookies.

3. Play with your kid during unexpected moments. Makes both of you feel really good. I played hide and seek with E while shopping at a holiday sale at the Gap. Made E happy, made the sales manager sad.

4.When your kid says "I have something to tell you," put down the cell phone tear yourself away from the computer, and listen. At least until your next email notification.

5. When dealing with a souless organization stay calm. If that doesn't work, write many letters and make many phone calls. If that doesn't work yell. If that doesn't work do all of the previously mentioned at the same time. If that doesn't work start your own soul-full organization.

6. When you need help ask for it. Really.

7. Never underestimate the power of uninterrupted sleep. And good books and friends and that funny OT contraption that helps you pull your socks on.

8. Get outside when you can. There will be lots of days and nights when you might not be able to go outside.If you don't go outside when you can all the days and nights will run in together until all you notice is the greyness of things and then people will want to give you drugs to turn the lights on inside your head. Believe me, going outside is easier.

9. Remember: You are not alone. You are not alone. You are not alone. This is especially evident when you leave your house.

10. Life is equal parts difficult and beautiful. I don't know, I'm still thinking about that one but I do know that when Your Life Truly Sucks it will soon pass into another moment that may suck less. Try to hold on for that suck less moment. It'll happen.

11. Add your own lesson here: ______________________________________