Gratitude

OK - Here's the annual "what I'm thankful for blog". Yes, all of the normal things; wife, children, job, church, health...... But this year maybe something different. Something that only comes to one after fighting a tough battle for a season. Maybe that's why occasionally we are placed in the front lines of battles we would prefer not to fight....to learn wisdom. There's a couple of ways to gain wisdom; Passively by study, meditation and prayer learning from the experiences of others or aggressively by our choices and actions and the consequences that result.

The Lord in his wisdom tells us... "But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words" Alma 32:27. Trust and believe me - obey. Or, go find out for yourself - disobey. Life is a combination of the two. Either way, if we are honest with ourselves about the outcome we will gain wisdom.

This Thanksgiving I am particularly grateful for the knowledge that I am truly a child of a living God. That He, as proof of his infinite wisdom, has given me freedom of choice.

If I am a truly a child of a living, loving God, what are my innate abilities and what should I be able to accomplish? The possibilities are unlimited. Unlimited if we view our lives in the eternal perspective. If we view ourselves strictly from a temporal perspective (the perspective that the adversary wants us to adopt) then we confront all sorts of limitations. A short person probably won't excel at basketball. A school teacher probably won't live in a mansion on the hill. Not all of us will be rich and famous. Not all of us will drive a luxury car, sport a 3 carat diamond ring or vacation on the French Riviera. The adversary would have us believe those things are the definition of heaven, Oh, I almost forgot... and looking "tight" in those True Religion jeans. Wow, that's a heaven reserved for less than a speck of humanity if that is the criteria for membership in the kingdom.

As a child of God I am only limited by my ability to make good choices. I have infinite power to do what is in my sphere to control. If I want to be thin I can choose to be thin. If I want to write a book, I can choose to write a book. If I want to be happy and make people around me feel better, I can choose to do so. I may never be a great basketball player..... but does it really matter?

I choose to be better and do better. "Now ye may suppose that this is a foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;..." Alma 37:6

So I'll start small today.

The Burden of Men

It’s been awhile friends. I don’t suspect there are that many people that regularly check this blog other than my family, and my family is well aware of the what’s been happening since my last entry. But it does have a name; The Burden of Men. Sounds more like a title of a book. Maybe instead of a blog I should write a book.

I guess the biggest news is that I changed jobs. Breaking down reluctant people on the phone seems to be my lot in life. At least this time around they are less reluctant, more interested and better prepared for “the pitch”. It makes my life a lot easier and the days go faster. The happy part of thehappyrick.com is coming back. The purpose for work is finally being fulfilled …making money. We would all like to be doing something that fulfills our nature but the fact of the matter is 99% don’t live in that Utopia yet, so we simply work for money. I’m finally making money so all’s good.

Money can’t buy happiness but it sure as hell can buy a lot of things. I have proven one thing: Lack of money causes a chain reaction that brings nothing but stress and unhappiness. So in a real sense money does buy a certain kind of happiness despite what the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) people would like us to believe. I am all over having a positive mental attitude. But maintaining a positive mental attitude is a little tough when you can’t feed the family, make the mortgage and the utilities go off and on with the flow of paychecks. That’s not a recipe for happiness. Which brings us to the burden of men.

“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” …. Some of us seem to sweat more than others. Choices, culture, family, genetics or simple luck; call it anything you want. It’s the Burden of Men. Father, Husband, Provider, tough titles with tough tasks. I’m not complaining, that’s just the way it is. Marian could write an equally compelling book called The Burden of Women. All of this rhetoric is to explain why I haven’t written in my blog since May. The Burden of Rick has weighed me heavily down, which is the burden of men in my world.

This is supposed to be a fun forum with humorous anecdotes. But this is also a verbal reality show. Occasionally reality isn’t very humorous. One thing about my new job; my natural sense of humor is returning. Seems like the last three years the burden crushed my sense of humor, my personality, and my hope for the future. I felt as if my dreams had been run through a rock crusher. No more! I feel the light coming back. I feel the ambition coming back. Perhaps some other things that are really important to me will come back as well.

Money can’t buy happiness… but life can REALLY suck without it.

