Randomness:

1. My sister bought Bella this toy called a DogZilla. Basically it’s a weeble wooble that has holes at the bottom so food can fall out of it. I absolutely love this toy! Not only does Bella love it too, I can’t stop laughing at the odd places I find it after she’s pushed it all over the house! I put it in the living room today, and after 15 minutes of searching(and giving up the search too) I found it in the bathroom.

A new year is here, and with it, new resolutions. However, as most of you know, my OzweegoVille is all about reflection. So I figure I’d write about the ten things I learned in 2010.

10.) It’s lust, not love…. or is it?

Regardless of what certain people think, say or how they act, there is one simple truth. If a woman says she loves you, don’t respond by saying that you lust her back. Even if it’s the truth. Why? Within days(not weeks) you’ll go from being in a relationship to being a bachelor. I found this out the hard way.

9.) It’s junk. Don’t buy it.

Seriously, think about each purchase. I didn’t realize how much money I wasted until I was flat broke. That defibulator you wanted to buy “Just in Case” isn’t worth it. There’s an ER down the road if it’s really needed. Besides, it’ll just end up in the closet, trash or the nearest good will.

8.) Fix your mistakes. Quickly.

I realized pretty quickly that if you’ve committed an honest mistake, it can quickly snowball into bigger issues. It’s better to wo/man up and fix it, get it done and over with and move on then to avoid it. Which leads me into my next point.

7.) Just let it go.

Whatever “it” is, you just need to let it go. It doesn’t have to be negative either to let it go. Some things are too good to be true, and chances are likely if you think it is, you hsould probably let it go befoe you find your heart and your head down a darkened road. I’m not sure what my personal “it” was, but after a visit home for christmas, and a week off, I was able to let it go and to quote Robert Frost, *”It has made all the difference”.

I know, I took the quote out of context, sue me. Apologies to Mr. Frost also.

6.) 2 Month Rule.

I’ve always known of this rule but this year I’ve really applied it. Right or wrong, this rule for me has also applied to people and not just items. I’ve just cleaned up alot and perhaps it’s left me more of a bored bachelor but the drama has been signifigantly reduced. I no longer worry about when I get to see people next and on what “conditions”. It also helped me in my move when I purchased my condo as well. I suppose this goes hand in hand with “Letting it go”. Rule #7.

5.) Don’t lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.

Its easy to find yourself on a lonely dark road in life, and believe me, it’s happened to me many times this year. However, if this year has taught me anything it’s if you stick with it, no matter how long it takes, nanometer by nanometer, inch by inch, If you stick with it, it’ll come.

4.) Cherish the moment. Embrace the future.

You never know when you or somebody close will be hit by a bus, get struck by lightning, or suddenly fall ill. This one is particular difficult for me becuase when I was a kid I was given a second chance at life and I still have yet to catch onto this. Just the other day, I was standing outside with Bella, and 50+ cops came and circled the local bank. Luckily it was just a mixup, but it makes you think how quickly life can change. As far as the future goes, think about where you were this time last year. I’m not sure about you, but for me SO much has changed. Both good and bad. The more I tried to fight it, the worst things got for me. Once I learned to embrace the changes, life went alot smoother.

3.) Contribute to your 401K.

This is especially true if your company does any matching. Worst case scenario, it’s a little savings account for yourself. Of course, you don’t want to withdrawl it before you retire, but it’s there as an additional financial security blanket it if you need it. Also, if you take it out of your paycheck automagically, you’ll adapt to whatever is there and figure out a way to survive.

2.) Rescue that dog you’ve been on the fence about.

For the longest time I pondered adopting a dog. I was worried how a dog would affect my life. Just about every imaginable scenario both good and bad but couldn’t make a decesion. I did in October, and although it was a bit rough at the start, it’s been without a doubt the best decesion I’ve made all year. I didn’t realize how much love I had to offer, especially to a cute little 30 pound, dark haired, dark eyed little lovebug.

1.) Stick to your convictions.

You’ve believed in them your whole life, why give up on them now?  Unlike dreams they are the foundation of what makes you, well … you. If you believe in something, fight for it, and if you really don’t love that somebody don’t lie and tell them you love them back when it’s not the truth.

I know, a complete contradiction of rule #10 right? I suppose rule #1 is the first rule for a reason.

So, a few other things that I wanted to share with myself for my future self in case I come and read this a few years down the line.

• Remember sitting in your dining room floor for the first time after signing a stack of paperwork when you bought your condo? That feeling? Relive it more often. Or even just take the time to sit on the floor  from time to time. Also, no matter what you think, buying and not renting WAS/IS the correct choice. Don’t forget that.
• As much as you loved the song “Everchanging” by Rise Against, the youtube house of blues live acoustic version is a million times better and got you through some really rough times this year.
• When Bella goes to the bathroom on the carpet, remember that it’s YOUR fault for not watching her, not hers. In that moment when your head wants to explode, remember how sunk your heart felt when they said somebody had a hold on her and you couldn’t adopt her. I know in the end it was you, but still … the you in that split second didn’t know that.
• “If strength is born from heartbreak, then mountains I could move, and if these walls could speak I’d pray they tell me what to do.” With the amount of dissapointment and heartbreak in your life, you could probably move the entire rockies across the world, but don’t forget rule #5 and rule #1. They’ve gotten you through some pretty shitty times.
• The Buffalo Bills were and will always be a shitty team. Remember, all the beautiful ladies at hooters and the buffalo wing consumption as good times when watching another losing season. Why? Because it’s fun thats why!
• The rapids won the championship this year, and America did ok(but not great) in the world cup. However, you watched people from all across the united states pour out into the streets when they won their group, when they tied england and when donovan scored that last second goal. It was awesome wasn’t it?

That is all.

Happy new years everybody.

For those who are about to rock, I salute you!

-kc