Resolute

It's that time of year. No, not as Karen Carpenter alludes, when the world falls in love and every some you hear seems to say, "Merry Christmas." It's New Year's resolution time.

Resolution. Resolute (according to dictionary.com) means "determined on an action or result."

There was once a British exploration ship - the HMS Resolute. So the Resolute was floating up in the arctic in 1854 when she became stuck in the ice. So the crew just shimmied down the sides (literary license taken for effect) and walked away, later picked up by another ship. An American crew found the Resolute and the United States government refurbished the ship, returning her to England as a goodwill gesture (remember this was during the Civil War, when making nice with the Brits didn't hurt the Union one bit). Once the ship was too old for real service, Queen Victoria had it dismantled and (at least) two desks were made from it -- called the Resolute desks. One sits in Buckingham Palace; the other sits in the Oval Office*.

Last year I set 7 goals. Let us focus on what I did do.

1. I took the GRE and did pretty well.

2. I exercised much more. I ran two official 5Ks.

3. I took a hip hop class and an archery class.

I'm quite happy with the things I did. I'm disappointed about the others. Not disappointed necessarily that I didn't experience them after all, but disappointed that I set them as goals. There are lots of reasons why a person wouldn't reach a goal (it's unreachable, she is lazy, she has no support). For me, I think it was that I didn't really want the others. I'll set better goals for 2011.

I'm resolute. I really intend to do the following. No namby-pamby goals for me. And here's what I'm determined to do.

1. Take community classes for weightlifting and auto mechanics.

2. Run half-marathon.

3. Buy only things I need and really want, no matter what the sale.

4. Pay off student loan.

5. Finish the long sought-after goal of attending all Utah temples. Really resolute this time.

* The desks were apparently featured in National Treasure.

Human-made

When folks are asked how they feel close to God, or where they go to relax, or what they think is beautiful, many, if not all, answer Nature. Nature is sometimes the recovering addicts Higher Power. Thoreau went to Walden. Gurus sit on the tops of mountains. Very transcendental. Nature has inspired poets, prophets, lovers.

Nature impresses me. But it's not really me.

I submit to the jury that perhaps inspiration, relaxation, and meaning might also be found in human-made creations. Indeed, we may say that He who created Nature, inspired men and women to be mini-creators. The world is rich with innovation and creativity. I'm so thankful, really, that I've seen as much as I have. Humans have made the world so happily habitable. I heard an old Jewish proverb that said (and I will probably massacre it) that the purpose of life is to bring order to things. I think humankind has brought much order to the world, in good ways. I find it exciting. Below are some photos representative of those human-made creations that broaden my mind (in no particular order).

An artistic garden (like at Versailles).

Architecture.

Seeing organization.

Plays. And movies. Things that tell stories, illustrate points, connect people.

Books.

Hotels.

Beautiful food.

Beautiful interior design.

Traditions. And classy people.

Photography and fashion.

Degas in particular and art in general

Family

The five most important people in my world (number six is my mom) with me.

Home

I'm from Alpine. I grew up there all my life. Yesterday I went back to see my mom and went for a run. I'd forgotten my city. It's idyllic. It's like Martha Stewart's Bedford. On my run I was first met, in the chilly air, by a deer who gave me a look of put apathy. I had to smile.

My town has a candy store. When I was very young it was just an outlet and we'd buy damaged candy canes and suckers. But now it's a proper boutique. Charming.

Lanes. History. Interesting things to see. That's my city. Lots for kids to do and none of it naughty. It's safe and ideal.

This is the house I hope to one day own. It's a gorgeous house with orchards and property. That's what I want - property for bees and orchards.

No seriously. This is where I grew up. Beautiful isn't it? Nestled into the mountains and with such lovely fields. Especially in the Fall.

The sky is celestial. It's facing south, toward Utah lake. And this is my neighborhood. Jealous much?

Yes, that's a camel. Our dear friends have had them for years. They just keep them.

I have been so blessed to grow up in the prettiest little corner of the world.

Detox

On Monday I decided I need to purge. Not like that. It wasn't DSM-worthy. I purged my closet. I dropped half my wardrobe on the floor. My friends picked through it and I donated the rest. When I look at my bare closet I feel relieved. I really love what's left. And I have a better idea of what to buy next. In fact, I went shopping, committing to spending a little more on thing I love that will last longer, and came away with nothing. Manifesto: I will not buy cheap things because they are cheap.

