Lessons Learned

1. Yesterday I seeded and chopped chilis from Bryce's dad's garden, probably about 50. During the chopping it felt like something had stung me under my ring, so I took the ring off. A little while later it felt like part of my hand was kind of burning. By the time I was finished, both of my hands were on FIRE from the wicked hot chili oil.

Cold water felt wonderful...for the moment. But I couldn't very well stay submerged in an ice bucket all day. So I went online looking for remedies. You know I was desperate because I actually scrubbed my hands with bleach--straight bleach. You know, the base counteracting the acid and all that . . . and it didn't even hurt. I'm not sure if it helped, or if I'd just basically burned a layer of skin off by that point, but the pain lessened.

I told Mary, "Man, I can still feel my hands stinging today."

She said, "Well, I guess you've learned a good lesson."

And the lesson is: Wear gloves when you chop little chilis.



2. I got an e-mail informing me (and others) of an upcoming event in an organization. It asked our opinions on a certain subject, and to e-mail with any concerns. So I did. And I was politely informed that things were not changing, but thanks for my input.

Lesson learned: When people ask for your opinion, sometimes they don't really want your opinion.



3. I had a meeting with one of the Young Women classes, and afterward one of the members (Girl #1), who is super friendly and, I would say, "popular," confided in me how hurt she is by some of the other class members. They ignore her at school in favor of impressing a more "in" crowd--but at church they are buddy-buddy with her. So basically she feels like a "B List" friend--good enough when there's no one better around.

Our meeting was over, and Girl #1 and another class member, Girl #2 (a very witty but somewhat shy person, not one of the snubbers) left together. Afterward Girl #2 called and told me this: She, Girl #2, had always felt like an outsider, despite the fact Girl #1 would invite her to do stuff and try to be her friend. Though she really respected Girl #1, she believed that Girl #1 was just being friendly out of duty or obligation, so she always declined the offers.

After a long talk, Girl #2 realized how wrong she'd been. She had no idea that such a seemingly happy, outgoing person could be looking for a real friend too--and how she'd probably added to Girl #1's unhappiness by rejecting her invitations. Now the two of them are forging a friendship that benefits them both (and warms my heart.)

Lesson learned: A "popular" person can be lonely, and an "outsider" can be the kind of friend everyone wishes they had.

So luckily for me, I finish out the week a little wiser than I started.