Looking Back on 2018 - Things I Learned

Here are the top things I learned in 2018 that either I didn't know, I knew and forgot, or I want to remember for 2019 (with supporting references).

1. Duct Tape can be an effective water intrusion barrier for windows, doors, garage doors (with or without sandbags) per County Flood Mgmt Director
2. The 5/2 Fasting Diet is doable and fasting has multiple health benefits
3. Hulu is a cost-effective alternative to Spectrum Cable TV (save ~$40/mo)
4. The best way to protect your Credit/Identity is to place a Credit Freeze at all three credit reporting agencies (first thing LifeLock employs)
5. My new favorite meal is lentil-vegetable-ham soup
6. Do not hesitate to pack extra clothing for uncertain weather on road trips 
7. When using a 'real' camera, bring your mobile phone as a backup camera. Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you.
8. Check iPhone Accessibility feature - awesome, little-known tips
9. Sitting for long periods can be as unhealthy as smoking - get up and walk!
10. 2019 New Year’s Resolution - don’t make any New Year’s Resolutions
11. If you manage things by lists and Apple's Reminders seems too much, check out Googles Tasks (it's simple and syncs across devices and Gmail).
12. Do not brush your teeth within 30 mins. after eating - allow saliva to neutralize mouth acids, allowing the enamel to reharden ... more dental tips
13. Reduce the lengths of email & text messages by challenging yourself to simplify
14. The Food Pyramid has changed - emphasis on fruits and vegetables
15. Never, ever buy outdoor Christmas lights that allow one bad bulb to take out an entire section or string of remaining lights
16. Want to lose weight? Understand serving sizes. Portions and more Detail
17. To get your email or text messages answered - limit them to one subject each (recipients often stop and respond after reading the first 'action')
18. The last place you look for something lost is where you will find it!
19. The stock market is emotional and one cannot consistently time when to buy or sell - hence the advent of Robo-Advisors and Portfolio Diversification
20. In a personal debate ask "what is the ONE overriding reason, above all others, why that is your position?" ... then either debunk it or agree
21. We cannot control or influence our Washington 'leaders' 
22. Every month, reorganize something - workshop, cabinets, drawers and you will find things you had forgotten and things you and things you can use
23. When all else fails with technology simply 'restart' the device or system  
24. Keep it Simple ... Keep it to the Point ... Just Answer the Question 
25. Stay Upbeat, Enjoy little things and keep a Positive Attitude