The Samoan Prince is Home

I can't describe the feeling of seeing Brandon again last night. He has been gone for 2 years serving an LDS mission in Samoa. Our entire family anxiously awaited his arrival. We stood in the baggage claim area looking up at the escalator as all the arriving passengers descended toward us hoping to catch the first glimpse of him in the crowd. Finally, there he was. My son! I saw his face then his smile. I immediately noticed the change in him. I thrust both my fists in the air and grinned from ear to ear as tears streamed down my cheeks. He was wearing a gray suit coat, white shirt and a light green tie. You could barely see the tie for the multiple shell lei's around his neck. Then I noticed the matching gray lava lava, bare legs and black sandals and ukulele. He held his head high and flashed a toothy white grin. He carried himself like the royal Samoan Prince he had become.

Mom, of course, was the first to run out with her arms open. What a sweet, tender moment to see that embrace. Brandon took off one of the larger shell lei's and placed it over her head and hugged her again. As he progressed to me and then through each member of the family; a hug, a shell lei and another hug. The lei was placed on each of us like a blessing. A coronation of love and respect.

I was so impressed with the love and affection he displayed to a large Samoan family that was picking up their son. I can only explain it as his royal demeanor as I saw former strangers each approach him, give him a warm embrace and kiss on the cheek. He had become a brother and fellow member of the Samoan family. He engaged in easy conversation in the native language he had learned. He spoke so fluently and powerfully. It rolled off his tongue like honey. Laughter, affection, tears. He treated them like family they now were. What a transformation.

I hate to see that aura diminish over the next few weeks and months. He is no longer a missionary. He is faced with new challenges of life. But I will always have that picture of him descending the escalator as the royal Samoan Prince. The smile, the lei's around his neck, the green tie, the lava lava, the sandals, the stand-tall demeanor.

We were all hungry and wanted to be gone from the airport. The move to the parking structure was a slow one. Brandon had to seek out each of the 6 Elders he had come home with. That lead to more hugs, and more pictures. His last stop was the Samoan Elder. I witnessed a long embrace of true brotherhood and love. They held each other by the shoulders and looked into each others eyes. I was too far away to hear what they were saying. I know they were speaking their native tongue - Samoan. I know it was words of love and respect. Things only returned missionaries can say to each other. Small words that hold two years of experience and meaning.

We look forward to integrating Brandon back into the home and family. Supporting him as he faces new challenges. Welcome Home Elder Black! - PICTURES TO FOLLOW

He Comes Home Today!

After serving two years in the Samoan Islands Brandon comes home today. We are all excited to see him. We spoke to him on Mother's Day and he sounds a little native. It might take some time for him to lose the Samoan intonation in his voice. That's OK. It will be the first time in 4 years our family had been all together.

Bryan is returning from his trip to Fiji with the BYU Soccer team. Ironically they both connect in LA and are on the same flight home to Salt Lake. I am sure they will work out seating arrangements and have a nice visit. I'm sure Bryan will fill him in. It is almost surreal. I can't believe he is actually coming home...finally. What a great experience it has been for him. He will carry Samoa and the Samoan people with him the rest of his life. Part of him will always be Samoan.

Sorry Brandon, I can barbecue pork ribs on the grill; I guess I will have to learn to bury the whole pig in the backyard pit and do it like you are accustomed to.

Reprint from the Fiji Times Sunday Sports section

Blues lose at home

ZANZEER SINGH
Sunday, May 11, 2008

+ Enlarge this image

Former Ba goalkeeper Laisenia Tuba in action for Lautoka yesterday. Tuba will feature for the Blues from June 1

THE touring Brigham Young University picked up win number two short tour with a stylish 2-0 victory over Shop n Save Lautoka in a friendly encounter at Churchill Park yesterday.

The visitors were on fire against an unsettled Blues outfit scoring a goal in each half.

Ba recruits Niumaia Tagi and Laisenia Tuba made their debut in the Lautoka jersey but could not help the home side.

Valerio Nawatu failed to spark in attack showing signs of lack of game time.

Lautoka fielded a full strength team but could not find its combinations.

Jone Vono Junior was substituted early after he failed to function on the left flank. The Blues introduced former Fiji FA Footballer of the Year Salesh Sami off the bench but he also failed to find the target.

Arvindra Naidu and Joshua Wilson were the pick of the players for the home side, both coming close to finding the back of the net.

Naidu showed his class in the 10th minute with a solo run from inside his own territory.

The new find beat several defenders on his 60 metre run before driving his right footer straight into the hands of BYU goalkeeper Bryan Black.

BYU nearly scored in the 20th minute after a cross from Jordan Cushman found Steven Fellows lurking in the box.

Unfortunately for BYU, Fellows could not steer the ball into the right direction with his left foot.

