Shit I Learned This Semester: Fall 2011 Edition

This past semester has been a roller coaster.  That's probably the best way to put it.  Physically, emotionally, and psychologically, I have had both my ups and downs.  Now that I am going to embark on my new 9-year cycle (based on my numerology personal year number, refer to my previous list from the Spring 2011), it's even more important to reflect.  Unfortunately, I never published my list of Shit I Learned This Summer, and I have since lost it, so this list is representative of time from late-August until now.  Anyway, here goes.  Cheers to a wonderful new year.

1. Always be thankful. 
2. There are Brown people in even the most obscure places, and they’re all named Shivani Patel.
3. Jazz is horrible.
4. Your heroes are closer to you than you think.
5. The slightest of seconds can change your life forever.
6. You can begin to love somebody instantly.
7. Everybody has a story, and it is your responsibility to tell it.
8. No one person needs as much clothing as I own.
9. Never spread yourself too thin.
10. You realize who loves you when it matters most.
11. Forgiveness is crucial.  Especially to yourself.
12. The quietest people have the best things to say.
13. “Prom pictures” are the only suitable pose for photographs.
14. It’s okay to fall on your face as long as you get a good laugh out of it.
15. The Megabus is late when you’re early or leaves right on time when you’re late.
16. Hobbits are well aware of their hobbitdom.
17. You are part of a movement.
18. I may or may not react badly to the Yellow Fever vaccine.
19. This is not to be confused with Curry Fever (of which I will never be cured)
20. It’s okay to quit, as long as you do it nobly and intelligently.
21. Grades are not a reflection of your person.
22. The gay freshmen are reckless.
23. Virginia sucks.
24. The best study break is making memes of your friends.
25. La-Tea-Da/Sugar Mountain Bake Shoppe has the best soup and the sweetest staff on the planet.
26. Semi-permanent hair-dye may be a little more permanent than you think.
27. Nobody at Starbucks knows how to spell the word “protein.”
28. Dandiya sticks are not bedazzled nunchucks.
29. Do not lose your prescriptions for anti-malarial pills.
30. The Pass/Fail option exists.  Take advantage of it.
31. People can very easily interpret things differently than you intended.
32. Not all those who wander are lost.
33. Make stupider decisions.
34. A one-way flight to the Bahamas can be as cheap as $113.
35. You always make the worst wishes at 11:11.
36. BLK brand water tastes as if you licked the wall of a cave.
37. Look at the world as if you know nothing.
38. If you think you’re missing out on something, you’re probably not enjoying yourself enough.
39. People remember things you never noticed in the first place.
40. For good luck, it’s customary to say “Rabbit, Rabbit” on midnight of the first day of the month.
41. The post office is not my friend.
42. People are entitled to their secrets
43. Go into things with no expectations.
44. People often believe in you more than you do yourself.
45. My biggest dream is to become a Louvre girl.
46. Someone you knew at one point in time may currently be becoming famous.
47. It’s a small world.  And it’s getting increasingly smaller.
48. The greatest joy comes from the greatest sadness.
49. You can always make up a reason to dress up.
50. I can’t wait for next semester.