Lisa's little word for 2011

All week I've been thinking about what my new years resolutions would be and I came across the 

one little word project.

I knew right away that this would be my word.

Not because I'm depressed or not happy, I just need to look at this word in a new perspective.

Too many times a day I think these phrases:

"I'll be happy when . . ."

"If  . . . works out, then I'll be happy."

I found myself always looking towards something and never quite enjoying "the now."

That's an issue for me that I want to work on for 2011. 

However, I didn't realize it until I made this card for a friend.

It's time for me to always be happy. Making that card reminded me I needed to celebrate every single day. If you look closely at it, it reads,"Happy Engagement, Happy Birthday, Happy Christmas, Happy New Years,

And once I gave it to her, she gave me this in return.

Naturally Happy, found here

What a lovely way to remember my goal. Naturally happy, everyday.
It was perfect!

If you want to be happy, be.  
~Leo Tolstoy

Kevin's little word for 2011

When choosing a word for the coming year, I naturally gravitated toward Spanish.  I find it to be a much more elegant language, and frequently its words seem to have more inclusive connotations than English. I also thought it fitting to choose a verb, thereby tying myself to an action.

It is the verb form of "forward," and can mean a number of things, including "to move (one's self) forward," "to progress," or "to move (something else) forward."  In a year full of anticipated changes, I hope to ensure that those changes are for the best.  I need to move myself forward into my career, help my wife move forward into her activities, and help our family move forward as we change location into Arizona.  I need to progress, improve myself, and seize the realm of possibilities that awaits us.

{source}

"Hermanos, ¿no hemos de seguir adelante en una causa tan grande? Avanzad, en vez de retroceder. ¡Valor, hermanos; e id adelante, adelante a la victoria!" - Doctrina y Convenios 128:22

"Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward.  Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" - Doctrine & Covenants 128:22

New Year's Resolutions Absolutions

In the spirit of RJ from the comic strip Over the Hedge, I have decided to offer my own absolutions for resolutions that have not been kept over the last year.



First, to President Obama, for failing to get bipartisan legislation passed during the first eleven and a half months of the year: you're absolved.  Frankly, I don't think there was much to be done to get Nancy Pelosi to go along with that.

To Congress, for not working together to get things done: sorry, but you're not absolved.  I know I'm not the only one who is tired of the blatant hypocrisy and partisan bickering.  Even if the Republicans are willing to sell themselves out to big business rather than actually lower the deficit, I am hoping that at least having the Executive and Legislative branches controlled by different parties will help.

To the Dallas Cowboys for not making it to the Super Bowl (or even the playoffs for that matter), and to the San Francisco 49ers for not winning your division: you're absolved.  I guess we should have all gotten used to big-mouthed team owners making impossible promises by now.  Now take your foot out of your mouth and get back to playing football.

To the University of Utah football team for losing the conference championship to TCU: you're absolved.  Despite the embarrassing play against the Horned Frogs, the Fighting Irish, and the Broncos, I will always be found rooting for the Utes.

To Lisa, my dearest wife and the creative genius behind this blog: no absolution necessary.  You've accomplished so much this year and are in a position to have another very productive year.  Here's to your success.

To me, for not writing more on the blog: you're absolved.  Another year means a fresh start and another chance to develop my literary skills.