Truck Driver Wisdom

I know I should probably get into these social bookmarks, like DIGG, Del.icio.us, or Furl.

I understand it can boost your search engine rank and stuff. It seems to take alot of time. So how to evaluate the "value"? I guess it is all about your objectives. (I like "objectives" over "goals", seems a bit more concrete.)

By the way thanks goes out to Techzi. for the Blaugh.

This is definitely something I wasn't contemplating. However the wife came in today and proposed it. I was floored. I really didn't expect it. I mean, I haven't seen myself as a member of a board of directors. I almost thought,

"Has she looked at me? I am a truck driving geek@!"

Well the meetings aren't until March and I think I just might volunteer. I could see it as a very enlightening experience. It seems every day I learn I don't know. Tons of stuff. I try, and I am making progress. I do know that there is a lot I can learn from others.

"Nourish beginnings, let us nourish beginnings. Not all things are blest, but the seeds of all things are blest. The blessing is in the seed." -- Muriel Rukeyser.

Every day is a new beginning may we all take that opportunity and make the best of it.

Last year was surprisingly great. I hope I can maintain a bit of momentum into 2007. So here are a few areas I have setup some plans.

Fitness:

• Triathlons: 4 April, June, August and September.
• Half-marathons: 2 June and October.
• Swim a mile at my kids Summer Camp.
• Just get regular again.

School:

• 2 classes this Spring: Astronomy and Race & Ethnicity.
• 2 or 3 classes this Fall: College Intermediate Algebra and Intro to Human Anatomy and Physiology.
• Online learning: Blog technical.
• Work: It's a constant learning environment.

Blog:

• Write more: at least 3 posts a week.
• Better Design.
• Add more value to the Blog.

Family:

• Run with my son more.
• Read more stories to the little ones.
• Spend more time with my lovely wife.

It's gonna be a bumpy ride, but hey I like adventure!

New Years Eve was spent at the Conference Center here in Salt Lake. There was music and singing from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with a few guest performers; Peter Breinholt, William Joseph, and Ryan Tani. They sang some traditional hymns as well as a few more current pieces. They performed, with help from the Orchestra at Temple Square, a song from "Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring." I don't know the young mans name but he was about 12 and did an excellent solo.

There were 3 speakers. Susan Tanner, Jeffery Holland, and Gordon B. Hinckley. I enjoyed all of the talks, however President Hinckley's talk seemed to carry more relevance to me. He directed his talk to the youth. (It was a Youth event.) However, in light of the fact that President Hinckley is 97 and I am 37 years old, I have 60 years left, possibly. That is a lifetime practically. Here are his 4 points.

1. Be Grateful.
2. Be Smart.
3. Be Clean.
4. Be Prayerful.

1st. I know we have much to be grateful for. This holiday season we were able to give more. We also received more. (Maybe the two are connected?!) We had a really good year, challenging yet rewarding.

2nd. I won't say I am smart, just not as stupid as I used to be.

3rd. I have been fortunate to not have had a drug or alcohol problem. I could lead a "cleaner" life with less donuts, chocolate, and Soda. I have kicked the caffeine habit but it hasn't been easy. I will get a headache 24 hours after I have a dose of caffeinated soda, without fail.

4th. This is an area I plan on increasing by about 50% this year. I'm pretty good about saying a prayer at night, mornings aren't near as good. Whether you believe in a higher power or not it doesn't hurt to ask for help or express appreciation.

I know I probably haven't done the talk justice. You can listen to the audio at LDS.org .

Have a happy New Year!