2019 Things I Learned

Posted on by

Every year for the past… ummm… wow, it’s been a lot of years. The first of those lists was from 2014 and it’s still the last post on my previous blog site.  The lists started because the radio program that I listen to most mornings ends their daily broadcast with “what we learned”. They go around the room to each of the hosts and get a funny remark/synopsis of the day’s funny happenings.  Mine sort of started off that way. Then, they got more personal and meaningful.  Here’s my list for 2019. Many of these only have meaning to me. Some have been redacted because they were too personal or could expose me to issues that I’d rather not face in public yet… or ever.

You may notice a “Work Week” row in there, too. Each week, on Friday, I write down a few things that I accomplished at work that week. Then, when it comes to annual review time, I have 45 or so entries to look at instead of combing through a year’s worth of emails trying to figure out what the fuck I actually accomplished. It works great. And, if you have a weekly catch-up with your boss, it’s great to bring up to him/her during that call. Your weekly catch-up becomes 30 minutes of you bragging about what you accomplished.

This year, in addition to recording a “thing I learned” each day, I also added three positive things/thoughts to my daily recordings.  This was something that I adopted from my friend Catrina. Not sure exactly how it came about or how she uses it, I just know that she was my inspiration (as she often is). I may post that list too. I’ll have to see how much of it is too personal to share when I review it.

More after the break…

Date
Learning/Thoughts
01/01:
This is going to be a great year!
01/02:
Today, I did my first glue-up. I now understand why clamps are applied in multiple force-directions
01/03:
After 2 trips to Lowe’s – coming home with the wrong thing 2x – one can go to home depot to avoid embarrassment
01/04:
Endo will rip the leash out of my hand to go give lovings to the mail carrier
01/05:
 I need longer rides. I was cooked tonight after 8 miles
01/06:
 A can of poly that won’t open can ruin your plans for the evening
01/07:
 A smart plug is rather cool to have
01/08:
 I don’t know what I looked at when I made Noli’s puzzle pieces.
01/09:
 I need to wear a mask when sanding
01/10:
 My eagerness to please still drives my actions
01/11:
 I’m flourishing as a BA and I like the PM role description
01/12:
 Jenna and I still laugh easily
01/13:
 Endo chases the kite, not the kiter
01/14:
 Reach out and offer to help, don’t pray
01/15:
 The closer we are to a snow storm, the less likely it’ll be a big storm
01/16:
 [REDACTED] can happen on the 16th of the month when there’s a govt shutdown
01/17:
 Even measuring 2x isn’t enough sometimes
01/18:
 You can’t milk a cattle dog’s legs
01/19:
 Shovel. Shovel. Shovel. Shovel. Wind covers it all over again.
01/20:
Brushing on wipe-on poly works ok when you’re doing it on Shou Sugi Ban
01/21:
 If you by grapes too, it doesn’t look like a junk food run
01/22:
 Read twice, order once (small frizbee #2)
01/23:
Don’t keep $10,000 in cash in your briefcase
01/24:
 Bought a heater for the van because, I need to get out year round
01/25:
 Shopping is easier when you leave Endo in the car
01/26:
 [REDACTED]
01/27:
 [REDACTED]
01/28:
 Fleabag is pretty funny
01/29:
Rosemary’s prognosies is not going to be good. [REDACTED]
01/30:
 Endo still wants to hump stuff
01/31:
 Endo is so incredibly smart
02/01:
02/02:
 This summer is going to be too much fun w/Endo
02/03:
 I miss my cog monster friends on the bike
02/04:
 I like the new layout in the LR
02/05:
 I don’t have to get on my knees to scrub the floor
02/06:
Endo’s name appears in a police report for the first time today
02/07:
 I may have found a source for rubber for Endo’s boots
02/08:
 I’m going to look like an abuse victim tomorrow
02/09:
 I need to build a console between the van seats
02/10:
 Amazon sent me free bling
02/11:
 Free wood!
