Goodbye, old year....

Every New Year's Eve for almost as long as I can remember, my friends and I have played a game - what have we learned from the past year? I've never had the chance to write it down before, though, and it seems like it might be nice to actually have the list to look at later. This way, I can invite more friends to play along, too.

So, let's see. What have I learned from 2001?

I've learned that I really can pass the National Veterinary Licensing Exam.
I've learned to trust my friends when they say I can do something.
I've learned that I can listen to people call me doctor without laughing.
I've learned how to perform a splenectomy.
I've learned to have faith in my little sister.
I've learned that kangaroos have much softer fur than you would expect.
I've learned that a large part of good medicine is just knowing where to look things up.
I've learned the difference between a 401K and a Roth IRA.
I've learned what it feels like to have a car that works.
I've learned that going from a long-distance relationship to a short-distance relationship takes a lot of work.
I've learned that it's worth it. :)
I've learned how to make bagels.
I've learned that wealth does not automatically impart class.
I've learned that there's a happy medium between thoughtless spendthrift and scroogely miser, and that sometimes money is worth more when you spend it on yourself or your friends than it is in the bank.
I've learned that after four years somewhere, no matter how much you look forward to going home, leaving can be awfully hard.
I've learned that when you come home after a long absence, sometimes the friendships you were hoping to fit back into just aren't there anymore.
I've learned that, at the same time, sometimes the friendships you thought were gone are in fact right where you left them, waiting to welcome you back.
I've learned that I can sing in public, without dying, spontaneously combusting, or having the earth swallow me whole.
I've learned that dreams really can come true.
I've learned that 'happily ever after' isn't the end of the story.
I've learned that, for me at least, Disney World is even more fun when you're a grownup.
I've learned that organizing a big party can be a serious pain in the rear.
I've learned that plastic surgeons can work reconstructive miracles.
I've learned that I can interact with non-fans in a social setting, and have fun doing so.
I've learned that I have a lot more friends than I had ever imagined.
I've learned what it feels like to live life without grades every three months.
I've learned that Cinnamon Crunch bagels are a Goodness.
I've learned that sometimes the most painful thing in the world is to watch a tragedy, and know that you have the skills and knowledge to help, and still not be able to do anything.
I've learned what it feels like to worry for the lives of my loved ones - not in a vague, what-if way, but in a specific, oh-my-god way.
I've learned that even after the world changes irrevocably, it still keeps moving.

I'll probably add more things before the day is out, but that's a start...