Naidu got another chance to put Lautoka up in the 25th minute but his shot went wide. BYU found the opener from a defensive blunder.

Tuba was unable to clear a back pass with his shot hitting the back of Marika Madigi inside the box. Garrett Losee was at the right spot at the right time for the easy tap in..

BYU led 1-0 at half time.

Sami found space on the flank inside the opposition territory and sent in a timely cross into the box moments into the second spell.

However, Wilson's attempted left footer sailed away from the goalmouth. Against the run of play Curtis Graham missed an easy opportunity at the other end. Sami should have equalised in the 57th minute after he ran onto a through pass from Nawatu.

The nippy striker toed the ball past a diving Black but could not control it as it rolled out with the goalmouth empty.

Black made a grand save in the 62nd minute palming away a bullet shot from Wilson.

BYU sealed the win in the 70th minute when Brent Jensen caught Tuba napping with his low pile driver from 25 metres ricocheting off the upright and trickling to the back of the net.

Lautoka Football Association president Shalendra Prasad said they would need to build the combinations with the new recruits coming in.

The BYU team lost to Ba 1-0 on Wednesday but bounced back to defeat the Fiji under-20 selection side 2-0 on Thursday.

The visitors will take on Suva in its final tour fixture tomorrow.

BYU: Bryan Black, Steven Fellows, Jordan Cushman, Daniel McKinley, Brent Jensen, Brett Osborne, Garrett Losee, Clay Christiansen, Drew VanWagenen, Morgan Gilliam, Curtis Graham.

Lautoka: Laisenia Tuba, Manueli Kalou, Alvin Avinesh, Arvindra Naidu, Marika Madigi, Joshua Wilson, Nuimaia Tagi, Valerio Nawatu, Muele Vuti, Malakai Waqa, Jone Vono Junior.

Why men shouldn't have Action Figures

This makes me laugh. I think it was taken somewhere in Utah!

I spent 4 hours the other night fixing our new dryer. I had to take it entirely apart. The good thing is, I found the problem and repaired it. It should work for a long time. I figure if I had called an "official" repairman he would have told me that the cost of repairs would be just shy of buying a whole new dryer. In fact, I doubt he would have even fixed what I did.
A major dent in the back of the dryer was putting pressure on the internal drum. The felt seal around the edge of the drum had been shredded and the metal drum was spinning against the metal on the back of the dryer. The rubbing was making an awful sound and it actually cut about a 6 inch long slit through the back of the dryer. It was ugly. I bent the dryer back into form, placed a layer of heat resistant foil tape over the worn metal, replaced the felt seal on the drum and put the whole damn thing back together! My time - 4 hours. My cost - $25 for the new felt seal. The dryer works like new. Thanks Dad for passing down the "fix-it" gene!

The Modern Office Water Cooler

Every time I go into a C-Store, as they are now known, I see lines of people refilling their 32 to 44oz+ cups full of every variety of drink from Lemonade to Mountain Dew. (Guilty as charged!) Why do we do this? Don't we know this causes cancer in laboratory rats? Is this better than the old-school donut and coffee? I say no. The difference is, people only have one donut, maybe 2, and a cup, maybe 2 of coffee. Refill junkies suck on their straws all day long. That can't be good. You see office workers, road warrior salesmen and construction workers lined up to self medicate with the legal poison. The drinking paraphernalia runs the gamut from the custom silver cup with the fancy company logo to the bodacious "Dew-Bucket" that you have to put a seat belt around in order to carry in your car.

Where does it end? Are we going to end up with intravenous bags on our shoulders with a red straw inserted into our arm for the daily fix? I QUIT!! I REALLY QUIT!! I don't want a Mountain Dew Logo on my headstone. And we thought biting our fingernails was a bad habit. I don't think anyone ever died from an overdose of fingernail biting. However I can see the title of a future article in the New England Journal of Medicine, "Refills - The Modern Killer Epidemic."

I just walked around my office. Every desk has some form of refill cup sitting on it.

Not mine. I QUIT!!!