02/12:
 People are flaky
02/13:
I hope to never put my kids through a death-bed decision.
02/14:
 Just buy the damn tool while you’re there
02/15:
The arrow indicates the fuel flow direction
02/16:
 On the road again…
02/17:
 Michael cares about his lawn like I do
02/18:
 Rosemary is gone. Sad day. Very sad.
02/19:
 Alabama has some great MTB trails
02/20:
Mom & Pops were so happy to see me
02/21:
It’s OK to put in 60% effort… you’ll be rewarded anyway
02/22:
  [REDACTED]
02/23:
 The trails in Columbia are among my favorites
02/24:
 In a fog advisory, just stop.
02/25:
Do what’s right
02/26:
It’s so good to be home
02/27:
Training/education is fun
02/28:
Training/education is fun
03/01:
  [REDACTED]
03/02:
 Hold the leash tightly… always
03/03:
 Snowmen melt from the edges
03/04:
 I need to make my own toys for Endo
03/05:
 Helmet decorating is fun
03/06:
 Back to applying for jobs
03/07:
 Nick has my back. That feels good
03/08:
I may need to buy kevlar online for Endo
03/09:
 Goodbye, Steve
03/10:
 I’m going to use the full 5 days
03/11:
 My reaction may not have been measured but I think it was the perfect measurement
03/12:
  [REDACTED] is a marvelous, wonderful, awesome piece of fucking shit. But… we knew that.
03/13:
 21 + 16 = 18months
03/14:
 Always always always check for nails and have a system
03/15:
 Next time, report the upgrades
03/16:
03/17:
Having fat, lazy people in your neighborhood means your gopro is safe on the sidewalk for an hour
03/18:
 Blender is not good for video editing
03/19:
 Jenna is getting induced tomorrow
03/20:
 If Aiden comes quickly I won’t find out until tomorrow
03/21:
 Aiden was born today
03/22:
 He looks like me, a bit
03/23:
 Semitry matters in wood projets
03/24:
 Stop and wait are rock solid; heel and come need work
03/25:
  [REDACTED] may be just making excuses. We shall see
03/26:
 Nicole is a girly girl inside
03/27:
 Do your due diligence. It PAYS!
03/28:
 Nick is reading PM for Dummies, too
03/29:
Product manager meaning can be vague
03/30:
 A clean carfax means NOTHING
03/31:
 I can take my time car shopping
04/01:
 April Fools pranks can be fun if they’re funny
04/02:
 I think I want to build a trailer rather than a van
04/03:
 Stupid is as stupid does with a 16 year old
04/04:
 The 280 group’s master document is really good
04/05:
I think I’m settled on the cargo trailer
04/06:
 Fit-in may be different than maneuvered into
04/07:
 I think I’m going with a Silverado
04/08:
$250 isn’t worth arguing about after 90 minutes of sitting around waiting
04/09:
 Don’t be upset about a bad interview for a job you don’t want
04/10:
 I can always use the offer to get more money/less-time from Kantar if I get one
04/11:
 Michaela’s play was cute
04/12:
  [REDACTED] doesn’t ever feel the need to stop talking
04/13:
 I need a foil
04/14:
 Rainy Sundays suck
04/15:
The shelf life of our skills is shortening at a remarkable pace which means the critical currency of lifelong employability is learning. We’re not what we know but what we’re willing to learn
04/16:
 Endo’s harness. Can’t find it anywhere
04/17:
 [REDACTED] really considers me a friend
04/18:
 The first interview didn’t go so bad afterall
04/19:
I think the job is mine if I want it (and I kind of do)
04/20:
Cops give breaks on pot-day
04/21:
30 miles made me bonk
04/22:
8.5′ is TOO big
04/23:
Don’t forget your pump, dumbass
04/24:
 F is for FIST
04/25:
 I will be a foiler
04/26:
 Epic kite session was epic
04/27:
 End Game was epic
04/28:
 We should just be happy with the good sessions we get
04/29:
Everyone fails at who they’re supposed to be. The measure of a person is how well they succeed at being who they are
04/30:
 ENOUGH FUCKING RAIN!
