...and some other things i know (that i kinda wish i didn't, though sometimes it's not so bad)

1. Along with the joy of owning a dog (or most any pet really) and loving and caring for it, there comes a time when you may have to make the decision to put them to sleep. The anguish and despair you feel in having to make this decision is one of the most difficult things you are likely to ever have to do. (Though I also know we can find peace in knowing it is in their best interest.) And then if you decide to have her cremated and the ashes returned to you, you may become one of those creepy people who holds onto said ashes. ;-) I also know: when the time is right I will spread them in a favorite hiking spot and set her free.
2. People we are close to die. People we are close to will die. We will also die.
3. Checking out of life may be ok for a short time, but it's kind of a short existence so it's better to get your head out of your a$$ sooner rather than later.
4. You cannot pick your parents. You CAN choose whether or not to have them in your life and to what extent. But in the end, they ARE your parents and there's something to be said for that. They may also drop what they're doing without being asked & fly quickly to come take care of you for a few months if you need them.
5. Paying for car repairs sucks.
6. People and animals sometimes get diseases and illnesses that are not curable. It's hard to accept you cannot fix them, but you really do need to come to that realization else spend ungodly amounts of time searching the web for a cure on your own.
7. The same person who can bring you the absolute highest highs and incredible joys may also be the one who causes you the most pain. This, however, does not mean finding the right relationship is impossible, but it may make you question your sanity and intelligence. ;-)
8. Half-assing your way through life will provide a lackluster result.
9. You may give everything you've got into a relationship and it may still not be enough (for that person...carry on....).
10. Sometimes we hurt people we love and end a relationship because it is the right decision for ourselves. Hopefully both people eventually realize it was correct.
11. Sometimes we are not strong enough to put an end to something even though we know we want/need/have to. It would be best to act on this, but if you let it carry on, be prepared for much hell and hope you wake up before it completely destroys who you are inside.
12. If you allow yourself to hang in a situation that destroys you, you may sink to a place you never knew existed. Even though no one can reach you, it's imperative you reach out to someone, most anyone and press on. This too shall pass. And then don't you ever dare let yourself go there again.
13. It can take 40 years to find what *home* means to you. 40 frickin' years. But at least 40 vs never.
14. Opening yourself up to someone may be one of the hardest things you will ever do. Many people never, ever do this. And be aware this vulnerability opens the door to the potential for a lot of pain so be WISE in who you do this with. With the wrong person it can be a nightmare. With the right person it can take you to places so lovely you no longer feel you're on the same plane as the rest of the world. Do it. But be smart about it.
15. If you lose your sense of self (or don't have it to begin with) you will have no one to turn to when the world implodes. You are the only one you can 100% count on. Period. Guard your *self* with everything you're worth.