I learned some things last year, I re-learned some things last year, and I learned that I still have a lot of things to learn (and re-learn) this year. Or some year.

Some of the lessons I learned were deep. Some were quite shallow; but I learned (a long time ago) that some shallow lessons can be very helpful. Here’s my list.

1. I learned firsthand - again - that losing a parent changes you.
2. I learned that I am smarter than I give myself credit for. Same goes for you. Double entendre intended ✓
3. AI alone won’t ruin the world; humans will have to help.
4. Saving your favorite restaurants in your phone’s contacts will improve your life.
5. The price is what you pay initially. The value is what you get to keep. Shop accordingly.
6. You know more about your body than any doctor. Any doctor knows more about medicine than you do. Select healthcare providers accordingly.
7. Antarctica is the only continent without a McDonald’s.
8. If you want to go, that’s reason enough. Go. (And have fun!)
9. I learned, and demonstrated, that I can consistently publish a newsletter 😊 and I am grateful that you came along for the ride! If you haven’t subscribed, maybe consider it?
10. I learned that I just cannot drink much alcohol these days. I think mouthwash is my limit. (See #1 below.) Mostly I included this item because I love the picture. And Espresso martinis. If you know of an Ohio establishment that makes a killer NA version, please let me know!‍
11. It’s OK to throw some things away, figuratively or literally. Either way, it’s really OK.

I’m sure I learned some other things this year…and of those, I’m sure I will have to learn some again. <sigh> If that never happens to you, please don’t tell me. Thanks.

Things I Am Still Learning

1. Watercolor painting is easy, hard, complicated, and fun. Also, it’s important to watch where you put the paint brush.
2. I’m still learning how to use the map app while driving…I think I’ve almost got it!
3. 📍In my defense, and this is directed with an unblinking gaze at my children, I drove many, many places before you or Siri were conceived, and I always found my way back. So there. 🚗
4. I can do more than I think I can. (Thank you, Cathy. This is true for you too!)
5. Allowing enough time for any particular activity or event is tricky. I am, however, making progress on this one. It’s about time 🤣
6. Grief will find you, doesn’t care how long it’s been, and can simultaneously be very hard to recognize and unmistakeable. If you don’t figure out how to work with it, it will work you over. This might be one of those things you (I) (we all) have to learn over and over and over…
7. I am a writer. 5 published books and yep, I’m still learning this.
8. I am still learning a lot of things. For example, short lists are better than long ones.

Things I Did Not Learn (Again) in 2025

1. I did not learn how to nap. Again. My repeated failure in this subject annoys me to my (tired) core. And yes, this is e x a c t l y what I said about napping last year. See what I mean?!
2. I did not learn how to play chess, again. Again. No, I didn’t stutter. See, I learned how to play chess about 15 years ago and have slowly forgotten almost all of the moves - except that the Queen can do whatever she wants, which is how it should be, and therefore, shall never be forgotten. So, “learn chess again” is on my to-do list. Again.
3. Ditto for Euchre. But I have a good lead on a group of card sharks friends who play regularly. (Looking at you, Becky!) ♦️♣️♥️♠️
4. I did not learn how to land a high-powered literary agent or a heap-big publishing contract, aaaaaaagain. But you can bet³ that I’m gonna keep trying

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