The Things I’ve Learned

Original post: May 22, 2023; edited for my current birthday.

Today is my 64th birthday.

Woohoo! I made it another year!

What have I learned in the approximately 23,360 days of my existence on this earth?

Well, let’s see….

I have learned that not all love is the same.

I’ve figured out that my way is always the hard way.

Golden retrievers have the best smiles.

She who laughs last…doesn’t get it. 🙋🏼‍♀️

Not everyone who is nice to me is actually nice.

There’s not much difference between when I cook or paint, as I have to shower after both. And clean the floors.

Life is not fair. Nor, will it ever be.

If there is trash on the floor everyone will walk around it.

Men are born knowing how to mow lawns.

Every flat surface in the house quickly becomes an open storage unit.

Cats and I don’t typically get along. Our attitudes conflict.

Turning the stove on high heat and then taking a nap isn’t a good idea.

I’ve recently learned that my kids never liked squeaky eggs.*

I should have just let my hair do its own thing instead of fighting it for years…so much easier. Duh.

When the water boils out of the pan while hard boiling eggs, surprisingly, my children don’t enjoy cleaning exploded egg off the walls and cabinets on the other side of the kitchen.

I learned through the Pepsi Challenge that I really like Coke better.

Animals are often smarter than people.

After having a three day weekend, Tuesday becomes the new Monday and it’s just as rough.

It’s not so much the vacation as it is who I am with.

My daughter, Charlie, and I can scale a wall better and faster than most of the men in the Warrior Dash (2013). I know because we did it!

I have learned that patience really is a virtue.

I figured out that every family has some level of dysfunction.

Slow, deep breaths really do help calm the spirit.

A scarred heart can still love.

I’ve learned that not everything is about me.

As time goes on, the reason(s) behind my question of “why did this happen” are often understood.

I learned to embrace writing as therapeutic.

A best friend is priceless.

Dogs forgive much easier than most people.

A heart can break in numerous ways.

I have learned many life lessons from my children simply by listening to them.

The true gift is in the giving.

And I have learned that some people give without actually expecting anything in return.

The heart does not set a limit on how much it can love.

Life is extremely short.

Too much time is wasted on “what if’s”.

I have learned that overthinking is not in my best interest.

Words can shatter a heart into a million pieces.

I learned that I continue to forgive (and forget) too easily with people I shouldn’t.

Communication is key to a great relationship and humor is second.

I can still be shocked by people and information.

There are way more narcissists in this world than I ever imagined.

I realize that politics is really a game of chess between elites, and We The People are expendable pawns.

That I’ll never be too old to play Space Invaders.

And that sunsets will always be my favorite.

I know that God definitely answers prayer.

Listening to what others don’t say is sometimes more important than what is spoken.

When I don’t know how to pray for someone or a situation, the Holy Spirit does, and he graciously fills in the blanks.

Everything circles back and the old becomes new again.

I know that afternoons were created specifically for naps.

I discovered that crocs can melt in the hot Indiana sun, and that trail mix will melt in my daughter’s hands while watching Captain America.

Love can mean something different to every person.

I learned that in my gullibility, I trust and believe every single person. Often to a fault.

Divorce is always awful and children suffer.

There’s nothing wrong in telling others you love them. It is everything that is right.

A single phone call can change your life forever.

God continues to love me even though I’ve let him down over and over again.

I realize that wisdom doesn’t mean you reached the pinnacle of learning. It means you continue to learn with greater appreciation.

Jack Frost is an artist.

Winter doesn’t last forever.

When God seems silent it’s because he’s working diligently behind the scenes.

I am learning that old friendships only become more precious as we age.

I’ve learned that a good and decent man is priceless. (D)

Well, I could go on and on. These are just a few of the things I’ve learned. I have learned a lot. Some things are quite useful while others add just a little color to my world.

My youngest daughter, Mattea, and Grandpa will be visiting today. Since I cannot eat my beloved key lime pie, I’m making “carnivore” ice cream. No, it’s not made of meat. Ew. It’s made with heavy cream and eggs. Yum!

One more thing I have learned:

I can see God’s blessings in every day. I just have to look.

♥️

Andi

* Squeaky Eggs post: https://coffeewithandi.com/2021/06/23/squeaky-eggs/