Whew! You can release your grip on your pocketbook. The Legislature has concluded another session, leaving some Utahns laughing and others crying. In many ways, the legislative process is a microcosm of life. It throws 104 individuals together for 45 days in an intense, busy, high-pressure, fish-bowl environment that frays nerves and tests patience.

There are moments of joy, tragedy, confusion and enlightenment (rare). Therefore, many of the maxims, cliches and observations taught by philosophers, mothers and wits over centuries are readily applicable to our lawmakers. For example:

"It is good to be king." House Speaker Greg Curtis again demonstrated he is the biggest boy on Capitol Hill by doing deals, deflecting media criticism and garnering benefits for his Sandy constituents.

"Haste makes waste." Don't worry, given the slow slogging through many bills, not much was wasted.

"Actions speak louder than words." This might help explain the girth of some lawmakers.

"If you got it, flaunt it." Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble cleverly used his majority leader position to paint the veneer of statesmanship on his famous intense temperament.

"If you're already in a hole, stop digging." Almost every attempt Sen. Chris Buttars made to explain his words and actions got him deeper in trouble.

"Politics make strange bedfellows." Who would've thought that the forces pushing a prohibition of flavored malt alcoholic beverages in convenience stores would join with those wanting to increase the level of octane in cocktail drinks?

"Brevity is the soul of wit." Strange, but this has no application at all on Capitol Hill.

"Size does matter." As Rep. Greg Hughes reminded us on a regular basis when referring to the diminutive nature of some senators.

"Patience is the greatest of all virtues." As one of the few Utah elected officials who stuck it out with presidential aspirant Sen. John McCain, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s judgment (and potential appointment to a McCain administration) was frequently noted in the Capitol corridors.

"Live and let live." Just so long as it is the way the Eagle Forum wants you to live.

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Several moderate Republican lawmakers and their lobbyist friends were exposed in a clumsy attempt to unseat various conservative legislators.