In light of the New Year upon us, with One Mister Saddam Hussein buried with his two best boys in an unmarked grave in Iraq, a civil war firing up in Somalia, a genocide persisting in Sudan, and the world on the brink environmental disaster, I've been thinking about all that I learned in the past 12 months. Because, ok, let's be honest, it's all about me here.
What are the main lessons of 2006? Can the year be summed up in a popular theme song? Last night I came to such conclusions (and many more), and here is a report on what I found:
The theme song of the year has to be the Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want". Because you can't. And you won't. You'll get what you need, even if that means a kick in the teeth. Use the lesson accordingly, and move ahead.
The vacation capital of the year was Israel. Why? Because it's good for the soul to find oneself in a country in the throes of violence, but even better to come home to one's most cherished friends and family.
The work-related lesson of the year can be summed up in the following phrase: "Shit or get off the pot." Another favorite phrase was, "You, my dear, are nobody's psychic punching bag."
The other work-related lesson of the year can only best be coined by the Kenny Roger's song, "The Gambler". Because, yes, let's all say it together now: sometimes you gotta know when to walk away, but, more importantly, when to run...
On that note, this is also the best relationship advice of the year. Thanks, Kenny.
What else?
Cutting losses is a good thing. It's necessary to travel light. Move on quickly, erase numbers from the cell phone, don't hold grudges, but don't forget the lesson.
When somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
If you don't ask, you don't get. (And if you don't get, at least you asked. Nothing personal.)
If you're cheating, you're not in love. If you're not in love, bear in mind that there are no lifeguards at this particular, moonless, co-ed "adult swim". Run don't walk. And when in doubt, follow the advice of Kenny Rogers.
Some women can be terrible mentors. And certain old men can sometimes have depraved, self-serving agendas. Categorically avoid both.
Remember who loves you. Visit often. And call.
Best fictional read of the of the year: El Zahir by Paulo Coelho
Best auto-biography of the year: Seducing the Demon, Writing for My Life by Erica Jong
Best political genius: Empire by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri
Best "Not only am I reading this but, wow, actually enjoying it" read of the year: El Camino: A Journey of the Spirit by Ms. Shirley Maclaine
Best childhood re-read: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle.
Best book on tape: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Best item still not in my possession: A television
What are the main lessons of 2006? Can the year be summed up in a popular theme song? Last night I came to such conclusions (and many more), and here is a report on what I found:
The theme song of the year has to be the Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want". Because you can't. And you won't. You'll get what you need, even if that means a kick in the teeth. Use the lesson accordingly, and move ahead.
The vacation capital of the year was Israel. Why? Because it's good for the soul to find oneself in a country in the throes of violence, but even better to come home to one's most cherished friends and family.
The work-related lesson of the year can be summed up in the following phrase: "Shit or get off the pot." Another favorite phrase was, "You, my dear, are nobody's psychic punching bag."
The other work-related lesson of the year can only best be coined by the Kenny Roger's song, "The Gambler". Because, yes, let's all say it together now: sometimes you gotta know when to walk away, but, more importantly, when to run...
On that note, this is also the best relationship advice of the year. Thanks, Kenny.
What else?
Cutting losses is a good thing. It's necessary to travel light. Move on quickly, erase numbers from the cell phone, don't hold grudges, but don't forget the lesson.
When somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
If you don't ask, you don't get. (And if you don't get, at least you asked. Nothing personal.)
If you're cheating, you're not in love. If you're not in love, bear in mind that there are no lifeguards at this particular, moonless, co-ed "adult swim". Run don't walk. And when in doubt, follow the advice of Kenny Rogers.
Some women can be terrible mentors. And certain old men can sometimes have depraved, self-serving agendas. Categorically avoid both.
Remember who loves you. Visit often. And call.
Best fictional read of the of the year: El Zahir by Paulo Coelho
Best auto-biography of the year: Seducing the Demon, Writing for My Life by Erica Jong
Best political genius: Empire by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri
Best "Not only am I reading this but, wow, actually enjoying it" read of the year: El Camino: A Journey of the Spirit by Ms. Shirley Maclaine
Best childhood re-read: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle.
Best book on tape: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Best item still not in my possession: A television
Happy New Year, friends. Cheers to health, happiness, patience, kindness and success.
1 comment:
Some very sound relationship advice there. It really needs to be heeded more often by some. But for years I've been suggesting to parents how to improve their kids grades & concentration in school and behavior at home as well by shooting their TV or 'losing it' in a closet for a few years. I tell them that of course this is a radical solution, and strictly against the Geneva Conventions of childhood, but it has the added advantage of actually working like a charm. It's the parents who usually don't have the stamina for the cure. But I hope your New Year's was memorable. Cheers & Good Luck in the New Year! 'VJ'
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