But let me say this about learning experiences: they're weird. Or put it this way: what you learn from a learning experience is generally something else.

Drinking: something to do while getting drunk.

the most all-around, practical, long-wearing illusions are the ones that you weave yourself.

it isn't true, by the way, that nothing is as bad as you think it's going to be. Some things are exactly as bad as you thought they were going to be, and some things are worse.

People will admit to arson and mayhem sooner than no sense of humor.

When you're little, time stretches obligingly, and vacation is forever.

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.