11 things I learned in 2011

1. Finding an affordable apartment with a parking spot in the Chicago area is like winning the lottery.

2. Your best friends are the ones who look at you, even in the face of things that anyone else would (probably rightfully) judge, take your hand and say, “I love you, and I will be right here while you figure things out.”

3. If you think drivers where you live are crazy, go to Florida. Those drivers could out-crazy anyone, any day.

4. A job at which you make essentially nothing can be infinitely more rewarding than a job at which you make all the money in the world – it’s about doing something you love.

5. It is impossible to cook with quinoa, couscous or powdered sugar without getting said food items all over the kitchen. You’ll be stepping on quinoa seeds for days.

6. I don’t care what important plans you think you have – sometimes there is nothing more important than setting aside a few hours every Friday to take lunch to your best friend at work. Especially the last few months before you move to a new city. I wouldn’t trade those Friday afternoons for the world.

7. Quinoa is an excellent hangover food. Whether I learned this directly or indirectly is classified information.

8. When going out dancing, always, always, always bring extra bobby pins and hair ties for that moment when your hair inevitably goes from cute and perfect to sweaty and scary and must be tamed.

9. Running doesn’t have to be as painful as I once thought.

10. Regardless, I’m still a Reluctant Runner.

11. New life experiences don’t have to be terrifying. I’m capable of more than I ever imagined.