Don Henley

If I could choose to be any rock star it would be Don Henley. The music of the Eagles and Don Henley as a solo artist have been with me since my post mission days in the mid 70's. I only know Don Henley from the perspective of the music he writes, not on any personal basis as I don't make it a habit to read People Magazine on a regular basis. His lifestyle like his music seem to be well-grounded. He's just himself, he doesn't push a particular "persona" as many rock-stars attempt. He doesn't seek a full-time relationship with the limelight, he just walks into it when he performs. He dated Stevie Nicks, nothing wrong with that! He plays the drums, keyboards and the guitar for a living; what a life! He has a fabulous acoustical guitar collection. His songs are true poetry. They set wonderful visual scenes and tell soulful stories of life and love - plus they actually have a melody. One thing I admire is his political activism, albeit he is a Democrat (That's OK, I'm married to one) Unlike most celebrities showing up in a parade in Washington D.C. seeking gratuitous media time to air their political spin, he uses his lyrics to state his cause and opinions. Just look up the lyrics for The End of the Innocence for proof. He has 3 children and his wife has multiple sclerosis; but you wouldn't know that as he flies under the radar with his personal life. Besides, he's thin and looks good in a flannel shirt and Levi's. I rest my case!

Pinch me! He made the team!

I am proud of all my children's accomplish- ments. Here is one that needs publishing. Bryan has finally fulfilled a longtime dream of making the Brigham Young University soccer team. After the huge disappointment of last season he has finally made the team. This is his official picture on the teams website. http://soccer.byu.edu/ Now he just has to go take the starting position. I've always thought he was one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen, but I'm his Dad. This is true validation of his talent and dedication. The team travels to Fiji in May to play two games with the Fiji national team. He will fly over his brother Brandon in Samoa on his way to Fiji. How cool is that?!

BYU plays in the Western Division of the USL's PDL (Professional Development League) It is essentially professional soccer as BYU does not play NCAA. His coach called him the other day to go work out with REAL SALT LAKE - the MSL team in Utah. One of their keepers was gone for awhile and they need one to take his place. It will be a great opportunity for Bryan to measure his skills against some of the best. You never know, they might just ask him to stay on. After all, he cuts an imposing figure in goal at 6'6" - 210lbs. RSL has a practice field about 500 yards from my office. Guess who will be sneaking over to watch a bit? Keegan, his younger brother, is the back-up keeper for Mountain View High School varsity, the same school Bryan and Brandon played for. He plays full time on the JV team. Not bad for a freshman. It will be a fun soccer season! GO COUG'S! GO BRUINS!

It's your birthday, We gon' party...

Sorry I've had my head in the sand the last few weeks. It's that Birthday thang! Turning 55 has kind of hit me in the face like a wet towel. I won't explain all the reasons but it's been depressing. OK, I'm moving on, the party's over and the cake's gone. Two weeks prior to the big day I got the freakin' flu. It knocked me on my butt, literally. Three weeks later I still don't have my voice or my energy back. I come to work and feel like I could go back to bed and sleep till the next morning. This too shall pass!

I am happy about the warmer days and the snow melting. I am happy about soccer season starting and having players; Keegan at Mountain View and Bryan at BYU. I am happy about Brandon coming home from his mission in Samoa in less than 3 months. I am happy for Natalie graduating from her MBA program at BYU. I am happy for Chris who recently got his contractors license and just keeps movin' on down the right road. I am happy for Cecily who can finally get off blood thinner medication and deal with her shoulder now. I am happy for Hilary who has worked so hard to lose weight and looks great - I'm sure she understands the newly incurred unwelcome butt slaps come with the territory. Frankly, I wouldn't mind an unsolicited butt slap from an admiring female now and then. I am happy about Emily becoming a master model builder and furniture restoration crafts person and her cool hockey-playin' boyfriend Taylor.

I am most happy about Marian's trip to Hong Kong tomorrow for 10 days. She and Hilary are going to visit her brother who lives there and works in the embassy. A trip well earned and deserved. She has been like a kid on her first trip to Disneyland. And by the way Marian, I love your new haircut.

I am happy for the things in other peoples life right now. Not necessarily my own. But that can change. I am part of a cool family who are accomplishing amazing things. I can and will accomplish some amazing things this year. 55 is the new 30 right! HA! I'm older wiser and more efficient in my thinking and processing. I will lose the weight I need to lose. I will finish the 2 books I am writing. I will be successful in my career. I will eventually get an admiring slap on the keester from somebody! That will be a good day because I'm getting sick of the kicks lately.

Carpool lane violation?

I saw a white hearse like this flying down the northbound carpool lane of I-15. Just the driver was in the front seat. I thought the rule was two or more passengers... ummm... even if one is dead? And why was he speeding? Late for the funeral maybe? Because I doubt the boys at the cemetary start shoveling dirt in the hole if the coffin isn't there on time. Dude...!?

