Thanks to Two-Thousand and Thirteen

Happy New Year!

Isn't it interesting how the world just keeps turning and turning? New years come and go, life moves on, changes occur. Hopefully lessons are learned and personal progress is made. Here are thirteen things that I learned, thanks to the wonderful year of 2013.

1. New York is great! ...But maybe... Boston is better.
2. It is better to be trusted than to be loved. My Dad has always said that. It earned greater meaning this year.
3. Orca whales should not be kept in captivity. Disagree? Watch the movie "Blackfish." I'm sorry I ever went to SeaWorld.
4. Don't forget how much you love to read.
5. It doesn't matter how grown-up, mature, or independent you think you are; if you are sick, all you want is your mom. And that's okay.
6. When it comes to dating, things are lot easier if you just make small decisions. One day at a time. Believe me, if applied, this advice makes a very positive difference.
7. When in doubt, just eat the doughnut. 
8. Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher in your house, just in case. But seriously--check right now.
9. Don't be so busy documenting your life that you miss living it. (This is more in reference to social media as opposed to something like journaling.)
10. If you get the chance to sail on a sailboat around some Caribbean islands, take it.
11. Life is so much better when you love people, and serve them. If you are unhappy in life, it might be because you are only thinking about yourself.
12. Don't take life too seriously. Remember what is most important.
13. Be who you are. Love who you are. Share who are. There is only one of you, and the world needs you.

*Want to know what I learned the two years before this one? Read about 2011 and 2012...