Another Year, Renewed Resolve...

It never ceases to amaze me how much stuff can happen from one year to the next. I guess the trick, really, is to make sure you are moving forward instead of trying to tread water in the avalanche of activities and opportunities that present themselves. Here are some things that happened this past year that, if you would have asked me a year or two ago, I would have told you that I wouldn't do.

1. Be the father of 3 kids and have the audacity to assume that 'one more might be nice.' (and NO this is not some sort of announcement!)
2. Buy a recumbent trike and put over 400 miles on it.
3. Ride a 50 miler with my Varsity team.
4. Be able to wear a 34 waist again (although it didn't last long but on my "to do list for this year.)
5. Buy a pistol for self-defense. (Let alone 2 or 3)
6. Own and actually keep a minivan.
7. Nearly make it through reading the Book of Mormon with 3 kids. (We are still at it but getting close.)
8. Be an iPod owner.
9. Finish my bachelor's degree.
10. And probably the most surprising thing for me was: Having never really been in a canoe - Canoe down the Snake River. I literally thought I was going to die but what a rush!

I wonder what is in store this year? It is already showing signs of being a "doozy" as the piano business is drying up and the winds of change are headed down the canyon. Any which way, I believe that it is important to set goals. I also think that it is important to evaluate those goals often and adjust as needed. Without examination, failure is eminent. Here are my 2009 resolutions.

• Lose a solid 50 lbs.
• Complete the reading of a book at least every other month.
• Complete a Century Ride.
• Explore creative writing on a weekly basis.
• Go to the temple once a month.
• Read the D&C and Pearl of Great Price.
• Evaluate all resolutions weekly.

I greatly encourage anyone who reads this to ask me about how I am doing with each of these. The best way to accomplish a goal is to be accountable for it. If you don't have to tell anyone that you are failing, then the sting of defeat isn't nearly as stingy. Good luck to all of you with your new resolve to press forward and make the most of what you have!