I thought I posted this yesterday, but apparently my post got lost in cyberspace. Let’s try it again…
Now, you’ve probably gotten at least one of those “Things I’ve learned the hard way” lists in your email at some point or other, and if you’re anything like me, you can’t help but snicker, either at the absurdity of the situation they managed to get themselves in, or because you’ve had a very similar experience yourself. In any case, it’s always a good sign when you can look back on it and laugh.
So, without further ado, I submit my own (partial) list of various things I’ve learned over the years:
- Always make sure the gate is closed before letting the dog out. You will end up with a very wet and muddy dog otherwise.
- When looking up directions online, always double-check the destination before hitting print. Believe it or not, Google Maps does not always know where the train station is, which can lead to your getting lost in a maze of narrow streets and dead ends (in the middle of the night, of course). And your mother, who you were supposed to pick up 45 minutes ago, will be treated to frantic cries of “I can’t see the street name!” and “Oh shoot, I missed the turn!” as she tries to steer you in the right direction over the phone.
- Never close the door if you let the cat sleep in your room. Kitty will almost invariably wake up at least an hour before you planned on getting up and will insist on being let out NOW (and preferably fed too, since you’re up). Failing that, the moment you open your eyes is automatically breakfast time and there will be no argument.
- Riding breeches do NOT go in the dryer. Unless, of course, you’re planning on giving them to someone who’s 2 sizes smaller than you.
- When singing in front of people, always make sure your mic is on beforehand.
- If there are two nearly identical horses at your barn, it’s a good idea to always check the name tags on the stalls or ask the barn staff which horse is where. Your horse may not be in the last place you saw him/her, even if you were just there yesterday.
- Just because a horse or pony was apparently a perfect angel yesterday does not mean they will repeat the performance today. They may decide to act up just for you. (The reverse is also true.)
And finally:
Never, EVER, agree to help your younger sister with a prank involving a ridiculously over-the-top fake love letter addressed to the most annoying guy in your class. He may not get the joke and spend the rest of the semester pestering you to tell him who his “secret admirer” is.
You’re snickering now, aren’t you? My work here is done. 😛
Haha–looks like you’ve gotten yourself in some pretty good situations! 🙂