It's a psychological as well as physical exercise, getting rid of so much. You get rid of the superfluous -- the tiny details that clogged your vision from priority. I got rid of goals I felt I should have and kept the goals that truly important. I pushed the fluff aside and saw who I really am.

I'd recommend this drill. You'll feel a million times better. It's free therapy. You find out just what you don't need. You aren't weighed down by literal baggage. Let me know how it goes.

Little Laughs

My job is often very serious. But we also have our fair share of laughs. Here are some funny things that have been said in session (none of which are personal or sensitive). Enjoy!

"Fish don't have feelings. Kurt Cobain said." (Client discussing being vegetarian and eating fish.)

"The staff just let me sleep around." (Eek!)

"She is a witch who sucks out all the happiness." (Client commenting to staff about me... in other news, we've since reconciled.)

"Hey, girlfriend!" (Parent greeting me. Little odd.)

"I literally felt like crap." (Literally?)

"Her name's Grandma and she's upstairs." (Client retelling a childhood story of the paramedics coming to his house for his grandma.)

"I've been diagnosed with super-strength." (Client supposedly "messing" with peers, but he might just believe it.)

Who are you?

I've got this fairly new contraption on the side of the blog (it's on the left). And it tells me where everyone who visits the blog lives (theorectically). Who are you visiting my blog? Please let a comment to let me know who you are and where you are from.

Thanks

I was talking with Oli and I don't exactly remember what he said but it was something to the effect of, "Don't forget that you can really make a difference in someone's life." I think I've forgotten this a bit and that's caused me to be ho-hum about my work. So today I really tried. I mean I really tried to care. I tried to be interested. Tried to be excited. Tried to give them a little part of me. And I think it worked out pretty well.

I pulled out old thank you notes from past clients -- to remind myself that I have made a difference before -- and posted them where I can see them often. And then, tender mercy, two parents expressed extreme and passionate thanks to me. It was odd, but made me happy. And I had really positive interactions with clients where I thought, "Hey, they are a little happier after chillin' with me."

Tonight I got a note from a friend just saying how much she values me. It really made me happy. And everything she said was true -- well, I mean, she said that she appreciates how excited I am about stuff and it's true because I just feel so excited around her. She is really fun and I don't exactly know why but I think she is swell and I'm super stoked when ever I see her.

And also, I was talking with The Blur, who is one of my bestest friends ever, and she expressed appreciation and how she values our friendship and that was the cherry on top. can I just put in a plug for The Blur at this juncture in the blog. I can become obsessive. She laughs at my dumb jokes. She makes me feel like a million bucks. She's adventurous and daring. She is a hard worker who gives 1,000,000% (yes, that's a million) in everything she does. Also, she is hot (no, like really, really good looking -- so men, let me know and I'll see if you measure up), which a person ought it be if they possibly can.

I feel like as I've tried today, Heavenly Father has rewarded me many times over -- as is His style. So, because everyone else has already said it, I say thanks, because I got a couple few blessings too -- most are people. I hope you know who you are. I hope I've made sure you know who you are. I'm gonna make sure you know who you are.

A Serious and Critical Critique

HANSON!

The boys sounded great live. I was surprised to learn that they have done the bulk of their musical repertoire post MMMBop. I had expected for them to stick to the first album (what I know), but they played much more. Their sound is much more indie, folksy, blues. I think that they are appealing to a whole near demographic than in those MMMBop days. BTW, they've been performing for 13 years!!!

Taylor is still just as hot. And is it weird that his wedding ring is a turn on because it means he's faithful and kind of classy?

Passion and on-tune!

It was odd, it must be admitted, that he had his back to his brothers the whole time.

Look! It's the Queen (who never blogs)! This was her last hurrah before she upped and got hitched!

One last bit of information: Zack did not seem very into it. It's like he's just doing because he always does it and he'd rather be watching football.

Emergency

Heart attacks, terrorists, fires -- all pale in comparison to an aquatic or spill emergency. Luckily, our paper towel dispensers have emergency functions.