Looking back on 2006

I'm not one to make resolutions. Yes there are things I'd like to change, and do differently but come February and into the rest of the year those resolutions begin to take a backseat to the rest of life and suddenly I'm spending less and less time at the gym and less and less time volunteering as much as I said I was going to. And then I'm mad at myself for not sticking to them. So instead, each year I just vow to do better. To learn from the past, and not carry the same mistakes into the new year. And with that, instead of a resolution list, I have looked back on 2006 and taken into account all that I have learned and experienced in the past year. Last year, as with every year, I made mistakes...and I learned from them. It's all about growing.

Here's what I've learned in 2006:

Don’t leave empty water glasses next to the couch

Camping after a huge rainstorm is NEVER a good idea

A smile during a big fight is one of the most comforting things ever!

Sometimes a simple hug can make everything okay.

I miss Milwaukee.

I miss Chicago even more.

Don’t live your own life according to other people’s paths.

Finding a new job SUCKS!

But landing a new job is a fantastic feeling!

NEVER be the overly-drunk bridesmaid

Pink boas will always make for a great night.

I know nothing about motorcycles.

Shooting a gun isn’t as terrifying as I once thought.

Feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t make anything any better.

Always lock your front door.

Girls night out is a much needed adventure every couple of months.

Some people never change

Choosing between a career and love is one of the hardest decisions I’ve been faced with.

Follow your heart

I missed AIM.

Facebook is a million times more addicting than Myspace.

Nicky makes the best martinis on the planet!

Ex’s will always cause drama…at some point.

Don’t start drinking hours before a concert, 45 minutes away…you’ll never make it there.

Flippy Cup is the best drinking game EVER!

Phase 10 and Cranium run a close second and third.

Game nights should happen much more than they do.

BUDGET!

Stop at all red lights.

Flavor Blasted Goldfish crackers are NOT a substitute for a complete meal.

Let guys buy you drinks in Vegas...unless they are 45 with bleached blonde hair and are wearing their sunglasses in the club.

Be honest about money up front…not after the tickets have been purchased. =)

Get pissed and then get over it.

Open and honest communication lines solve everything.

Book clubs are a good idea, but the wine and gossip part is an even better one!

Don’t go off the gift registry unless you’re SURE nobody else is going to buy what you did.

Everybody at the bar does not need you to buy them a drink.

I still hate Oshkosh.

Don’t learn how to snowboard on an intermediate hill.

Being interviewed on TV is a really cool feeling.

A fashion show cannot be planned in a few days.

Belly dancing is not all it’s cracked up to be.

The princess of Iceland is pretty!

Bite your tongue.

Fasting sucks!

I don’t blog nearly enough.

Some of the best friends that I have, I see only every few months.