...that sometimes it takes someone from another country to remind you how cool America is and how great it is to live in Chicago, even this time of year. It's sort of like family. When you're too familiar, you tend to focus too much on what you don't like versus the good stuff.
...that if you're going to lie about missing class, make sure your Facebook updates don't say you were at a bar in Wrigleyville cheering on the Bears when your e-mail says you were downstate at your grandfather's funeral.
...that the only people benefiting from Trickle Down Economics are heirs.
...that laughing with a group of friends is probably the best kind of laughing.
...that it's okay to get angry, even at the little things, but it's not worth the wear and tear on the soul to hang on to that anger.