Lessons learned in 2009 (to be continued)

I figured I would sit down and jot down some of the lessons I have learned in 2009. Hopefully, history will not re4peat itself and I have learned from some of the mistakes of 2009. i don't think I am alone in saying 2009 sucked!
First lesson I learned in 2009 is to only take on partners if everything is in writing and the money is put up front! We danced with the Hog Island Guys for about seven months about being our partners in Austinville. They took a strong interest in being an equity partner and a tenant in our locals only shopping center. Four days before closing, they bailed out. They said it was too risky! Absolutely ridiculous! We were bearing 80% of the risk and we were letting them in at our initial cost. Fools! Shame on you Carlo and Steve Di Marco for not being up front and running up 10K in legal bills for nothing.
Speaking of shitty partners, age does not make us immune. My father's partners, the Moody's have screwed up their land developments so bad that they are doing everything to keep from sinking under water. Of course, Chuck has only been friends and partners with the Moodys for about forty years.
Another lesson I have learned in 2009 is that I will never be able to figure out teenage girls... Go figure. My two are fourteen going on 30 and twelve going hormonal. All I can figure out is that if you want them to do something don't mention it, have an opinion or make a suggestion because it won't happen unless they read about it on the net or there friends tell them it's cool. Are you reading this Olivia and Emma? This makes it official it is on the net.
More later... I have lots of lessons learned in 2009