Lessons I have learned this year, so far...

As we are approaching the holidays and the end of another year I find myself contemplating what it is I have learned this year. Here are a list of just a few of this year's lessons:

• Raw chicken does NOT blend up well in the blender.
• Blenders can catch on fire.
  
• Partially blended up raw chicken also doesn't blend up well in a smoothie maker.
• I will NEVER be fired from my job.
• My family is the most important thing in the universe.
• Global warming has it's up-side
• You can NOT make powdered sugar by putting granulated sugar in a coffee grinder.
• You can't always determine someone's gender from the sound of their voice on the phone.
• Kids really love repetition.
• Even things you used to enjoy SUCK after watching them too many times. (Nemo, I wish to bid thee farewell)
  
• I enjoy cooking, even after that whole chicken/blender incident, who knew?
• I love being a mom more than any occupation I have ever had.
• A monthly "Mom's Night Out" for me is required for good mothering.
  
• There are really some quality people out there if you look hard.
• Yo Gabba Gabba is an acquired taste.
  
• Anyone really CAN be president, and I can't help but cry a little every time I think about it.
• I will probably always have this kind of yucky stretch marked gut lump hanging off me, and secretly I am kind of proud of it.
  
• A glass of wine can really help with stress, sometimes two glasses.
  
• Don't bite your friends!
  
• While financial security is nice, it is not essential for happiness.
• I still adore the holidays.
• Those last ten pounds are a BITCH!
  
• I am not who I thought I was, and I am cool with it.
• Everything in moderation... I wish I could remember this lesson for next year.
  
• You really can replace your car with a bike for most weekly errands, even with two kids in tow.
• Relationships are hard.... but worth it.
• Poop stories still are and always will be FUNNY!
  
• Hope has returned to my soul, and for that, I am exceedingly thankful.