...that money comes and money goes but no one can put a price on a good night’s sleep, a solid shit, and a serious, to your toes, laugh.

...that in order to protect those we care for it may be just enough to stand in the way of those who intend harm.

...that the story you continue to tell about yourself to others becomes your own reality over time. So, tell a better story.

...that the terms ‘dirty old man’ and ‘healthy and experienced elder’ are interchangeable depending on who is doing the describing.

...that when meteors start crashing through roofs in Texas in bursts maybe we’re finally beginning to live in a Michael Bay world.

...that when you spend time helping the truly broken—the ones who require more patience than seems reasonable—you walk away with two revelations: how much of yourself still works, and how vital the fragile thread of kindness is that holds people together.

...that sleep for a single older man is weird and wonderful. Sometimes you work your ass off and sleep with the fishes, other times you put yourself down, snooze for three hours, wake up, write, then catch another three before jumping into the day.

...that indecision is a decision.

...that it is no tiny thing to be able to fly without having to take your shoes off. You know, the Yin Yang effect of Trump is dizzying… ICE versus easier TSA lines? I dunno…

...that my new, best pickup line is the most honest: “Hi. You seem to be exactly someone who will ruin my life in a spectacular fashion. Wanna go get a drink?”

...that, at a certain age, a birthday is no longer a celebration of your existence but another notch in the ‘Fuck off, Death’ belt.

...that, as we age, good footwear is more important than a girlfriend.