It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile since I could hold my head up high
And it's been awhile since I first saw you
And it's been awhile since I could stand on my own two feet again
And it's been awhile since I could call you

And everything I can't remember
As screwed up as it all may seem
The consequences that I've rendered
I've stretched myself beyond my means

And it's been awhile since I can say that I wasn't addicted
And it's been awhile since I can say I love myself as well
And it's been awhile since I've gone and screwed things up just like I always do
And it's been awhile but all that shit seems to disappear when I'm with you

And everything I can't remember
As screwed up as it all may seem
The consequences that I've rendered
I've gone and screwed things up again

Why must I feel this way?
Just make this go away
Just one more peaceful day!

And it's been awhile since I could look at myself straight
And it's been awhile since I said I'm sorry
And it's been awhile since I've seen the way the candle lights your face
And it's been awhile but I can still remember just the way you taste

And everything I can't remember
As screwed up as it all may seem to be
I know it's me
I cannot blame this on my father
He did the best he could for me

And it's been awhile since I could hold my head up high
And it's been awhile since I said I'm sorry


Staind
Break the Cycle
2001
Elektra/Flip

My Morning Commute

My morning commute today was much less stressful than normal. That is ironic because today was absolute blizzard conditions. Here's the reason: People were driving slow, less than 35mph. People were properly spacing their cars and not tailgating. Everyone politely used their turn signals and everyone was willing to slow down and let someone merge into the lane in front of them. AMAZING!

Of course there were a couple of idiots that don't realize that the All-Wheel-Drive-Slalom on the freeway is a qualifying event for the Paralympics. The sad thing is that they may end up qualifying someone else. I only saw 2 of them. Jerk in a Honda and one in a Yukon....hummmm? I guess their lives and jobs must be more important than the rest of us. We should always pull over and let those people pass because whatever it is they do at work must affect world peace.

Too bad we can't drive with the same concern for others and courtesy when it isn't snowing. You can still drive 65 and be courteous....somewhere in this world I'm sure. Drive safe. Buckle up and give yourself a few extra minutes to get to where your going. Enjoy the journey.

So we finally get the "beater" truck I've always wanted. The piece of crap '87 Ford F150 with good tires, a trailer hitch and a heater that works; What else do you need, right? The gas gauge doesn't work. It goes from half-full to empty around the block. So you really never know when it's quite on empty. I found out today on the freeway, halfway to work that when it says "empty" it's really empty.

I was clipping along at a brisk 60 miles an hour in the right lane. There's no need to push a beater; people expect you to go slow in a truck like that. You see, the only thing missing in this picture is three Mexicans with white cowboy hats in the front seat and a truck-bed full of grass clippings! Anyway...chug, chug, OH Crap! I really am out of gas. I turned on my flashers and pulled off to the side of the freeway. All is not lost as I was smart enough to keep a gas can (with gas!) in the back of the truck. This should just take a minute. Why does the term "WRONG!" occur so much to me lately?

I realize that the size of the can and the fact that the spout is too stubby won't allow the spout to reach into the gas cap filler. No worries! I have a funnel in the tool box. I retrieve the keys out of the ignition so I can unlock the tool box. You have to understand that I am on the freeway side of the truck. The cars are whizzing by at 70 miles an hour a mere 4-5 feet away, AND, it is about ZERO degrees outside. I am freezing my A off! I fiddle with the little key on the key chain and try to insert it into the small lock. WRONG! It's frozen shut. Hummm?! I'll just go to the other side. I walk around the truck and find the same results, frozen lock. This is not good. Then I notice that the lock on the box is actually turned sideways into the open position. I push the black button and HA the box opens. Only problem is that the freakin' funnel is clear on the other side of the box and I can't reach it. It's getting colder.

I stare at it for 5 minutes trying to figure out a way to get it. I try throwing one end of the battery cables at it to hook it. That's a joke. I'm hosed. I figure I'll just wait in the truck until the Incident Management truck comes by to help me manage my incident. But I'm a guy. I can figure this out.

I spot a long twig about 3 feet down the embankment laying in the snow. Thought - long twig inserted into bottom of funnel 4 feet away will allow me to lift it and pull it over to the open side of the box. SOLUTION! You have to know what's coming here. Yes. I step down the embankment, slip, fall and slide about 10 feet on my butt. OK - It's 7:15 in the morning, freezing cold. Can someone cut me SOME SLACK HERE!!!! I find my upper teeth pressing hard into my lower lip fffforming the ffffirst letter of a primal word that wants to LEAP OUT OF MY MOUTH!