04/31:
 A bill with a split/cut won’t be accepted by the ATM
05/01:
 That same bill will spend just fine at Pet Supplies Plus
05/02:
 I have completely checked out. There’s nothing left in the tank. I WILL take the AA job if it’s offered at the right salary.
05/03:
 I’m taking 2 days of PTO next week if nothing changes
05/04:
 Endo did NINE miles today!
05/05:
 Knowledge is consumed; wisdom is earned.
05/06:
 RIP Bubba
05/07:
 Stop making up things to worry about
05/08:
 Six months sober
05/09:
 On my walk today, in my head, I began writing my “It’s been fun. So long and thanks for the fish!” letter for Kantar
05/10:
Taking the day off doesn’t feel much different than working
05/11:
  The early bird gets the good wind
05/12:
 Glassing foil wings is a PITA
05/13:
 Glassing the hole is required
05/14:
 This year is sneaking past me for no good reason
05/15:
Ride of Silence with Nicole… fun
05/16:
 Orange is better
05/17:
I may not have to leave Kantar after all
05/18:
 Foiling is fun and challenging
05/19:
Big jumps are still my favorite
05/20:
Another week with no offer
05/21:
 Contracts are hard
05/22:
Cheese might be the “come” reward to beat all rewards
05/23:
 Mow once or deal with unhappy Pappy
05/24:
Never take criticism from someone that you wouldn’t take advice from
05/25:
The girls were good at the bbq
05/26:
 Brian has cameras on his house
05/27:
I missed riding road… with friends
05/28:
 Stay away from the rocks
05/29:
 There’s not enough time to prepare for the first sprint :(
05/30:
05/31:
Morgan is moving really, really fast
06/01:
 Eyeball size hail is eyeball size
06/02:
 Tadpoles in a puddle!
06/03:
I may be a program manager soon
06/04:
 5 extra miles early will kill your average
06/05:
Second interview went well
06/06:
 I got the job
06/07:
 Phil was sad that I will get an offer
06/08:
 6 hours under a kite!
06/09:
 Router as joiner is excellent
06/10:
 Dad got his wish on his birthday
06/11:
Chain/Fence your dogs, people
06/12:
Bonus, unexpected session
06/13:
 Travel Day
06/14:
 The cashier spelled my name right
06/15:
 I got the job
06/16:
 I’m not at the mercy of an airline
06/17:
 You can still be disappointed when you didn’t have any expectations (gas mileage)
06/18:
I can do 70+ and get 10mpg, or I can sit behind a semi and get 15mpg.
06/19:
I need to do my chores before I build the trailer
06/20:
 Pizza Noms on the cheap
06/21:
 Lowe’s refunds take time to show up on your card
06/22:
 There’s a mouse in the house!
06/23:
Kitefoil was a great investment
06/24:
 Rick has no clue who I am or why I left
06/25:
 Thursday’s conversation between Phil/Morgan will determine my future timing
06/26:
Eric thinks I found a unicorn (the new job)
06/27:
Phil wants to keep me for a month
06/28:
 Matt actually wants me for a month
06/29:
 We might get some kiters out of this clinic batch
06/30:
 I got shit done today!
07/01:
I have a new default quick meal – pizza on sandwich thins
07/02:
Nicole is teachable
07/03:
When properly motivated, I can kick ass
07/04:
Endo still needs treats on 7/4
07/05:
 They didn’t paint the uprights
07/06:
 You can break Pyrex
07/07:
 The learning curve is steep for all of us
07/08:
 NBC Sports can DIAF (RIP JSPAceMan)
07/09:
 [REDACTED] picked up bad habits or was never a Cog Monster
07/10:
 I don’t need the short mast anymore
07/11:
Endo got a new leash!
