Looking back, as we look toward the fall equinox, it is clear that nothing happened this summer the way I planned. Most of the bright, heat-filled days of this year were reminders – I let myself get too comfortable with life, and the cosmos decided to shake things up a bit, make things a little (okay, a lot) harder, break up the routine.
Okay, Cosmos. You did it. And in reply, here is a brief list of the Lessons I’ve Learned, and of What I Did This Summer.
Most things in life are less stressful when viewed from the security of a bright red living room.
Wishes do not matter to loan officers.
It is easier to keep things clean when you do not have roommates.
I almost got arrested by a row of bicycle cops. If this happens to you, it is immensely comforting to be holding a wet kerchief in case they use tear gas.
I led a pack of marchers in chanting the words to the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.)
I helped plan a surprise bridal shower.
If I have to scream “HELLO I AM RIGHT HERE” into my cell phone one more time, I may puncture my eardrums just to save myself the trouble.
I made a chocolate cake from scratch.
I cried and laughed when I found out my oldest friend is getting married.
I bounced a rent check.
I learned the meaning of “galumphing,” which is how you walk when your flip-flops break in the middle of the city and you have to tromp, heavy-footed, looking for cheap interim replacements and you are right past the end of flip-flop season and nobody has any any more, except, of course, the store you were at when you initially broke them in the first place but did not think to check for footwear as they are in theory, a music store and not a shoe shop.
I filled out a Domestic Partner insurance form.
Cucumber tastes lovely with mint.
I like being a year older.
Straight boys apparently still think it is okay to wear Drakkar Noir.
The rest of the world seems very very far away when you have absolutely no way of reaching it.
Brocade makes my heart feel warm.
For the first time, money made me burst into tears. Money is a really stupid thing to cry over.
Fistfights can be cathartic.
Fistfights can ruin your clothes.
People who owe you money will never call when they say they will.
Friends make almost everything easier.
I threw a memorial dinner party.
Even if one is always lucky, sometimes one’s luck falls through.
Compromise sucks even when it is necessary.
“Down With Love” is a great movie.
I will never eat in the company cafeteria.
I can design.
Despite my protestations that caffeine does nothing to me, I really need some in the mornings.
No-Tax Week does not apply to hair gel, but it does apply to condoms.
It is hard to plan for the future when every sentence starts with “if.”
I will buy beer just for the motto on the packaging.
I love when people count on me.
I still love doing theater.
Weather.com is rarely accurate.
I learned my way around a corner of Central Park.
Apparently I can get so angry, I will seriously worry that I have given myself a heart attack.
I miss wearing jeans.
After accidentally referring to myself as a girl, I decided that I need more guy friends.
I wish my grandpa was here.
Thick, soft beds are divine. But they are hard to find sheets for.
Life doesn’t get easier just because you want it to. And sometimes working really hard doesn’t make a difference. And sometimes things can’t be fixed. And sometimes you can feel completely overwhelmed but you still only cry when nobody else is around.
And sometimes none of that matters, because you have to keep trying anyway.
