A Decade Later

I'm no authority on time but I always considered this year to be the last in the first decade of the new millennium.  When 1999 ended it was the end of that decade and the beginning of a new one.  And now here I am at the end of another.  I've only been around for 2 full decades and I think this one was more fun.  Maybe it's because I became of legal age for alcohol consumption in this decade, or maybe advances in technology has made life more interesting.

NYE of 1999 does not seem like a decade ago.  I remember precisely where I was and who I was with that year.  And after pondering who I was ten years ago, I realized that I'm essentially the same person, just more experienced and wiser.  With that, I will make this last blog of the decade(it's not like there were many anyway) a list of  lessons learned and experiences had in this decade.

1.  Driving across the U.S. is a grueling process but one that can leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.  Memories that you're so fond of that you may do it twice, which I did.

2.  Living with your boyfriend or girlfriend is not a good idea, no matter how practical it may seem.  Cohabitation is reserved for the married and marriage minded couples.  You should be weary about a relationship that needs to move in together to assess compatibility.

3.  The three most important things to take with you when you travel is flexibility, an open mind and a positive attitude.

4.  I've been to Europe twice and for as long as I live I will never get tired of being there or wanting to go there.

5.  I will never regret time spent on my two mission trips to S. America.  And I hope I to spend more time doing positive work such as that. 

6.  After having given a few dollars to a homeless man, a friend asked if I always give them money.  I usually do and my reasoning is that if I don't give it to him, I'm likely to spend it on alcohol, cigarettes or unhealthy food.  The homeless man is saving me.

7.  Do NOT underestimate the power of a Porsche's engine. 

8. Vegas isn't just about drinking and gambling.  There are strippers there as well.  haha.

9.  Upon coming up to a woman in distress to help her I was greeted with a punch in the face.  Sometimes chivalry just doesn't get appreciated, that is probably why it's dying.

10.  Surprisingly, bungee jumping is much more thrilling than sky-diving.

11.  When drunk be cautious about who you ask to make-out.  They may oblige.  Just because you don't remember it, doesn't mean it didn't happen.  Since the advent of the digital camera, it is becoming increasingly likely that there is photographic evidence of your shenanigans.

12.  I'm beginning to suspect that happiness isn't a feeling, it's an outlook.

13.  Be cautious and consider those around you before telling off-color jokes.  You never know who you might offend.

14. Don't fall in love with hot dog vendors on Hollywood Blvd.  Somebody will get hurt...(*sigh...Natalia...)

15.  When you're uncertain about a decision flip a coin.  If you're unsure about the outcome just go with the opposite of what the coin flip told you.  I use the coin flip to expose my true feelings on the indecision.

16.  There's no point in being mean to strangers and don't give mean strangers the satisfaction of knowing they affected you.

Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment.  I'm sure there are plenty more and plenty more to be had.  I hope everyone has a wonderful end to this year and many blessings in the new decade ahead!