School is in

The last few weeks have been a time of great learning for me. Some of the information I have come across shook cherished and long-held beliefs and some has given me a feeling of lightness and growth that's really quite addictive.

A sample:
1/Just because I like someone, doesn't mean they're widely liked.
I tend toward the drama queens and the narcissists for my friendships because, let's face it, they're FUN. At least, they're fun at first, with all the drama and the excitement and whatnot. It's only after a while I find out I am but a bit player and of no real consequence to the narcissistic drama queen, and I bow out. (If we've been friends for a long time, you're likely neither a drama queen nor a narcissist, fyi, so refrain from snarky comments below, please!) I also tend toward the quirky. I have found that quirky folk are also generally thoughtful and kind, and their messups are far less damaging than those of The Dramatic. Further, The Quirky usually have skills worth admiration. I have recently learned that some people aren't willing to put in the time to plumb the depths of the Quirky's admirable traits, which makes me sad for both parties.


2/ Sometimes, you have to step up.
There is some sort of trouble at the club where I curl. 5 of 11 members of the Board of Directors have quit. Among the people who walked away? 100 percent of the women. My pun for the situation: "That sure seems like some sort of cock-up to me!"
Seriously, though, I've been a member of the club for 10 years, playing as often as four times a week. I usually help out at one bonspiel a year. I've let other people volunteer to run the scheduling, bonspiels, bar, committees and all other organizational stuff that needs done. Sitting back is all well and good, but I realize as of this week, I forfeit the right to complain if I don't pitch in.

3/ Cars need oil, and they're not kidding about it.
My beloved and elderly Volkswagen Beetle left me stranded by the side of the road Monday. I thought the oil light meant, "Hey, maybe, if you're not too busy, could you perhaps swing by a store later today and pick up some oil?" It actually means, "HOLY MOTHER OF ALL, I'M DYING HERE!!!!", and might mean, "Goodbye, cruel world....". I'm hoping for a diagnosis later today.
Before you think me an idiot, please know I was diligent about the oil changes for beloved Byng the Bug for the first 13.5 years of our relationship. It's only in the last while, when Sweetie and I are getting so very close to finding the perfect replacement, that I have been somewhat (OK, thoroughly) negligent.

Oh there's more, but I'm too embarrassed to put some of it into words.