There's no need to shell out wads of cash (or credit) to get that thing that would make you happy. Of course, with the exception of shutting my eyes and paying for a pair of Rejuven8's (biased call). Just by looking back and seeing what you've left behind is enough to give you an idea on what you should work on.

Giving my dogs a rub on the face every feeding time strengthens that bond between master and pet. And for that reason, I'm the only one they actually listen to. Yes, I do talk to my cats also. And in some weird way, they seem to respond, too.

Taking time to talk to Dad while on a long drive makes it clear that he's actually a good friend to have around - and having the chance to spend a few hours watching him jam blue grass style with his band makes every moment worth sitting out in the cold. I remember high school when I used grimace at the very thought of spending time with the folks. Come to think of it, they are pretty cool - in a retro sort of way. Learning to shop for curtains with Mom lets me appreciate the finer things in life. And that's not with Freestyle's reference to the Thong Song. And yes, I can pick out mean curtains to match the living room pillows.

Don't just be siblings - be friends.

That was Dad's reminder for every time I wanted to knock one on my kid brother (who, I admit, is a less troublesome person than I was back when I was his age). No matter how irritating they can be; no matter how annoying or grossly disobedient they are, the bottom line is that there is still a bloodline connection. There will always be that love, and I will not hesitate to go ballistic on the next guy (or lawyer.. or taxi driver.. or maintenance technician.. or fratboy wannabe) who even looks at my brothers the wrong way.

Friends are priceless treasures that you pick up along the highway. Probably one of the most meaningful lessons I learned is that I can never please everybody - and I'm just going to have to live with that. Friends come and go; a lot of them come and only a few stay. Like I said before, if you want to know who your friends are, get a grenade, pull the pin and drop it in your pants. It's harder to see who your friends are in good times than it is in bad times. And yes, a live grenade in your pants IS one of those bad times. (no pun intended) Working with my team gives proof that everything can be accomplished in a relaxed pace and with an occasional laugh - or joyride.

Anger is natural and must be vented out eventually. It's okay to feel frustrated or furious once in a while. To my credit, few people have seen me angry. But only two have seen me furious. And only one has ever been on the receiving end. After getting a taste of what the profession holds in the future, I was prepared to take my shotgun and pump a few buck shots at certain people. The need for vindication and justice is common among us, and only a few actually get it for the right reasons. What was amazing is that what was meant to break us apart actually made us stronger. And what was meant to hurt us only made us closer. Whatever the future holds, or no matter how the system works, we have already won.

There's no such thing as big and little people. There are only people. That means they deserve the same degree of compassion and love. Being patient and giving that occasional appreciation makes existence on this planet a bit more tolerable. From that tired and weary waiter to that panicking cashier lady at the grocery, everyone deserves a smile and a sincere "thanks" for the little and big things that they do.

Learning to let go of the little things is worth not getting troubled by petty matters. Sure, they hurt at first, but knowing what really matters is enough to make me realize that I did the right thing and there's nothing anyone can do about it; not even those I used to look up to. Being correct is different from being right. What is legal is not necessarily moral, so to speak. For my share, I would prefer being right than being correct. I stand my ground and will not budge; not anymore.

Some old guy once asked me how I want to be remembered in this world after I leave. Come to think of it, I do not want to be remembered as being a person who WAS. I want to be remembered as a person who still IS. I will live through my children and their children, and I will be remembered by those who knew me; not on the basis of what I've said or what I've done, but on the basis of what I've shown. If ever I've loved and cared enough, it will be proven by those who knew me. For as long as I am remembered with a fond memory, I will know that my life has been worthwhile.

10 hours to go to 2009. I hope your year has been worthwhile. Cheers!






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