07/12:
The bridles DID go back on
07/13:
 The bridle seemed to make a positive difference
07/14:
 Where’s Waldo is Where’s Wally elsewhere
07/15:
11 year olds will be 11
07/16:
 I did the work things
07/17:
I probably won’t build it that way
07/18:
Dwarf Craft 4’6″ is just slightly smaller than the glide
07/19:
Using a leash to teach “Yoga” worked!
07/10:
Even a 20 minute swim can’t ruin a session
07/21:
Swimming is suddenly part of kiting again
07/21:
 Even dumb packaging can get a product delivered in tact
07/22:
I ruined the wind for everyone with my new kite
07/23:
 0% rain means packing up and watching the rain when working on roof vent
07/24:
Shop twice, order once?
07/25:
I’m finally DONE with Visa (forever?)
07/26:
Covenant of the arc… LOL
07/27:
I Love the new SST
07/28:
I can probably fix the fan for $33
07/29:
Buy the right length screw
07/30:
Prototype = functional
07/31:
MAJOR progress inside the trailer today
08/01:
 Kitchen is 88.9% done!
08/02:
 Lacy from Corner Gas gave Frasier the brush-off
08/03:
No good guys with guns in Texas were available
08/04:
Mariah gets to go to my favorite city in CA!
08/05:
Sometimes minor updates take a long time
08/06:
Wet wood won’t go together
08/07:
 Put the locks on the doors EVERY time
08/08:
Releasing to leash is scary when you don’t expect it
08/09:
 Endo does parkour`
08/10:
Some days, it’s ok to quit early
08/11:
Just wing it (seat design)
08/12:
 I can move stuff forward in the trailer without much effort
08/13:
Endo has yet another injury
08/14:
I’ve lost my desire to work on it
08/15:
Taking 2 days off from the trailer feels good
08/16:
Pops isn’t doing well
08/17:
Luke kited before ANYONE
08/18:
Watch your step or roll your ankle
08/19:
Cabbage Patch Millennium Celebration did NOT hold its value
08/20:
30,000 people gave their lives to build the Panama Canal
08/21:
Keep making minor updates and progress happens
08/22:
 skipping a day
08/23:
They want to give me MORE money
08/24:
 I won the Funny Quote and Accurate Quote of the day with “Who’s this asshole?”
08/25:
The button on the battery monitor was an effing light switch
08/26:
It’s been wet, but not all the time
08/27:
I need to get back to eating healthy
08/28:
 China is basically fucked
08/29:
V
08/30:
A
Work Week 35
C
08/31:
A
09/01:
T
09/02:
I
09/03:
O
09/04:
N
09/05:
 V
09/06:
 A
09/07:
 C
09/08:
 A
09/09:
 T
09/10:
 ANOTHER HURRICANE RUINED A TRIP
09/11:
 Mi Hacienda is still pretty awesome
09/12:
 Aha! should be sufficient for the necessary
09/13:
People can still be assholes – splashed by car
09/14:
Another foil session that wouldn’t have been
09/15:
Five day work weeks are so passe
09/16:
 Depression is real. Need exercise.
09/17:
 Definitely a bit of depression. Slept 10 hours
09/18:
Second big crossing of the season
09/19:
Endo apparently feels better… somehow
09/20:
Watched Captain Marvel
09/21:
Many of the monsters are sour on road riding
09/22:
I can teach Endo to skateboard
09/23:
 The new wing is fast
09/24:
It was a triple exercise day w/Endo
09/25:
 [REDACTED]
09/26:
Work Waiting… Yup, they’re yours,  [REDACTED]
09/27:
 Alan envies me
09/28:
 Endo is hurting somewhere – couldn’t run this morning
09/29:
6 hours is a LONG time
09/30:
People envy me and live vicariously through me
10/01:
Hottest Oct 1st, ever… 91 degrees
10/02:
 Took the step toward TRT
10/03:
Mariah’s concert was short!