OK- I take a deep breath, check my anger, grab the twig and start back up the bank. The twig works. I am reminded of the chimpanzees that stick twigs down the openings of ant colonies, pull them out and eat the ants stuck to the twig. Animals using tools! Rick using tools!

I jam the funnel into the filler cap and pour in the gas. My fingers are freezing. I chuck the funnel and the now empty gas can into the back of the truck, climb back in the cab and turn the key......YES! Ignition! I'm off. Enough gas to get me to the gas station. I do remember to fill up the gas can again.

There is a bright side. I figure at least I had a gas can with gas in it. And I probably made some one's morning start with laughter as I am sure at least a few people saw me tumble down the embankment. I am 45 minutes late for work so I figure what's another 20 so I might as well write this down and share it.

The Lord, in his wisdom, gives us challenges and the ability to overcome them. I overcame this morning! I am glad my ancestors learned how to use a twig as a tool and passed that knowledge down to me.

Spoiling the Grandchildren

As much as Marian and I would like to have Grandchildren it's just not in the cards right now. We are jealous of our friends and peers that have graduated into Grandparenthood. As we all know we can only control a portion of our lives, and I at least, haven't even figured out what portion that is yet. I guess maybe what goes in my mouth and what comes out of my mouth.... but that's a subject for another blog.

For now we do our best at spoiling who we have. BRUCE!

We babysat Bruce a while back and only managed to get him snipped at by Pele our Lab and scratched in the nose by Calvin our gay cat which precipitated tears from Marian, a phone call to me at work and a visit to the Vet. (As Jack Nicholson said in the movie As Good As It Gets when he found himself crying and laughing at the same time after the return of Verdell to Simon his owner ... "Over a dog! Over an ugly dog!") Overall not a very successful over-niter at Grandma and Grandpa's. Maybe we need some more practice before the real one's come along.

Anyway. We spoil Bruce as best we can. When he is allowed to come over he gets more attention than our own kids.

To prove it here's Bruce's new Pajamas. A gift from "Grandma".

Happy New Year!!

Happy Freakin’ New Year!

I hope for all of you that 2008 is a great year and brings you all the “righteous desires of your heart”.

In the coming year, if you read or visit my blog please leave a comment. If nothing else your name and where you’re from. I see a lot of unknown hits and would like to know if it’s someone other than my family. Tell me if something made you laugh, made you mad, made you cry or made you simply say, “What an idiot this guy is!”

I know this is lame but I feel I need to put my new year’s resolutions in writing. I know each of us want to improve in some area of our life or accomplish something bigger or better this year. I know mine are so massive I don’t even know where to start. The key is starting, so writing them down is a start.

I am of the age and the wisdom that I understand accomplishing these things isn’t rocket science. It’s not about being lucky or smarter than everyone else. It’s simply discipline and setting short and long term goals. It’s really about discipline, belief in myself, and faith. I need to increase all three of these traits this year. Those perhaps, are the real resolutions. Everything else will happen as a result of an increase there. Here’s the list:


This is the most lame of all … DIET! LOSE WEIGHT! – I managed to drop 50lbs last year from June to Oct. Then managed to put 15 back on. Maybe I am an idiot! But I proved I could do it. The goal is 100 lbs from where I am today. Yesterday was the last undisciplined day. At east today I have taken my magic pill, had my breakfast drink and have consumed another 20 oz of water and it’s only 10AM. I’ve already had to pee 3 times. It must be working.

BE HAPPY! I realize no one can make me unhappy. I have to decide to be unhappy/happy myself. So I will decide to be contagiously happy.

WRITE. Finish my book. Make a daily writing commitment.

READ. Read the Scriptures daily and constantly be involved in a good book.

TAKE TWO NICE VACATIONS! I want to go on a cruise this year and I want to take a road trip to church history sites. A long weekend or two in California or Vegas is in order too!

WORK SMARTER. The hours I worked last year were outrageous, that needs to change significantly.

The biggest goal I have this year is to let Marian quit her job and buy her a new car. I know this is a simple function of accomplishing the "discipline, belief and faith" issue.

That’s it! I’m going to try and adopt Presidents Hinckley’s watchword and motto:

“Do the very best you can”

That's all any of us can do.