Truck Driver Wisdom

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!

I stumbled upon this today. It was posted by David over at MoneyUnder30 on December 8th. I  love the simplicity of it all.

1. Stop spending more than you make.
2. Be charitable, help others.
3. Automate your savings.
4. Improve every aspect of your life.
5. Make sacrifices to get out of debt.( it ain't easy!)
6. Make goals.

David said it well, "Never settle."

My wife says I am brutally honest. I do try to be, (honest that is.) I think as we look towards the New Year we should all take an honest look at ourselves. Where are our weak points and what can we do to get better?

Ghandi said it well,

"You must be the change you want to see in the world."

I haven't posted about it recently but training has been going pretty good lately. I have been hitting the gym at work 3 or more times a week for the last 3 weeks. I am doing more sit ups and the wife says I have more energy.

Will I get to that SEAL level? Who knows, to be honest most don't. However I am not giving up. I plan on doing at least 3 triathlons next year. I will be joining the Desert Sharks Tri-Club. I will be posting on upcoming events and posting pics from said events.