Possibilities and Goodness

So I have been thinking this week about the new year and all that goes with that train of thought. I am pretty excited for 2009. I tell you what, the older I get, the more I like change. Having openly said that, I also admit to liking the sameness of things that comes over time too. I think I am one of the ten people in the world who like "New Years' Resolutions". I do. I like the challenge that comes with them and the idea of bettering one's self. That doesn't mean that I accomplish everything I set out to do or that my resolutions don't morph into something else altogether by years' end, rather that I like the idea of change and progress in myself and NYR's provide me that opportunity. So why do we make such a big deal out of NYR's? 

My friend Rach and I recently discovered a quirk that we both shared. I told her how much I liked finishing things like a tube of toothpaste or a bottle of lotion. There's a certain something that comes with finishing and starting fresh. Weird huh? Any of you who know me well, know that I am as anti-clutter as they come and this is no exception. Funny thing, she said she felt the same way. Rach is not nearly as anti-clutter as I am and yet we both share the same affinity for the finishing of the thing.  Thinking further on this line, I realized that this "quirk" flows into many other areas of my life. For the sake of this post, I'll focus on the NYR-link it has. I like setting goals and progressing towards their ultimate completion. But really I just like finishing things. I have run races over the years and in thinking back on them, I recognize how much I love finishing the journey. That is what I am addicted to - the metaphorical finish line. 

So, as I look at this year and the goals I have set I am also setting another and that is to enjoy not only the finishing of the thing, but also the journey. I am going to pause a little longer to take in the scenery and appreciate the task at hand instead of only looking to the end. I am going to better see the possibilities and the goodness in the world around me while still being me and running with all my might to that glorious finish line.

Favorite Friday...

So while on vacation, I missed the op for two Favorite Fridays. Today you get two favs of mine, and I might be so bold as to post even more. 

First, while staying with my parents, I discovered a new movie. My parents are the best at finding wonderful obscure movies and this is no exception.  Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is only a few years old (2005). Its a lovely tale of a most unlikely friendship. 

Why do I like this film? Like any British film, the characters are quirky and eccentric. The film was able to make me LOL and cry too, always a good indication of something I would like. Also, I love the two central actors, Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend. 

Joan Plowright has been in so many classics it would difficult to name them all. One of my favorites, although not technically a classic, is Enchanted April. I will most definitely use this as a favorite down the road, so I will not go into details at this time. Check out the link if you are interested in knowing more about it.

Many of you will recognize the character of Ludovic Meyer, as played by Rupert Friend, as Wickham in the most recent version of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley. He is fabulous in this role.

So, go rearrange your Netflix queue and add Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont to the top. It truly is a wonderful film.

Okay, number two fav, a book... 

Years ago my dear friend Ingrid referred me to this book, Peace Like a River.  And although I have read this book before, I am reading it again. (I reread many of my favorites and this is no exception.) Lief Enger can tell a tale like not many others can. So many of the passages in this book are so beautiful and poetic, (like Ingrid would suggest) you want to highlight them to read over and over again.

I won't give you a synopsis, (you can get that from Amazon) but I will say one of the things I like most about this book is Rube's references to miracles and his father's great faith. Also, as a mother of two kids, with an older quietly observant son and a younger spunky daughter, I love the relationship of the kids Rube and Swede. I have hope that as they get older, Et and Sis will become more like these two characters with reference to their devotion, love and appreciation for one another and their unwavering loyalty and reliance on each other.

Again, if it can make me laugh and cry, chances are I will like it. I could say check it out at your local library, but it is such a wonderful book instead I will say, go buy yourself a copy. You will want to read it again and again and when you tell someone about it (which you will), you can lend them your copy. :)

We're Back

So prior to leaving for Utah, I couldn't post anything about the trip due to the surprise factor. For those of you who don't know... The kids and I flew out to UT for a visit on my mom's birthday. It was hands-down the best surprise I have ever pulled off. 
We flew home yesterday and I can't tell you how homesick I was for Baltimore,  more specifically, for Jon.  Having never lived away from family and friends, I don't think I had ever realized what "home" meant to me. The night before we flew back, I finally understood that "home" is with Jon.  Anywhere he is, that is home to me. 

I went to a workshop at the church last night and I knew this, Baltimore, is home. I saw the Elder who's family I was able to visit and I was reminded of the opportunities for missionary work that are here. In short, I am grateful we were able to visit our family and friends in Utah, but I am even more grateful to be home.