Lessons from this Christmas

When we stop learn­ing, we start dying. So here is what my trip to Atlanta has taught me for this Christ­mas in 2009.

1. Dri­ving to Atlanta from Orlando with a packed car can be mis­er­able and uncom­fort­able at times.
2. The Jar­rett Law of Travel holds: “No mat­ter how far, or how long the trip is, you will find a way to fill up the car.”
3. It takes nearly a whole bot­tle of Chivas Regal to really get me trashed.
4. I’m pretty awe­some at poker when I’m drunk.
5. It takes WaffleHouse’s Steak + Eggs with lots of water to quell the result­ing hangover.
6. I love spend­ing time with my fam­ily. Mostly.
7. Awk­ward times are still times with fam­ily. Push through them.
8. No one is per­fect. But those who are annoy­ing are less perfect.
9. Nieces and Nephews are way too much fun to play with.
10. Always check direc­tions. Don’t trust some­one knows where they’re going. Even if that some­one is you.
11. It’s the moments in time rather than the things in space which really matter.
12. Vegan food can be yummy. Meat is not required in food. But it is still yummier.
13. There is no greater sport than football.
14. See­ing my mother’s grave will always make me cry. Damn do I miss her.
15. Grand­moms can still kick butt at poker no mat­ter their age.

Much more was learned, and these lessons will give you a snap­shot of what hap­pened this trip. I’ll be writ­ing more as time allows. For now it’s off to bed. We’re on the road in 6 hours.