On the to-do list

Three months into our new life in the states, and things are good. Like any non-native speaker, we need to continue practicing our Spanish. Even so, it's time to start looking at all those other things on the to-do list.

As I've continued growing up, I've begun to note things that seem to be a mark of, well, let's not say maturity, but at least being a grown-up.

In addition to the Spanish and parallel parking, there's also the tile-laying and other handy things I've learned on the Great Basement Upgrade of 'Aught 7, but there are certain skills that separate a guy from a man.

Things to learn:

• How to play pool -- for real this time (thanks to Rich and Marc for trying that one night at Pat's Time for One More)
• How to mix drinks like a bartender
• How to play poker and spades -- without freaking out every time we play K's mom
• How baseball works
• How football works
• How soccer works
• How to change a tire -- theoretically I do know this, but I've only ever watched my dad do it
• How to carry a conversation that doesn't devolve into politics or references to The Simpsons
• How to get out of situations I don't want to be in

That's probably not all I need to learn, but it's a start. Anyone have other suggestions?