48 in 48

my forty-eighth birthday is today and i was so inspired by andria's birthday list last year that i just had to make my own. so here are 48 things i have learned to be true in my 48 years:

1. people are more important than things
2. mexican restaurants serve the worst red wine
3. nice does matter
4. you are what you do, not what you say, or think, you are
5. living a balanced life means leaving room for junk food
6. walking is a good enough exercise
7. a good cook does not need fancy equipment
8. falling in love is not a crime
9. happiness is a choice
10. age happens and it is easier to just accept it gracefully
11. play rough, get hurt
12. good manners will open doors
13. the best weekends are like good vistas - wide open!
14. never say never - life will definitely humble you
15. you won't regret the time it takes to watch the sun rise or set
16. hot tea is good for the soul
17. bring your patience to the airport
18. comfort trumps style when it comes to shoes (and just about everything else!)
19. the more you have to do, the more you get done
20. summer is by far the shortest season
21. write it down if you want to remember it
22. life doesn't get easier but, with luck, age brings wisdom
23. finding someone you like to work with is a gift
24. the holiday season doesn't have to have rules
25. letting go is the hardest part of living
26. growing as a person is not linear - it takes many directions, even backwards
27. art = risk
28. real mail is so much more satisfying to send and receive than email
29. the presence of birth and death feels the same
30. getting together with old friends is never a waste of time
31. you can visit a place over and over and always find something new/different about it
32. work provides structure and meaning to life
33. there are an unlimited number of cloud formations
34. death is not the end; it is nothing to be feared
35. your siblings will grow up to be your best, and oldest, friends
36. a true, authentic life requires living through your soul
37. blue sky is something to smile about
38. everyone should know at least one favorite poem by heart
39. words are extensions of our thoughts and should be handled with care
40. there is nothing like hugging a horse for an instant shot of well-being
41. it's never too late to be who you really are and live the life you imagined
42. peanut butter m and m's are the best kind
43. there is a limited number of everything in life - birthdays, autumns, beautiful moments - so treasure each one
44. my three year old niece has the sweetest voice in all the world
45. you can learn something from everyone but sometimes it's not worth the bother
46. write, write, write
47. be kind even (especially) to yourself
48. wisdom is more important than truth

i plan to add to this list as i grow even older since i am no where close to being finished learning!