Two hours away from my 37th birthday. So, what have I learned this year?

Well, I learned for sure that I hate winter but that I can exist in any kind of weather. Oklahoma's 2006-07 winter was worse than Minnesota's 2006-07.

I learned that the best coffee in the world isn't at Starbucks or even at 7-Eleven or McDonald's, like many "taste tests" suggest. It's at the Waffle House and Golden Corral. Either one.

I learned how to shoot videos for YouTube.

I learned a ton more this year about SEO, search engine optimization.

I learned, or I have come to understand as clearly as never before, that I am extremely fortunate to be in the industry I am. Doing what I do (digital journalism) is pretty much akin to working in television in the 1930s.

I learned that I don't have to go far to get the best newspaper in Oklahoma. It's the Norman Transcript.

I learned how to read bigger and better than I ever have before, but I still hunger to be able to consume more information.

I learned how to separate ideology from my hatred of FOX News. It has nothing to do with their conservatism. Hell, on many issues, I am conservative. My disdain with FOX News has everything to do with how they brazenly flaunt their bias, how they twist information and, worst of all, how they completely disrespect the viewer in doing so.

I still say that Shepherd Smith is THE best anchor on any cable news channel, including Anderson Cooper. Smith is a throwback to a different era.

I learned how to exercise this year. I've worked out more in 2006-07 than any year since high school. I've lost about 5 to 7 pounds this year to show for it even though my eating habits are still pretty poor. See, while I understand how to read a label, I can't resist a big slice of carrot cake.

I learned how to manage my time this year. The formula isn't perfect, but with all the work, the initiatives, the projects and fun I have going on at once, I practically need a personal assistant. Last year at this time, I was frustrated by my inability to manage it all.

This year, I'm $^%#$@ Martha Stewart.

I heard the best album I've heard in a decade this past year. It's Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black," not only a shoo-in for my album of the year for 2007, it's likely a multiple Grammy winner next February. Whether she's dead or alive then is the more pertinent question.

I learned to embrace routine without guilt. The older I get, the less spontaneous I become, and that doesn't bother me a bit. When I was younger, I'd hear women say, "I love being with so and so. He's so spontaneous."

My thought was always that Charles Manson was probably pretty spontaneous as well. Besides, one of the benefits of age and wisdom is the ability to plan effectively, to analyze needs and wants and to make the most of both.

But do I really feel any wiser?

No, although I believe it a trait of any fool to think himself wiser than he is. To that end, I'll just recognize that there is much more to learn, and God willing, we can meet right back here next year.