people often throw around the phrase “once in a lifetime” and don’t really mean it literally.  several years ago, my ex-roommate from college, who became an NASA astronaut, invited me to a shuttle launch from the Kennedy space center at cape canaveral.  back in those days, i was super busy with “real” work and declined because i couldn’t get days off from work. at the time, i was thinking that i would simply go to his next launch.

needless to say, i missed a once in a lifetime opportunity that i regret to this day. now that the space shuttle program is basically dead, every time i see NASA news, it just reminds me again of my error in judgment.

what’s the life lesson here? if you’re not smart enough to realize a once in a lifetime opportunity when they present themselves, at least surround yourself with smarter people that can make you aware of the mistake you are making.