Going to school

Over the last few months, I have learned much.

Without trying to sound vague (and now I will be completely vague), I will say that you’re never too old to learn new things about things, and about people. You know:  what stuff and folks are made of. Since Christmas, I’ve seen the good and the bad, and came away having gotten an education.

The first lessons came via a bunch of smart, level-headed, dedicated colleagues on my negotiations team, who make it look like I marginally know what I’m doing. I’ve learned gobs from all of them, and also from Mick, our labor relations consultant. Such cool people.

I’ve learned who I can really trust, and who’s just in it for the gimmes; who I can safely confide in, and when to completely limit the discussion topics to weather and sports. And if that ain’t a life lesson, fiends, I don’t know what is. Choose your confidantes carefully.

I’ve learned it was OK to let go of the house I so desperately wanted because the Thriller finally got it through my cement skull that there were too many problems with the foundation and electrical system that apparently were going to be frightfully expensive to fix if they went south. I need to move on, and it’s OK that someone else will get that house eventually. I’m all right with it, seriously. There will be other houses, so it’s good. I mean it. Really.

I sense you don’t believe me.

Finally — and this is a lesson in progress — I’m learning that it’ll all get done. It doesn’t have to be shiny and presentation-ready all at once. It can wait until after you have dinner or go to the grocery, or have a meal with your grandchildren. Or after you write a long-overdue blog post. Hey, speekina…someone is celebrating her eighth birthday soon. Whaaaaa?

8 thoughts on “Going to school

  1. PKPudlin

    Ya know, I learn more from my students than I ever learned from my professors. No lie.

    Cute house, but the fact that it was built the year I was born would give me pause. ‘Course you could bulldoze it and rebuild, but that sounds like a game for the young.

    Good to hear from you again, lady.

    PK

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      I think I’ll pass on the razing-and-building; most definitely a job for a contractor, or someone with about 30 fewer rings around the ol’ trunk… ;-)

      I need to get back here more often. Facebook has stolen some of my blogging thoughts over the past year. Stuff that I would normally expound on here often ends up condensed in a few sentences there. I need to curtail that, since it gives me no writing practice and not much peace. Priorities shift! I’m glad you’re still clicking that notification link in email. Hugs to you!

      Reply
  2. David

    Ms FINK…what a lovely thing to “see” you and have you color my day!
    Couple thoughts stirred by your blog this morning, one being life lessons happen as long as we are on the green side of the dirt. They are either reinforcements of earlier lessons or brand spanking new ones…I hope that I never forget or stop learning.
    I have remodeled more homes than I can count, built new ones from the ground up and what I would say is never ever buy with major foundation issues…ever, ever! They cost beau coup bucks and more time than you care to think about. Yes, This is experiential wisdom i’ma sharing here. Thriller is right on!
    My confidants have all earned their place in my life…no freebies when it comes to speaking truth into my life…life is too precious, too tender too short to ever allow those who like to trample anywhere near it! Another lesson learned the hard, painful way!

    You are the smartest Fink I know! Regardless our proximity status, I know you have priorities and passions in the right order…you got this!

    You are thought of, cared for and loved…Always! Peace!

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      As are you, Dave! <3

      I saw a meme the other day, and I’m trying to remember what it said. It goes perfectly with what you said about reinforcements of earlier lessons, or new ones. It said something like people in your life are either blessings or lessons…how true at any rate!

      Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      lol — *sigh* I suppose in my black heart of black hearts, I knew it was foolish to push ahead. But YES haha

      Reply
  3. RD

    Sorry to be so tardy, but I’m really behind on my emails, and hence the notification that you had a new entry in your blog. I understand very well about learning whom you can trust and the ones with whom you only talk about the weather! I’m on the learning curve about that in my current area of ministry. I believe that you have great discernment in that area, and read people very well. Learning curves often take a lot of time and energy, but they keep life moving forward in a mostly positive way.
    Sorry about the house. It’s difficult to part with things we love. I could quote Ecclesiastes 3 to you: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…” followed by a list of specific contrasts. I could quote it, but I won’t :)
    You are regularly in my thoughts and prayers and extremely and highly valued as a trustworthy friend.

    Reply
  4. Stein

    The happiness of buying a house will only last about a month before it just becomes tedious. If there are fundamental problems, you’re better off staying put. Better things shall come.

    And since when are you ever “too old” to learn anything? Meh?!

    Reply

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