my top ten life lessons of 2008

1. It's not always about you. Pay attention to how other people fit into the equation.
2. Be here now. Living in the moment is not the same as being shortsighted. If you're always looking to the future or dwelling in the past, you're missing out on life in real time.
3. Teach by example. No one likes to be talked down to. 
4. Keep learning new things.  An old dog can learn new tricks if the motivation is there.
5. Clean up after yourself.  It will endear you to others, and dovetails nicely with No. 3.
6. Never trust a dog to watch your food.