10/04:
 Sanding
10/05:
 More and more sanding
10/06:
Caution is better
10/07:
I miss my Lil Bear
10/08:
 o
10/09:
 o
10/10:
 oops
10/11:
 Skipping days happens
10/12:
 The McDonalds suggestion works
10/13:
 2 hours on the bike felt AWESOME
10/14:
Left the truck door open for 24 hours and nothing missing
10/15:
 Second ride in a row
10/16:
 Going to Austin
10/17:
 Morgan is an awesome boss
10/18:
Sanding, sanding, sanding
10/19:
 Sanding ain’t so bad
10/20:
 CrossFit… maybe
10/21:
 Mostly wasted work-day
10/22:
10/23:
10/24:
10/25:
10/26:
YOGA!!!
10/27:
10/28:
missed a day
10/29:
Lowe’s scrap wood is CHEAP
10/30:
I think I DO need to replace the batteries in the trailer
10/31:
Binging YouTube is OK on Rainy Days
11/01:
Ummm… make some step-up-boxes. They’re simple
11/02:
It’ time to get Fatty fixed up
11/03:
I can do push ups!
11/04:
EMOMs should be 3 or 4 of each… MAX
11/05:
The 1/2 inch acrylic rods are pretty
11/06:
Sick day… it’s a thing
11/07:
I don’t need [REDACTED] to scold me
11/08:
ONE YEAR!
11/09:
Missed a day
11/10:
Red ceiling is red (and dark)
11/11:
STEM + Arts = MEATS because math, engineering arts technology science = cooking (catwritr)
11/12:
Debt Paid in Full
11/13:
My follow-up fu is strong
11/14:
 [REDACTED]
11/15:
You can re-teach a young dog an old trick
11/16:
Missed a day
11/17:
Dick Van Dyke is still working at 93 years old
11/18:
 Missed a day
11/19:
Long work-days are long
11/20:
Keep looking for things – you may find them
11/21:
I might need a longer weekly catch-up w/Morgan
11/22:
We didn’t die
11/23:
Free Pizza for my local Domino’s guys
11/24:
VA
11/25:
CA
11/26:
TI
11/27:
ON
11/28:
DA
11/29:
YS
11/30:
Travel Day
11/31:
Take advantage of bad-behavior-days
12/01:
I only have one positive for today
12/02:
 Sometimes the excuse is stronger (and valid)
12/03:
There should be a sleeve on your holster for your CCW card
12/04:
We have a new Enterprise TPM and she’s a true peer
12/05:
Dolphins sleep one hemisphere of the brane at a time
12/06:
Protein shakes… yum
12/07:
I’m absolutely hooked on working out, now.
Who am I?
12/08:
Making and using templates for a router is tough
12/09:
 [REDACTED]
12/10:
 All my friends’ kids got older, too
12/11:
Mariah loves it when we whistle
12/12:
Tracking the confidence level is super powerful
12/13:
Pink Floyd synch’d to Wizard of Oz… very clever
12/14:
Endo goes with me everywhere, even when I leave him at home
12/15:
Do the hard things first… not a new learning
12/16:
Going with the confidence score from now on. Just need “Sprint Goal” defined
12/17:
2 Chain rings is $60
12/18:
Endo doesn’t give a shit if it’s cold. He demands exercise
12/19:
Endo doesn’t ALWAYS demand exercise. He can skip a day
12/20:
 14 year old girls have always been, are today, and will always be about drama.
12/21:
 [REDACTED] doesn’t think about the customer’s POV
12/22:
Endo can close cabinets/doors, now
12/23:
It doesn’t take that long if you just do it, already
12/24:
Blogging just seems like a chore
12/25:
I hurt my feet and my right knee with a bad foot adjustment on the rower
12/26:
See… she was just in a bad place.
12/27:
 There are 3 hours per day to do with what you want. Make the most of them
12/28:
 I broke Brian and I feel awful about it
12/29:
The Red Wings look pretty good against Tampa – through 2 periods.
12/30:
 My crock pot is not as big as my brane thinks
12/31:
 Another year in the books