Ruminations

I answered the phone the other day and the sweet voice at the other end said nothing but "I know someone who's going to be 39 in just two weeks!". Thanks, honey, for reminding me...I really hadn't given it much thought. Until now! Historically, I've had a much more difficult time with the 9s rather than the 0s. I think I am spread so thinly right now, I don't have any strength left to fret about it. So I began the annual mental list of all the things I learned this year, my 38th.

1. Not all teachers are created equal. Some of them really do suck.
2. Being a mom means you really have to be your child's advocate. Other people don't always have your kid's best interest at heart.
3. Just because someone is a doctor doesn't mean they know what is best for your kid (or you).
4. Just because someone is a "reverend", doesn't mean he has any business performing weddings.
5. Having a Master's degree does not mean a person is intelligent. This year I met some very stupid people, and I was shocked and disappointed to learn they held Master's degrees. I would describe them as foolish and idiotic individuals. Persistance pays, I guess...
6. People really can be assholes. Even people you think you know real well!
7. Children grow up too quickly. And if you don't pay attention, you will miss a lot and never get it back.
8. Adventures in distant lands are pretty cool.
9. Castles are just how I imagined them.
10. I am really looking forward to getting to know the people who aren't here yet...nieces, nephews, sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren...
11. My parents are older than I envision them to be.