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What I have learned: a summary.

I have lived at HoneyRock now for 15 months, give or take a week. In that time, I’ve learned a few things. Since I haven’t said a whole lot about what I’ve been up to this year, here are a few of them, in no particular order.

I have learned how to administer a Novell Netware-based network server, and enjoy it.
I have learned to drive a dump truck.
I have learned to debone chicken.
I have learned the basics of the Python and Java programming languages.
I have learned to side a house.
I have learned that Windows XP seems like a nice guy, but is a real jerk once you get to know it.
I have learned to be patient.
I have learned that 40 degrees below zero is, indeed, cold, but not all that bad once you get used to it.
I have learned how to find the constellations Cygnus, Cassiopeia, and Draco.
I have learned that I need natural light to remain a human being.
I have learned every dip and bump along Highway X on the daily bus route I drove every day for four weeks this summer.
I have learned that time is an artificial construct, and while both useful and important, isn’t all it’s hyped up to be.
I have learned to be late to meals.
I have learned to be early to meals.
I have learned to clean a bathroom in record time.
I have learned how to cook a meal for 200 people.
I have learned to make a computer dance at my command.
I have learned how deeply technology had interpenetrated my life up until 15 months ago.
I have learned exactly how much I miss it.
I have learned to make a decent cup of tea.
I have learned to drink terrible coffee.
I have learned that a beautiful thing takes work to maintain.
I have learned to drive on snow-packed roads.
I have learned to use my parking brake while in motion.
I have learned to do a 180.
I have learned how to extract my car from a snowbank.
I have learned how to lay a foundation.
I have learned to use a transit to make sure that foundation is level.
I have learned how very much horses are like people.
I have learned how very much people are like nothing you ever expect.
I have learned that locks are intended to keep honest people honest.
I have learned to harness the power of shell-based scripting in Linux, including the darker and erudite arts of sed and awk.
I have learned that complex systems are complex, and should never be trusted any farther than one can throw them.
I have learned to wash dishes with the best of them.
I have learned to travel light.
I have learned that if I ever want to be a professional writer, I need to write.

I will be leaving soon, at the end of the month, at which point I will be moving to Wheaton and looking for a job. I’m going to miss this place, but it will be good to see new sights.

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